At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure software quality through testing and collaboration with developers.
- Company: Established Oxford-based software company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30,000, bonuses, hybrid work, and free office lunches.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your tech career with training and support in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 or above STEM degree; no prior QA experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Avanti Recruitment is working with an established Oxford-based software company that develops highly specialised products used by organisations operating in regulated and data-driven environments. They are looking to hire a Graduate / Junior QA Engineer to join their growing Quality Assurance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional who enjoys problem-solving, spotting details others miss and understanding how software works from a user's perspective. No commercial QA experience is required. The company is happy to provide training for the right person, but you will need a 2:1 or above degree in a STEM subject.
The Role
As a QA Engineer, you'll be responsible for ensuring software is thoroughly tested before release. You'll work closely with developers and product teams, helping to identify bugs, improve user experience and maintain high standards of software quality. Typical responsibilities include:
- Testing new software features before release
- Investigating and reproducing software issues
- Verifying bug fixes
- Providing feedback on usability and functionality
- Reviewing documentation and product changes
- Working closely with developers and product managers
- Supporting software releases and quality standards
The role is primarily focused on manual testing, with opportunities to develop automation skills over time.
What We're Looking For
You will need to be naturally curious and analytical, detail oriented, strong communicator, comfortable learning new technologies, interested in software quality/testing, and motivated to build a career within technology.
Must Have Skills & Experience
- STEM degree (or graduating this year) in a subject such as Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences or similar
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical and logical problem-solving ability
- Ability to learn new concepts and technologies quickly
- Strong organisational skills
- Genuine interest in software quality, testing and user experience
- Ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment
- Willingness to work from the Oxford office a minimum of 3 days per week
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Previous software testing or QA experience (commercial, internship, placement year or personal projects)
- Exposure to Python
- Experience using Linux
- Familiarity with Jira or similar issue‑tracking tools
- Understanding of Agile development methodologies
- Exposure to API testing
- Experience writing or maintaining automated tests
- Previous customer‑facing experience
- Summer internships, industrial placements or part‑time work demonstrating initiative and responsibility
- Understanding of software development lifecycles
What's On Offer?
- 30,000 starting salary
- Up to 8% annual bonus
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Childcare contribution scheme
- Free office lunches twice per week
- Dog‑friendly office
- Hybrid working
- Excellent training and career development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
Interview Process
- 1st stage: Initial video interview (30 minutes)
- Final: Face to face interview onsite in Oxford (60-90 minutes)
- No coding test required.
If you're looking for an opportunity to join a successful technology company where you'll receive genuine support, training and long‑term career development, then I want to hear from you.
Graduate QA Engineer in Oxford employer: Avanti Recruitment
Join an innovative Oxford-based software company that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a competitive starting salary, generous bonuses, and unique perks like free office lunches and a dog-friendly environment, this role as a Graduate QA Engineer provides an excellent foundation for a rewarding career in technology, all while working closely with experienced professionals in a thriving team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate QA Engineer in Oxford
✨Join Developer Communities
Get involved in online developer communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow. We can showcase our skills by contributing to open-source projects – it’s a great way to network, learn, and possibly catch the eye of a recruiter while doing something we love!
✨Attend Coding Meetups and Hackathons
Check out local coding meetups and hackathons. These events are fantastic for meeting other developers and potential employers, plus they're a great way to get some hands-on experience and showcase our problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Set Up a Public Portfolio
We should create a public portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing our projects and code. This not only demonstrates our technical skills but also gives employers a peek into our creative process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If we're fresh out of uni, let's not forget about our university’s career services! They often have tailored resources and connections in the software development field. Plus, internships can lead to entry-level roles – a true win-win!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate QA Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:As this is an entry-level role in software engineering development, make sure to include your coding projects. Whether it's a cool school project, a personal website, or even contributions to open-source, it all counts! Link to your GitHub or any platforms you've showcased your code on – we want to see what you've got!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make your CV work for you by focusing on the programming languages and frameworks you've learned. If you've dabbled in JavaScript, Python, or any specific frameworks, be sure to include those. Plus, showcasing any relevant coursework or certifications can really help us get a clearer picture of your skill set.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:Since you're applying for an entry-level position, your cover letter is your chance to shine. Tell us why you’re passionate about software engineering and what excites you about working with Avanti Recruitment. Highlight any internships or projects that shaped your interest in coding – it’s all about your motivation!
Use Your Network:Don't hesitate to mention any connections you might have to Avanti Recruitment in your application. If you know someone who works there or have attended any events they hosted, slip that into your cover letter. It shows your genuine interest and can give you that extra edge in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti Recruitment
✨Know Your Code: Prepare for Technical Questions
For a role in software engineering, you can bet your Interviewer might throw some coding problems your way. Brush up on common algorithms and data structures, and practise coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. That way, you're ready to showcase your problem-solving skills confidently!
✨Portfolio Power: Show Off Your Projects
As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is your secret weapon. Make sure you have a few solid projects on GitHub that demonstrate your coding skills and understanding of software development processes. Be ready to walk through your code and explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Development Tools
Understanding Agile methodologies can really set you apart from other entry-level candidates. Get familiar with tools like JIRA or Trello, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in your projects or studies. This shows you're not just a coder but also a team player.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset
Since you're applying for an entry-level position, it's important to show your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in your studies or projects, what new skills you’ve picked up recently, and how you plan to continue developing in this fast-paced field.
