Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks, host Stu Day interviews Nesha Mistry, a senior recruiter with over six years of experience.

They discuss the challenges recruiters face, including managing high volumes of applications and delivering feedback to candidates.

Nesha shares insights on how candidates can stand out in their applications, the importance of personality in interviews, and the need for empathy in the recruitment process.

The conversation emphasises the human side of recruitment and the importance of networking and authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recruitment Insights

02:34 The Recruiter's Perspective

06:57 Navigating Candidate Emotions

10:34 Providing Constructive Feedback

13:59 Standing Out in Applications

18:19 The Screening Process

23:45 Creating a Positive Interview Experience

27:07 Final Thoughts on Recruitment

30:15 Connecting with Nesha

30:44 Close

Connect with Nesha:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nesha-mistry-95889a125

Instagram - nesha_canvascreations

Takeaways

1. Nesha Mistry has over six years of recruitment experience.
2. Recruiters often deal with hundreds of applications for a few roles.
3. Providing feedback to candidates is a challenging but necessary part of recruitment.
4. Unconscious bias can affect hiring decisions and needs to be addressed.
5. Candidates should tailor their CVs to the specific role and industry.
6. Showing personality in a CV can help candidates stand out.
7. Creating a comfortable interview environment is crucial for candidate performance.
8. The ideal interview process should be concise and engaging.
9. Candidates should research the company before interviews.
10. Networking is essential for job seekers.

Summary

In this live episode celebrating the first anniversary of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu and Chris reflect on their journey over the past year, share memorable moments, and engage with their live audience.

They welcome special guest Vernon Richards, discuss future plans for live events, and highlight favourite episodes and guests, further reflections on their journey of building a podcast and community around quality discussions.

They explore the challenges of engaging with their audience, the importance of creating a platform for sharing experiences, and the evolving expectations in quality roles.

The conversation also touches on the significance of allyship and support within the industry, as well as celebrating their one-year anniversary of podcasting.

Throughout this episode the conversation is filled with humour, insights, and a sense of community as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to what’s next

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating One Year of Quality Talks

04:42 Special Guest Introduction: Vernon

10:15 Reflections on the Podcast Journey

15:52 Memorable Moments and Audience Engagement

24:43 Engaging with YouTube Shorts

26:46 This or That: Fun Debates

35:43 Building a Community Around the Podcast

49:54 The Grief of Change

53:01 Navigating Change in the Industry

54:44 The Lone Tester Experience

58:59 Building Allyship in Quality

01:02:56 Evolving Expectations in Quality Roles

01:06:32 Finding Community and Support

01:11:51 Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead

01:34:47 WE OUT!!

Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks Bitesize, host Stu Day welcomes Dalbir Sehmbi, a seasoned professional in software testing, who shares his journey through job hunting and the strategies he employed to secure a new role.

Dalbir discusses the importance of tracking job applications, building relationships with recruiters, and the lessons learned from various interview experiences.

He emphasises the significance of networking and community engagement, offering valuable tips for job seekers navigating the challenging job market.

Useful Links:

1. Follow Dalbir on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
2. Dalbir's articles: ⁠My Job Hunt – A Game of Rejections, Rewrites & Resilience ⁠& ⁠Why AI will not replace Software Testers⁠
3. Join ⁠Ministry of Testing⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

04:26 Dalbir's Job Hunt Experience

09:59 Data-Driven Job Applications

15:58 Building Relationships with Recruiters

21:57 Interview Preparation and Lessons Learned

27:57 Final Tips for Job Seekers

33:12 End

Takeaways

1. Dalbir has nearly 20 years of experience in software testing.
2. He applied for over 150 jobs during his job hunt.
3. Tracking applications helped him stay organised and focused.
4. He experienced a high rate of being ghosted by recruiters.
5. Building rapport with recruiters can lead to better opportunities.
6. Dalbir learned to customise his CV for each application.
7. Networking can uncover hidden job opportunities.
8. Celebrating small wins is crucial during job hunting.
9. Engaging with the community can lead to unexpected opportunities.
10. Dalbir emphasises the importance of giving back to others.

Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks Bitesize, hosts Stu and Chris share their top tips for interviewers, focusing on enhancing the candidate experience.

They discuss the importance of preparation, humanising the interview process, ensuring diversity in interview panels, effective time management, and being present in both body and mind.

Their conversation emphasises creating a welcoming atmosphere for candidates and the significance of providing constructive feedback.

To conclude the episode they even share a bonus tip that may be a surprise.......but would could it be?

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Interview Tips

01:46 - Tip 5: Do Your Prep Work

04:37 - Tip 4: Humanise the Process

07:51 - Tip 3: Diversity in Interview Panels

13:00 - Tip 2: Time Management in Interviews

21:23 - Tip 1: Be Present in the Moment

26:10 - Bonus Tip: Make It Fun

30:27 End

Takeaways

1. Do your prep work to understand the candidate better.
2. Humanise the interview process to reduce stress.
3. Diversity in the interview panel helps challenge biases.
4. Time management is crucial for a smooth interview.
5. Be present in body and mind during the interview.
6. Make the interview process fun and engaging.
7. Allow candidates to ask questions throughout the interview.
8. Provide constructive feedback promptly after the interview.
9. Create a welcoming atmosphere to empower candidates.
10. Use active listening to understand candidates better.

Summary

In this inaugural Bite Size episode of the Quality Talks podcast, host Stu Day and guest Eamon Droko discuss the nuances of job interviews, focusing on what constitutes good and bad experiences, from a candidates perspective

Eamon shares his insights from his journey in quality assurance, emphasising the importance of job fit, the challenges of poorly placed technical tasks in interviews, and the value of openness and honesty during the interview process.

They also explore effective preparation strategies and the need for interviewers to respect candidates' time and experiences. Giving them the time and space to showcase their true selves.

Takeaways

• A good interview leaves you feeling positive, regardless of the outcome.
• Bad interviews often lack a platform for candidates to showcase their skills.
• Automation should not overshadow other essential QA skills in interviews.
• Candidates' time should be respected during the interview process.
• The best interviews prioritize people fit before technical assessments.
• Openness and honesty can enhance the interview experience.
• Interviewers should understand the QA role to assess candidates effectively.
• Preparation is key; research the company and its products thoroughly.
• Using AI can aid in interview preparation and understanding job challenges.
• Interviews should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to BiteSize Series

01:21 Eamon's Background and Experience

02:26 Good vs. Bad Interviews

05:12 The Role of Automation in Interviews

07:12 The Importance of Job Fit

10:08 Technical Tasks and Candidate Time

12:10 Explaining Your Thought Process

14:41 What Good Interviews Look Like

18:49 The Value of Openness in Interviews

19:33 Challenges with Interviewers' Understanding of QA

22:39 Preparing for Interviews

29:52 Final Tips for Interview Success

31:35 End

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Chris Henderson and Stu Day explore the dynamics of interviews, emphasising the importance of a two-way relationship between candidates and employers.

They discuss community engagement, share personal experiences, and highlight the significance of creating a positive interview environment.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of communication throughout the interview process.

The conversation also touches on technical interviews, handling anxiety, and the need for honesty in the hiring process.

Show Links:

1. Instagram page: quality_talks_podcast

2. Culture Corner Podcast with Chris: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XdYF5Rsyyd6pCSehUXJFJ?si=ghhZHZJDRXWUY7NvREVITg

3. https://nationalsoftwaretestingconference.co.uk/

4. https://www.ministryoftesting.com/events/testbash-brighton-2025

5. Our website: https://qualitytalks.co.uk/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to The Perfect Pair

03:36 Community Growth and Engagement

08:03 Upcoming Events and Conferences

10:45 Multi-Generational Teams Discussion

12:51 London Meetup and Community Involvement

16:04 The Perfect Pair: Interview Dynamics

20:22 Understanding the Interview Process

29:01 What Makes a Good Interview?

36:33 Creating a Comfortable Interview Environment

42:38 Exploring Interview Styles and Formats

50:51 What Makes a Bad Interview?

