interview questions and answers

1. Tell us about your most recent assignment or current  job position? Ans: Note: In this case resume has multiple projects at latest client , that’s the reason we are explaining about 3 projects performed at client site. First of all I would like to explain about my projects before jumping in to responsibilities I performed. In this Tenure with StateFarm I have been working Couple main projects and multiple infrastructure projects, there is some overlap between projects I got situation to work on multiple projects simultaneously for specific duration. Project 1: Project 1 is Policy Administration, Administration, Which is Statefarm’s Policy Administration, Administration, Underwriting System for Auto/Property/Life policies which are under Personal and Commercial Lines of Auto. Let me explain about the project first , From the Project wise it has Drivers, Vehicle, Discounts ,Coverage ,Risk  Analysis and Quote&Bind modules. Almost worked on all modules but deeply involved in Coverages Module. Constructing coverages and limts/deductibles accordingly for auto coverages like... Comprehensive Coverage, Collision Coverage ,Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Medical Payments Coverage, Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury, Underinsured Motorist Coverage, , Uninsured Motorist  Property Damage, Rental Reimbursement Coverage? And Emergency Road Service (ERS) I worked for Product Service Releases of : 3.1, 3.2 and 3.2.1 under this Policy Administration project  From the Role wise I worked as Business Analyst (minor role)and Quality Analyst (major role).

Project 2: Enterprise Claims System, Which is Statefarm’s biggest Effort to build End to End Claims Systems which costs 4 billion dollars , Approx 1400+ people worked on that project. This Project has modules like First Notice Of Loss (FNOL),Claims Management, Claims Performer, Bill& Payments , Financials and Reporting. This System handles flow starting from when Customer Representative receives call from Policy Holder about  Accident, Create claim in FNOL with all available details at the time accident ( Named Inusred Driver, Vehcile, Claimant Driver, Claimant Car , Accident Time & date) and allocate all reserves in Claim Management Module. Received Auto Bills/Medical Bills from external Vendors, Validate Bills and make EFT and Non EFT payments. Take Reports and sending to the Medical Providers (Hospitals) and Auto Repair Vendors (Auto Repair Facilities) .Close the claims Tested application by logging in Roles like Claims Processor, Claims Manager etc. Project 3: Infrastructure Projects WebSphere Migration from 6.0 to 8.5, JBOSS Migration from 4.1 to 7.1 and Windows xp to Windows 7 Migration StateFarm uses JBOSS and Webpshere as Application Servers JBOSS is Application Server, Claims project and Policy Administration Projects deployed on this JBOSS Version 4.1 Now they upgrade JBOSS to later Version 7.1. So Claims and Quotes Projects need to be tested as following: Regression testing: for that Select some main flows from Policy Adiminisration and perform regression testing. Performance testing: Run existing scripts to make sure performance is not degraded due to the change (Server upgraded from jboss 4.1 to 7.1). WebSphere is also application used by Statefarm , all Agent Quote/Social Quote/Social Networking applications are deployed on this server. So regression testing need to be performed on Agent Applications

Regression testing: for that Select some main flows from Agent applications and perform regression testing Performance testing: Run existing scripts to make sure performance is not degraded due to the change (Server upgraded from Webpshere 6.0 to 8.5).

That’s all about Project wise. from responsibilities wise

For Project 1 :Policy Administartion :: Worked as BA in Inception and Elaboration phases of Rational Unified Process At initial phases of of Business Analyst. Analyst. Role starting with Interviewing Business Clients using Techniques like face to Face Sessions,JAD Sesisons and Use case Sessions. Preparing Questions befoe interview and discuss questions in the meeting, Note down all requirements , Performed Requriement Analysis and have sequence ( remaining Questions) and follow up meetings (to clarify questions on contradictory and wage requirements.) prepared Business Requirement  Specification , Functional Requirement Specification , Use Cases, Use Case diagrams, Class diagrams, Activity diagrams and Sequence diagrams Majority of time I worked as Quality Analyst on this project. Starting from In Test Planning Phase: helping out  team lead in laying out Test Strategy and Test Plan Documents, In Test Development Phase: Later going through Business Requirements Specification,Functional Requirements Specification, Use case Specifications and understand the Application Behavior and created Positive and negativeTest cases Review the Initial Version of Test cases Prepare Test Data as per Test  case  Decide Test Cases for Automation Testing  Participating Test readiness Meetings to get updates on Test Case,Test Data and Test Environment Readiness. In Test Execution Phase , Make sure Pre-Condition and Post Conditions of Test cases are in place. Executing Test steps as per Instructions. As Part of Result Analysis if Test Step Actual Result is different from Expected result make sure test  environment is fine, test data is fine and confirm that failure is from application side. As Part of Defect Tracking, Created Defects for failed tests, update severity/priority in Defect Tracking Tool and attach Defect Snapshots, Defect Log files and expected result document to the defect. Involved in Defect Status Meetings and helping out developers to explain the Defect Re-Creation Steps.

From Reporting Side. Created Test Case Results Document, Defect Reports and Test Coverage Metrics Documents. I Performed Functional, Functional, Regerssion, Browser Compatibility Testing ,System Testing. From Automation side, Selected Test Cases for Automation, Record navigation and Enhance Script by performing Parameterization of the script, adding Data tables, adding Checkpoints , adding Reporting Functions using VB Scripting. Was reponsbile for Execution of Automated Scripts.

2. What was most challenging about that position? Ans:

Challenge 1: Requirement were not properly documented for one of the Financial projects due to huge changes to the requirements at last moment. So situation is need to test the application without Business Requirement  Specification

How Overcame this Challenge: Testing this functionality was a challenge. So we adopted exploratory testing approach. As per the Process Participants are Business Analyst or SME (Subject Matter Expert) QA Tester Schedule an Exploratory Session Meeting: Define Exploratory Charter (Topic for meeting) Ex: Exploratory Charter: EFT Consolidated Payments

Pre-Condition for Meeting: BA and SME should brush-up their knowledge in EFT Payments. QA would be ready with Test Data for the meeting. In the Meeting, 1. BA or SME would create scenarios based on Exploratory Charter Example: Scenario1: Institutional medical EFT Payment ( Payment to Hospital) Scenario2: Professional EFT Payment ( Payment to individual doctor) 2. 3. 4.

Based on guidance provided by the BA/SMEs, BA/SMEs, QA tester will write down steps for each scenario with positive and negative Execute steps with Test data Result Analysis: If any mismatch between expected and actual result , BA or SME would confirm whether defect must be created or not.

After Meeting., QA will rise defects for all failed steps.

Challenge 2: This challenge is from the Process wise, we created test cases but we are not sure “Are we covering all functionality”? How to Over came this Challenge? Requested Lead to intiate requirement Traceability matrix, every time some test case is written we need to enter which requirement is covered maintain separate Requirement Traceability Document. Mapping : Business Requirement  Test Case Ids which covers that requirement. When all requirements are covered in our test cases then we make conclusion Testing covers all Functionalities. 3. Explain your Guide Wire Experience: I worked on Guidewire Policy Center

3. What is Automated Testing and Advantages of   Automated Testing:  Advantages: Reliable: Tests perform precisely the same operations each time they are run, and never forget to record detailed results. Repeatable: You can test how the software reacts under repeated execution of the same operations. Reusable: You can reuse tests on different versions of an application, even if the user interfaces changes. Better Quality Software: Because you can run more tests in less time with fewer resources Fast: Automated Tools run tests significantly faster than human users. Cost Reduction: As the number of resources for regression test are reduced. In one of my project, We created automated Regression test suite which is targeted to run after each build is deployed which saved 3200 manual testing hours for entire product release.

The following areas must be automated first 

1.Highly redundant tasks or scenarios , Ex: Created claim is the starting points for all claim application testing so

“create a claim” need to be automated first. 2. Repetitive tasks that are boring or tend to cause human human error , Ex: Verify all links on each page 3. Well-developed and well-understood use cases or scenarios first  4. Relatively stable areas of the application over volatile ones must be automated.

