Get Your First Job as a Test Automation Engineer

A simple, 8-week step-by-step plan for landing your first test automation job.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Fundamentals of Testing & Programming

Learn the basics of software testing and simple programming concepts. Start using a programming language and testing vocabulary.

2 weeks

Understand what software testing is
Learn main testing types
Write simple code (Python)
Set up a coding environment

Explain manual vs automated testing (eg: login tests)
Write a basic script (print 'Hello World')
Identify test cases (weather app)
Use code editor (VS Code)

Intro to Software Testing
Python for Beginners
Test Case Examples
VS Code Setup Guide

Write and run first Python script (prints your name)
List and explain three testing types, with one example each

Core Automation Tools and Concepts

Get hands-on with core automation tools used by test engineers. Start basic automation scripts. Learn to check your code works.

2 weeks

Install Selenium for browser automation
Automate simple browser actions
Learn about assertions
Use Python to control browser

Run browser test (open Google, search 'cat')
Write an assertion (check title is 'Google')
Install and use new Python libraries
Debug simple script errors

Selenium Basics
Assertion in Python
Python Libraries Install Guide

Automate browser to search a term and check the title
Create a simple test script file and run it

Building a Real Automation Project

Apply knowledge by building a realistic, small test framework. Use version control and document your work. Learn about writing different test types.

2 weeks

Write tests for a demo web app (sign up, log in, search)
Organize test scripts by feature
Use Git for version control
Document your test steps

Test user sign-up form (Selenium, demo app)
Write separate scripts for login and search
Commit code with Git (create new branch)
Write clear README instructions

Example Demo Web App
Git Basics Guide
Project Documentation Example

Push project to GitHub with README and test scripts
Scripts cover sign-up, login, and at least one feature

Testing, Reporting, and Sharing Project

Learn to check if your tests work properly. Add reports and badges. Prepare your project to show others.

1 weeks

Add test reporting (HTML report)
Run all tests with one command
Add test status badge
Review and clean up scripts

Generate HTML test report (pytest-html)
Create passing/failing tests (intentional error, fix it)
Use GitHub Actions for badges
Remove duplicate or old code

pytest-html Tutorial
Sample GitHub Action Workflow
Report Example

Project includes HTML report and badge (build or test passing)
README lists coverage and known issues

Applying and Showcasing

Prepare applications and show your work. Practice interviews, write clear descriptions, and apply for automation jobs.

1 weeks

Write a simple project summary
Practice interview questions
Set up a LinkedIn/GitHub profile
Apply to entry automation jobs

Describe project in 2-3 sentences (who, what, how)
Answer 'what is test automation' in your words
Fill out online job form
Send follow-up email

Sample Project Summary
Mock Interview Questions
Entry Job Listings

Post project link on LinkedIn or GitHub profile
Send at least 3 applications with project included

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Basics of Testing and Python	Understanding the basics is the foundation for automation.	Watch basic testing videos (Intro to Software Testing), Read about testing types (manual, automation, regression, smoke), Install Python and VS Code, Write first Python script (print 'Hello World'), List three test case ideas for any website	Run a Python script on your laptop, Document three types of testing with examples
2	Practice Coding and Testing Concepts	Practice helps you remember and understand testing and code.	Write simple math or string scripts in Python, Describe a test case for a login page (steps, expected results), Install and explore basic Git commands (Git Bash or GitHub Desktop), Write a Python script that takes input and prints a message	Python script that asks for your name and prints it, Written test case for login (description, steps, expected results)
3	Start Automation With Selenium	Automation tools help you test faster and more reliably.	Install Selenium library (pip install selenium), Write Python script to open browser to a site (e.g., google.com), Automate a search for 'dog' on Google, Add assertion to check if page title includes 'Google', Explore simple errors and fix them	Script that searches a word on Google and checks the title, Short note: what assertion you used and what it does
4	Organize and Grow Automation Skills	A real project needs more than one test and clear structure.	Find and use a public demo web app for testing, Plan test cases for user sign-up and login, Write separate scripts for sign-up and login tests (Selenium), Practice making small code changes and saving with Git	Scripts for both sign-up and login features, All code organized in folders (feature-based) on your computer
5	Building Test Project and Documentation	A clear project with docs shows your work to recruiters.	Write summary of what your tests do (2-3 sentences), Add a README file explaining how to run tests, Make sure all scripts are saved and pushed to GitHub, Add one more feature test (e.g., search or profile update)	Project in GitHub with scripts for at least three features, README file with clear steps to run tests
6	Add Reporting and Cleanup	Reports help others understand your testing success.	Install pytest and pytest-html for reports, Run all tests and generate a HTML test report, Fix any broken or failing test case, Remove old or duplicate code from project	Project can generate a HTML report when tests are run, Clean and readable test project folder
7	Add Automation Badge, Final Checks	Badges and polish make your project stand out.	Set up GitHub Actions to show test status badge, Add badge to README file, Write section on test coverage and known issues, Double-check project runs from clean clone	Project with badge and README with coverage and known issues, Fresh clone works out-of-the-box (simple install and run)
8	Apply for Jobs and Share Your Project	Showcasing your work helps you get hired.	Write brief project summary for job applications, Update GitHub and LinkedIn profiles with project link, Practice simple test automation interview questions, Apply to three entry Test Automation Engineer roles	Applications sent with project link included, Updated LinkedIn or similar online profile

Daily Plan

Monday

Review previous week's notes and outline new week's tasks
Learn one key topic or term

Tuesday

Practice coding small script or function
Write or update one test case

Wednesday

Work on main project (feature or script)
Commit and push code changes

Thursday

Test and debug project scripts
Write or update documentation

Friday

Review all work done this week
Try a sample interview or application task