59:49 The Importance of Communication in the Interview Process

01:10:01 Community Insights on Interview Experiences

01:22:45 End

Takeaways:

• Interviews should be a two-way street, allowing both parties to assess fit.
• Creating a positive interview experience is crucial for candidates.
• Technical interviews should focus on problem-solving and communication skills.
• Honesty on CVs is essential; candidates should not feel pressured to exaggerate.
• Open communication during the interview process is vital for both candidates and interviewers.
• Candidates should feel empowered to withdraw from a process that doesn't feel right.
• Interviewers should engage actively and respectfully with candidates.
• Feedback from candidates can help improve the interview process.
• Community insights can provide valuable perspectives on the hiring experience.
• Practicing interview techniques can enhance the overall experience for both parties.

Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks, hosts Stu Day and Chris Henderson welcome Christine Pinto, co-founder of Epic Test Quest. Christine shares her journey from a tech career to politics and back, emphasising the importance of quality in software testing.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by testers, the role of AI in improving testing processes, and the significance of community engagement. Christine advocates for a quality mindset in tech and the need for fun and gamification in testing.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to join the Epic Test Quest community and contribute to the development of a tool that aims to enhance the testing experience.

Show Links:

1. Epic Test Quest Website: ⁠https://www.epictestquest.com/⁠

2. Epic Test Quest Slack Community: ⁠https://join.slack.com/t/etqcommunity/shared_invite/zt-31z6yv89i-62eixB9hqdpO0tXBhyQvxQ⁠

3. Epic Test Quest LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/epictestquest⁠

4. Christine's Motivational Song: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/1SXQfd8f-o0?si=ea41f2gZ1tivMZyF⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast

02:14 Christine Pinto's Background and Journey

04:51 Transition from Politics to Tech

08:25 Lessons Learned from Politics

14:06 The Birth of Epic Test Quest

22:14 Prototyping and Community Engagement

26:19 Quality Mindset in Entrepreneurship

30:09 Bridging Communication Gaps in Testing

33:01 The Importance of Quality Mindset

35:17 Leveraging Community for Product Development

38:39 Transforming Quality into a Collaborative Mindset

42:12 Gamification and Fun in Quality Assurance

46:18 Visualizing Quality through Engagement

55:45 Emotional Connections in Testing and Development

56:36 Starting the Conversation: Understanding Pain Points

59:54 Creating Accessible Tools for Testers

01:01:40 Leveraging AI for Quality Assurance

01:05:56 The Importance of Quality in Software Development

01:10:39 Emotional Impact of Quality Assurance

01:16:47 Building a Community for Feedback and Growth

01:21:38 End

Takeaways

1. Christine Pinto emphasizes the importance of community in software testing.
2. The transition from politics to tech provided valuable networking and communication skills.
3. Quality is a team responsibility and should be prioritized in tech.
4. Gamification can make testing more engaging and fun.
5. AI tools need to be trained on quality data to be effective.
6. Emotional connections with customers are crucial for understanding quality impact.
7. The importance of communication in tech is often overlooked.
8. Test case creation is a common pain point for many testers.
9. Christine aims to create a tool that is accessible for all testers.
10. Feedback from the community is essential for the success of Epic Test Quest.

In this heartfelt episode of Quality Talks, hosts Stu Day and Chris Henderson delve into the critical topics of wellbeing, self-care, and mental health within leadership. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of leading by example, being vulnerable, and creating supportive environments for open communication. The conversation emphasises the need for self-awareness and practical strategies for managing stress, ultimately encouraging leaders to prioritise their own wellbeing to better support their teams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing and Leadership

