Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

Here's how you can request feedback on your performance from your boss.

As a software tester, you're accustomed to analyzing performance, but when it comes to evaluating your own work, it can be challenging to gauge how you're doing without input from your boss. Requesting feedback is crucial for your professional development and can lead to improved job performance and satisfaction. It's a proactive approach that shows your commitment to your role and your desire to grow within the company. By engaging in a dialogue about your performance, you not only learn what you're doing well but also where you can improve, providing a clear path for your career progression.

1 Prepare Well

Before approaching your boss for feedback, it's important to do your homework. Reflect on your recent projects, noting any successes or areas for improvement. As a software tester, consider the test cases you've designed and executed, and any bugs or issues you've identified and resolved. This self-assessment will help you ask specific questions and show your boss that you're taking the initiative to evaluate your own performance. It also allows you to be receptive to the feedback, as you'll have already considered some of the points your boss might raise.

Add your perspective

Vinod Raju

Founder @ VSJ Technologies | Helping business owners with creating SEO Optimised Websites, Email Marketing & Content Writing.
Report contribution
Review recent projects, noting objectives, contributions, and outcomes. Evaluate the effectiveness of your test cases and innovative approaches used. Document identified bugs, resolution steps, and key challenges overcome. Review recent projects, noting objectives, contributions, and outcomes. Evaluate the effectiveness of your test cases and innovative approaches used. Document identified bugs, resolution steps, and key challenges overcome.

Like

Unhelpful

2 Timing Matters

Choosing the right moment to ask for feedback is as important as the request itself. Avoid busy periods or moments of high stress. Instead, opt for a calm period when your boss is more likely to have the time and mental space to provide thoughtful feedback. As a software tester, you might find the end of a testing cycle or after the successful launch of a product to be opportune times. These moments not only provide a natural context for the discussion but also ensure that your boss can give you their full attention.

Add your perspective

Abhishek Kumar

Quality officer
Report contribution
Timing plays a vital role. It saves other times. things would be economical with the help of time management. For career development also timing helps.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Be Specific

When requesting feedback, be specific about what you're looking for. Rather than asking for general comments on your performance, pinpoint particular areas you want to improve on, such as test automation, bug reporting, or communication with the development team. This specificity helps your boss provide concrete, actionable feedback and demonstrates your commitment to mastering particular aspects of your role as a software tester. It also makes the conversation more focused and productive.

Add your perspective

Abhishek Kumar

Quality officer
Report contribution
Always be specific for work. with help of right and proper work , there are sustianable things. specific things helps in the selection of right work. be specific is a right approach in the team work also.

Like

Unhelpful

4 Embrace Positivity

Approach the conversation with a positive attitude and an openness to learn. Show appreciation for your boss's time and insights. If you receive criticism, view it as constructive and an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. Maintaining a positive demeanor will encourage a more open dialogue and signal to your boss that you're eager to evolve in your role as a software tester. It can also set the tone for future feedback sessions, making them a regular and welcomed part of your professional development.

Add your perspective

Darshit Shah

Senior Lead QA Engineer with 13+ years of experience | PSM I Certified | ISTQB® Agile Certified | ISTQB® CTFL Certified | Manual Functional Testing | API Testing | Selenium | TestNG | BDD - Cucumber | Robot Framework
Report contribution
Embracing positivity means adopting a mindset focused on optimism, encouragement, and resilience in everyday situations. It involves maintaining a hopeful outlook, even when facing challenges or setbacks, and choosing to see opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing positivity, individuals cultivate a supportive and uplifting environment for themselves and those around them. This mindset helps in staying motivated, overcoming obstacles with a constructive attitude, and fostering healthy relationships. Embracing positivity also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and increasing emotional resilience, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life both personally and professionally.

Like

Unhelpful

5 Follow Up

After receiving feedback, it's important to follow up on the discussion. Create an action plan based on the input you've received, setting goals for how you'll address the areas of improvement identified. As a software tester, this might involve taking additional training, working on communication skills, or refining your testing strategies. By following up, you demonstrate to your boss that you take their feedback seriously and are committed to making tangible changes in your work performance.

Add your perspective

Abhishek Kumar

Quality officer
Report contribution
with the follow up, things are better in management. for a person there would better opportunities. with different types of follow up there are different effects on the career.

Like

Unhelpful
Paba Hewagama

Senior Software QA Engineer | Specialized in Manual Testing & Agile Methodologies | ISTQB Certified | MIS | CCHRM
Report contribution
After the meeting, follow up with your boss to thank them for their feedback and provide updates on your progress. Keep the lines of communication open and continue to seek feedback on a regular basis.

Like

Unhelpful

6 Reflect & Repeat

Finally, take time to reflect on the feedback and your progress over time. Regularly ask yourself how you've implemented the advice and what the outcomes have been. This continuous cycle of seeking feedback, taking action, and reflecting ensures ongoing professional growth and adaptation. As a software tester, this practice is akin to the iterative processes used in software development, where constant refinement leads to better results. Make feedback a routine part of your career strategy to continually enhance your skills and value to the team.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Yuliia Salaman
Report contribution
Requesting feedback on your performance from your boss is a crucial step in professional development. It helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Use active listening skills to fully understand the feedback. Focus on the feedback rather than the delivery method. Be proactive in seeking feedback rather than waiting for formal reviews. Maintain a growth mindset and view feedback as an opportunity for development.

Like

Unhelpful

Here's how you can request feedback on your performance from your boss.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prepare Well

2 Timing Matters

3 Be Specific

4 Embrace Positivity

5 Follow Up

6 Reflect & Repeat

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Testing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Software Testing

More relevant reading

Here's how you can request feedback on your performance from your boss.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prepare Well

2 Timing Matters

3 Be Specific

4 Embrace Positivity

5 Follow Up

6 Reflect & Repeat

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Testing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills