In August I addressed a letter to several testing and usability specialty labs in the Bay Area to get some answers to basic questions about a career in testing. I mailed a letter to each of these five companies (being sure to direct each letter—and my interest—to their specialties):

• Recommended Test Labs
• Nielsen Norman Group
• Otivo, Inc.
• Usability Testing Lab
• Hard-Boiled

I requested an informational interview. Strangely, few of the offices I contacted knew what I was asking. For anyone who may not have heard of an informational interview its a personal interview with a peer or professional at a company that you admire. The objective is not to apply for a job, but to get the real 411 on working in a particular field—specifically at the target company. It is common in creative services for very successful firms to offer these types of interviews. They benefit from meeting many talented juniors who may someday be stars at their company. Of course, some firms also value giving something of themselves to people who admire them. As a job seeker you have very few options when you're having trouble getting the straight dope on what it takes to work in an industry. You can go to a school, network to get answers (like professional groups), or ask the experts who are doing the work you want to do.

Disappointingly, all of the firms had not received my mailed packet (except for Otivo. I goofed and missed my follow-up with these guys (>_<) Sorry!). As expected most all were quick to point out that the only sure way to succeed in testing was to go back to school for comp-sci, human factors, or other related degree. This is all well and good as long as one already knows about the industry and has the info to make that decision! I am holding onto hope one firm will give me a chance and speak with me. Here is a copy of the questions I sent in advance to these firms:

1. There are several career paths in testing (psychology, programming, human factors, to name a few). Can you speak on ways backgrounds of employees at your company benefit your computer industry clients? How does this effect your hiring practices?
2. Are you aware of any significant differences in the testing contractors who have experience within a consultancy versus a software company?
3. Is there a significant difference in skill level required (of an entry level employee) to administer remote testing vs. face-to-face testing?
4. (A question about refering to experience in software and hardware testing in my resume.)
5. As a company who safeguards the intellectual property of your clients, can you speak about some of the ways you keep your employees aware of confidentiality?