4. Have you ever used LISA, Test Partner/ Version/ How you used Lisa/test Partner? Yes, I did use for one of my project to create automated Regression test suite (couple years back) along QTP. Management wanted to migrate from QTP to Lisa. Rating: 1 to 10 Scale: QTP:9 Lisa: 8 Which version of LISA do you have experience with? Ans : Lisa 5.0.22 How have you used LISA? Ans: Yes. I have exp using Lisa to automate regression testing. I used to Create automated test scripts in Lisa Workstation. For web application I used to record the scripts using HTTP Proxy Recorder and DOM Events Recorder . I added data sets if required and perform parameterization of Test flow. And added filters to output values , added page load verifications using Assertion  Assertionss . i.e Also build some basic Java assertions…for verification verification of field properties like its length, existence of field, its label verificati verification on I used ITR (Interactive Test Run) mode to Playback the recorded/created script. Inserted failure logs into my script, so that I can inform to my team or open a defect based on the priority when bugs are found I also used to configure my script to run in different Environments by setting all environment properties under Configuration files I used to develop Test Suites by group of 2 or more test cases

Do you have any experience with LISA VSE (Lisa Virtualization)? Don’t have real time experience…but have knowledge on Virtual Service Environment . Have you used data driven automation? Tell us about that experience. Ya I did, that is one of the main thing in automation…All of the post parameters are parameterized with column name from the dataset…then we need to set up dataset in a fashion that…It will either execute until end of data means all rows….or it will pick up rows randomly…and execute scripts. When first iteration was running..it will take first row of data from the dataset…when running second iter ation it  will execute second row of data from the dataset. So data will be driven from dataset which is called DataDriven.

5. Familiar with Iterative and/or Agile Methodology? I am familiar with agile methodology, In my recent assignment at mercury and farmers insurance, we followed agile . Our sprint used to be 4 weeks , My project contained 18 sprints NOTES about Agile : Daily Scrum Meeting, Sprint  Agile software development is iterative method of development and delivery process, each iteration is planned for 3 or 4 weeks which is called Sprint .

Daily 15 min meeting will be there and we use to update our last 24 and next 24hrs of work which is called SCRUM. The developers and end users communicate closely and the software is built. Smaller teams work in the project  room, we had peer reviews , customer reviews for test scenarios and we had daily stand up meetings to discuss the status of the project and to see if there are any issues

6. about Guide Wire Experience.( Any Question about  GuideWire Experience) Explain I worked on Guide wire policy Center in Mercury Insurance; they overwrite their existing policy administration system with guidewire policy for personal and commercial lines carriers guideWire Version: Extesnively worked on work flows like Submissions/ Policy Changes/Renewals/Cancellations/Reinstatements/Rewrites/Audits Verified Policy Center integration points: Claims System/Billing System/Rating Engine/ DMV(Department of  motor vehicles)/VIN Service/Vendor Management System/Address Normalization Services/credit rating System. Following information is just to have some idea. Its not necessary to explain following content in the interview.

Policy Flows: Policy Submissions The goal of the submission process is to create a policy and have the policyholder accept it. After entering the  policyholder’s information, information, the producer gives a quote. If the policyholder agrees agrees and accepts it, it, then the producer   binds the policy and and sends it out with the accompanying accompanying documentation. documentation. The producer also forwards forwards the billing information to an external billing system (not shown in the diagram). Policy Changes Any changes to a policy can require additional evaluation on the p art of an und erwriter and result in a change to the  premium. A typical typical change might include include additions to the policy policy (such as adding drivers drivers or cars) or changes to coverage limits and deductible amounts. Renewals The normal progression just before a policy expires is to renew it for another period o f time –  time – six six to 12 months is typical. After PolicyCenter renews a policy, it returns the policy to maintenance mode until the policy changes, expires, cancels, or renews again. Cancellations Cancellati ons and Reinstatements You can also cancel policies. Before the cancellation processes completes, a cancellation can be rescinded. An example is a producer mailing a cancellation notice for non-payment to a policyholder. If the policyholder corrects this by submitting payment before the cancellation date then the policy can be rescinded with no break in coverage. Reinstatements Reinstatements Reinstatements go hand in hand with cancellations and are a type of policy change that returns a canceled policy to inforce status. The policy is in-force as of the reinstatement date. The reinstatement removes the cancellation from the  policy period since the the period is no longer canceled. canceled. The expiration expiration date remains remains the same. Rewrites When there are many errors are on a policy, it becomes necessary to rewrite it. Policies must first be canceled before  being rewritten. Audits The audit job lets the carrier verify information about the policyholder so that they can d etermine the accuracy of   premiums paid.

