How to Prepare for a QA Automation Interview: Tips, Examples & Real Cases

Starting a career in QA automation can be exciting and challenging at the same time.

One of the biggest hurdles for newcomers is passing job interviews, where recruiters and engineers test not only your knowledge but also your problem-solving mindset.
This article will give you practical strategies, examples of real interview questions, and case studies that help candidates succeed. At the end, you’ll also see how Codemify prepares students with real startup practice so they feel confident walking into interviews.

Key Takeaways

  • Know the top QA automation interview questions.
  • Find out how to format clarity answers rather than blindly guessing.
  • Check out more good vs bad answers in the real-world.
  • Read our interviews with students who got jobs as QA.
  • Learn how Codemify builds skills through doing, not listening.

What a QA Recruiter Actually Tests in Q&A Interviews

  • Definitions are not just what is required in a QA interview.
  • Companies want to see: Technical expertise – Can you write or review tools?
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Mindset - Are you accountable or are you hiding behind excuses.

1.Difference Between JavaScript and TypeScript

Vague liberal: “TypeScript is one step from JavaScript with types.”

Better answer: “TypeScript is an extension of JavaScript that provides support for static typing that enables errors to be caught at compile time. For big automation frameworks, it reduces bugs at runtime and makes your code more maintainable.

2. Handling Flaky Tests

Shrug answer: “I run them again, I guess.”

Better answer: “I start by looking at if it’s a timing, selectors or test data issue. E.g on Playwright, I now depend much more on auto-waiting and stable locators. I use retries not to conceal problems, but to identify patterns.

3.Accessibility Testing Approach

Example: “I combine Playwright and Axe-core"

"This allows me to automate fundamental accessibility tests, but manually verify issues such as color contrast or keyboard navigation.”

Case Study: From Photographer to QA Engineer in Germany

One Codemify student used to work as a photographer.

With children to support and years of struggling to find a stable job, switching careers felt almost impossible. He had no technical background, and interviews in tech seemed intimidating.

After joining Codemify, he practiced mock interviews with mentors, built a real startup automation project, and learned QA from scratch. Within months, he not only gained confidence but also secured his first QA job in Germany, providing stability for his family.

Why did it work?
Because instead of memorizing textbook answers, he learned how to explain real cases from his Codemify projects. Recruiters appreciated hearing about actual bugs he found, the way he documented them, and how he improved testing workflows. This practical approach made him stand out from other candidates.

Best Practices to Stand Out

✅ Follow the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your responses.
✅ Share a bug or automation issue you actually solved. It makes you memorable.
✅ You can always tell an editor, “I don’t know, but I’d love to find out.”
✅ Practice communicating on a whiteboard — explaining logic step by step.

At Codemify, we are not here to teach theory. Our students:

  • Start working on actual startup projects from week one.
  • Participate in mock interviews, with mentors posing as real interviewers.
  • Receive feedback on communication, not just technical solutions.

You gain confidence by being shown not textbook answers but real cases.

That’s why Codemify graduates often have feedback along the lines of: “You sound like someone who already worked in a QA team".ʼʼ

👉 If you want the same confidence, check our Intro Week
— only $20 to start.

FAQ

Q: Can I break into QA without coding background?
Yes. A lot of students at Codemify are from non-tech backgrounds (farm work, retail, healthcare). We begin with manual QA and increment to automation.

Q: How much time is worth spending on getting ready for interviews?
Our students get prepared for real interviews in 3–6 months with continued practice.

Q: Are coders or attitudes more important to recruiters?
Both are important, but mindset often determines the offer. Job Recruiters want to see problem solving and power.

Getting through it is not about remembering “correct” answers, it’s about demonstrating how you think. The more real-life examples you can provide, the more persuasive you will be.

If you’re serious about breaking into tech:

Apply to the Codemify Bootcamp — and start building your future now.
Let’s make tech simple — and profitable — for you.

See you in class,
— Sergii
Founder of Codemify
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