At a Glance
- Tasks: Support testing of business systems and digital platforms while developing core testing skills.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, excellent pension scheme, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Work onsite 4 days a week with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in testing with real-world exposure and structured training.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and a passion for problem-solving and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
Howdens has an exciting new opportunity for a Graduate Tester to join us. This role is an entry level position designed for recent graduates from Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related disciplines, who are interested in building a career in testing enterprise and digital business platforms. The primary purpose of the role is to support the development of core testing skills across enterprise and digital business systems, as well as the wider ecosystem of integrated systems. This includes building capability in functional, automation, and performance testing. Through structured training, mentoring, and real-world exposure, the successful candidate will develop skills in functional, automation, and performance testing. They will build confidence working with other test team members and wider IS teams. The role plays an important part in helping to ensure that developments released into Production are stable, aligned to business and trading requirements, and free from defects.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the testing of business systems and digital platforms
- Creating and executing test scenarios to validate new functionality
- Running regression tests to ensure changes don’t impact existing systems
- Logging and tracking defects, and re-testing fixes
- Helping to maintain test scripts, tools, and documentation
- Working closely with developers, testers, and wider IT teams
- Gaining exposure to functional, automation, and performance testing
Am I eligible for this Graduate Tester?
- Hold a degree (or expected) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
- A genuine interest in how systems support business operations
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Clear communication and teamwork skills
- Eagerness to learn and develop in a fast‑paced environment
- Ideally some exposure to testing through university, placements, or projects – this is not essential
- Basic understanding of software testing or data systems – this is not essential
- Preferably exposure to using Excel or analytical tools
You must have the right to work in the UK. The role is based onsite 4 days per week with 1 working from home. Based from our office in Raunds, Northamptonshire or our site in Howden, East Ridings of Yorkshire, you must live within 60 minutes of us.
What we can offer you:
- Competitive salary and annual company bonus
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
- Staff Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.
How to apply:
We’re building a future where world‑class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Graduate Tester employer: Howdens-95ed4e89
Howdens is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for recent graduates looking to kickstart their careers in testing. With structured training, mentoring, and real-world exposure, employees can develop essential skills in functional, automation, and performance testing while enjoying competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong pension scheme. Located in Raunds, Northamptonshire, or Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire, the company fosters a culture of growth and recognition, making it an ideal place for those eager to learn and contribute to a leading trade kitchen supplier.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Tester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or connect with professionals in the industry on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to testing. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for testing! During interviews, share any relevant projects or experiences, even if they were part of your coursework. It’s all about demonstrating your eagerness to learn and grow.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find more opportunities that match your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Tester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Tester role. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences that showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your genuine interest in testing and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of your problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn – we love that enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Skills:If you've had any exposure to testing, even if it's just through university projects, make sure to mention it! We’re keen on candidates who have a basic understanding of software testing or data systems, so don’t hold back on sharing your experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive – a quality we really appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens-95ed4e89
✨Know Your Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of software testing. Understand key concepts like functional, automation, and performance testing. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss examples from your studies or projects where you've tackled challenges. Highlight your analytical skills and how you approached problem-solving. This is crucial for a Graduate Tester, as you'll need to identify and log defects effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since teamwork is essential in this role, being able to communicate effectively with developers and other testers will set you apart. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your communication style.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Express your enthusiasm for learning and developing in a fast-paced environment. Share any relevant experiences, such as coursework or internships, that showcase your willingness to grow. Employers love candidates who are proactive about their development!
