By Philip Yiga | August 2, 2018

Today, manufacturers in the technological-sector often seek beta testers to take their new products for a testing before releasing them to the public. In fact, beta-testers use the product on their own in-order to spot and resolve any issues, bugs or other problems that may need to be fixed. However, the criteria used to select testers may vary from company-to-company or product-to-product but the first step in applying is often filling in an online form on the company’s website. In fact, you will be required to a sign legal contract and you should at-least be 18-years and above to qualify. Lastly, most companies are welcome to all applicants regardless of their level of expertise.

 

How To Pursue Your Interests As Beta-Tester:

1. Understand what the testing-job requires: You should expect the conditions for beta-testing to vary from company-to-company and project-to-project. In fact, some companies may rely on telecommuting while others may require you to report via phone or in-person. Additionally, the duration of any testing-project may vary depending on the company. On the other hand, some companies will offer monetary payment while other may compensate you instead with a discount on the finished product. So, you will need to take note of all these conditions before making an application.

 

2. Consider going for products that you enjoy most: Improve on your odds by focusing on products or specific brands that you are already familiar with. In fact, try to increase your value in their eyes by simply offering some experience with their existing products or similar products. For example, if you’re a gaming-person then consider focusing your search on companies that design consoles and attendant gear. Lastly, expect companies to be pickier with the people they choose to test their hardware.

 

3. Create a list of manufacturers that develop the hardware you prefer: In-case your focus is on a particular type of hardware rather than a brand then widen your search by writing down companies whose products you already own or know-of. Additionally, try to search online to find other companies that escaped your attention. For example, if you want become a tester for new mobile-phones then develop a list starting with companies like; Apple, Motorola, Samsung, HTC, LG and Nokia.

 

4. Never let being a novice discourage you: You should make research on every company that interests you even if you have less or no experience with their products. This is mainly because companies are always looking to expand and reach new-customers who may have never used such hardware/products before and you should expect them to value your status as “beginner” just as much as long-time users.

 

How To Apply For Beta Testing:

1. Visit every company’s website: Go to each company’s website and then search for links to applications for beta-testers on their home-page. On the other hand, you may simply Google keyword searches with the company’s name like; “Apple hardware beta testers and application”. Likewise, find-out how each company recruits their testers whether through online applications or through direct emails or phone-calls.

 

2. Try to sell yourself when making an application: When creating an application, try to include any information that will make you stand-out from other candidates. In fact, you should do the same with any follow-up interviews or surveys that you may be asked to complete. For example; List all types of technology that you own or use frequently, Include personal-information like age, gender and location also include your level of expertise with each product.

 

3. Follow any extra steps during the application-process: The application process may differ from company-to-company but you should expect to follow-up any surveys or interviews conducted by either the company itself or a second party that has been contracted to oversee their beta testing. So, try to follow any directives about joining and participating in the company’s online-community and also complete all the necessary prerequisites to qualify for consideration. However, you should know that fewer candidates are picked for hardware testing than with software testing.

 

4. Get to know the difference between hardware and software testing: When you are accepted to become a beta tester for any company, appreciate the unique demands that hardware testing faces. On the other hand, if you’re a software tester then look for any glitches and afterwards address the company immediately if there are any changes requires. Lastly, hardware tests are usually shorter than software tests and remember to meet the company’s expectations as a tester to ensure that they select you for future tests.

 

5. Try to communicate effectively: You should know that a company is most likely working on a tight timeline to complete the beta-test and that’s why you should regularly check their preferred form of contact (phone, email, texts or forums) for any updates and changes to the test’s schedule and focus.