08:12 The Importance of Self-Care in Leadership

19:18 Vulnerability and Open Communication in Leadership

30:22 Building Supportive Leadership Cultures

41:53 Building Leadership Communities for Change

43:21 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

45:49 Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations

47:17 The Impact of Mental Health on Leadership

49:12 The Power of Sharing Personal Struggles

50:31 Encouraging Open Dialogue in the Workplace

52:29 Utilizing the Stress Bucket Exercise

55:16 Coping Mechanisms for Stress Relief

58:44 The Role of Self-Reflection in Leadership

01:03:23 Prioritizing Mental Health in Leadership

01:08:34 Embracing Vulnerability as a Strength

01:11:39 Navigating Change and New Beginnings

01:14:01 Creating a Supportive Community

01:18:24 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on Mental Health

01:19:00 Wrap Up

Takeaways

1. Self-care is often overlooked in leadership training.
2. It's important to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay.
3. Vulnerability in leadership fosters stronger connections.
4. Creating a supportive environment encourages open communication.
5. Self-reflection helps prioritize emotional wellbeing.
6. Leaders should lead by example in discussing mental health.
7. Practical exercises can help manage stress effectively.
8. Building a community around shared experiences is vital.
9. Emotional awareness is key to effective leadership.
10. It's essential to have trusted outlets for sharing feelings.

Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks, hosts Chris Henderson and Stu Day celebrate their 10th episode while diving into the ongoing debate between manual and automation testing.

They explore the psychological aspects of decision-making, the importance of context in labelling roles, and the need for a balanced approach to quality assurance.

The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of rigid titles and encourages a shift towards a more holistic understanding of quality roles in the tech industry.

They also introduce a fun game of 'This or That' to engage listeners and lighten the mood.

Episode Links

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Episode 10: A Milestone for Quality Talks

03:08 Exploring Human Psychology: The 'This or That' Concept

06:14 Quality Talks Brand Expansion: New Initiatives and Goals

09:28 The Importance of Community: Meetups and Networking

12:15 Playing 'This or That': A Fun Game to Engage

17:15 Manual vs. Automated Testing: The Ongoing Debate

30:01 Rethinking Titles: The Need for Context in Quality Roles

35:09 The Challenge of Skill Perception

39:02 Rethinking Job Titles and Roles

44:08 Leadership and Skill Development

49:51 The Automation Debate: A Holistic Approach

55:17 AI's Role in Bridging the Gap

59:58 Empowering Change Through Conversation

01:05: Wrapping Things Up

01:08.27 End Credits

In this episode of the Quality Talks podcast, hosts Stu Day and Chris Henderson spend time reflecting on the past year and look forwarding to 2025.

They explore their learnings, personal growth and future goals with the podcast and talk about the important part community engagement has played and will continue to play in its success.

The one and only Santa joins the show for a festive AMA session with questions from the audience which explore the role of technology and AI at the North Pole.

The conversation also delves into the evolution of quality roles in the industry and Santa shares his insights on how his team try and adopt a culture of quality to build quality into their software and delivery processes.

Before the show wraps up for 2024, the winners of the prize giveaway are announced and Stu & Chris express their gratitude to their listeners' for all their amazing support.

Chapters

00:00 - Episode Intro Music

00:21 - Welcoming Back Chris and Reflections on the Year

06:43 - Podcast Growth and Community Engagement

12:52 - Personal Growth Through Podcasting

19:40 - Future Aspirations and Opportunities

25:36 - Seizing Opportunities and Overcoming Fears

30:38 - Reflecting on Podcast Growth and Community Support

36:13 - Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025

38:01 - Personal Growth and Leadership Insights

42:22 - Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges

49:39 - A Special Guest: Santa Joins the Conversation for AMA

01:09:30 - Santa's final words & prize giveaway

01:12:52 - Wrapping Up for Christmas: Gratitude and Future Aspirations

01:15:00 Episode Outro Music

Takeaways

1. Reflecting on the past year helps set future goals.

2. AI plays a significant role in operations at the North Pole.

3. Quality is essential in delivering gifts to children.

4. Personal growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones.

5. Community engagement is vital for podcast success.

6. Seizing opportunities can lead to unexpected growth.

7. The culture of quality is crucial in any organization.

8. Listening to understand is more important than listening to respond.

9. Celebrating endings is as important as celebrating beginnings.

10. 2025 holds potential for personal and professional growth.