Policy Center integration points:

• Billing system – When a user creates a policy, PolicyCenter exports billing information. PolicyCenter also sends and receives information as the policy changes. • Claims system – Information is sent to and from claim systems. The claims system can send information about  the number and type of claims against a policy. PolicyCenter sends policy data to the claims system, such as policy effective dates which answer the question, “Was the policy in -force when this accident occurred?” Rating Engine – The system that rates a policy and sends the quote information back to PolicyCenter. It  also calculates the estimated annual premium in audits. • Department of Motor Vehicles – When you integrate with this system, agents can request and send driver information to the regulatory body. 

VIN (Vehicle Identification) Service – Use this system to look up VIN information. The default configuration contains a demo plugin. • Address Normalization and Validation services – Provides normalization and validation against  information provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS provides standardized abbreviations such as ste for suite and ln for lane. It also lists the complete range of numeric addresses per street, street  addresses per ZIP code, ZIP codes per state. • Credit Rating system – A policy administration system may periodically request information about an insured. An example of a credit rating system is Dun and Bradstreet.

Closed AR Closed AP(Accounting functions) after Policy and Invoice generations how u did that?

6. How created the policies/invoices/adding accounting and servicing functions 7. Tell about Policy Billing Integration Testing: 7. web services testing using itko lisa and soap UI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izA_Xgbj7II

7. Database testing using itko lisa or QTP QTP : Using ADODB Object.Providing Database Connection String, Record Set Array.

Microsoft ADO (ActiveX Data Objects) is a Component object model object for accessing data sources.The ADO Recordset object is used to hold a set of records from a database table. A Recordset object consist of records and columns (fields). In ADO, this object is the most important and the one used most often to manipulate data from a database. Srvname is a connection string.if u already installed oracle in your system using that path u can connect oracle database...if u dont have oracle give the connection string path ,whatever connection string created used in database checkpoint by default Example: DSN=QT_Flight32;DBQ=C:\Program Files\Mercury\QTP\samples\flight\ Files\Mercury\QTP\samples\flight\app\flight32.mdb;D app\flight32.mdb;Driver=C:\WINDO river=C:\WINDOWS\system32\odb WS\system32\odbcjt32.dll;DriverId= cjt32.dll;DriverId=281;FIL=MSAcc 281;FIL=MSAcc ess;MaxBufferSize=2048;PageTimeout=5; set conn=Createobject("ADODB.Connection") conn=Createobject("ADODB.Connection") Srvname="Driver={Microsoft Srvname="Driver={Microsoft ODBC for Oracle}:Server=DBserver,UID= Oracle}:Server=DBserver,UID=Sa,Password= Sa,Password=sa" sa"  username,pwd of Databse to be connected conn.open Srvname Set Rec = CreateObject("ADODB.Recordset") CreateObject("ADODB.Recordset") SQL="select * from Users" Rec.open SQL ,conn  Passed Database Connection details and execute SQL Query

Username=Rec.fields("employee Username=Rec.fields("employee name") Msgbox Username

Store

Query out put of Employee_name column in username field.

LISA: using JDBC Step

(Types of Steps in LISA)

8. Challenges faced in Automated Testing Primary challenge is Consistent object changes in one of our project which makes existing automated test scripts not running and require lot of maintenanc e. We overcame that challenge by inserting Descriptive Descriptive Programming Functions in to the Framework  Library. If any property changes of a particular class we can update the appropriate function in the library instead of updating these objects in all test scripts.

9. Frameworks used in Automation: Go through Recording: https://transformtoit.we https://tran sformtoit.webex.com/transfor bex.com/transformtoit/ldr.php?AT=pb mtoit/ldr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID &SP=MC&rID=33577457&rKey=d =33577457&rKey=d3872687a53e1c19 3872687a53e1c19

Framework Architecture Thesefilescontainclientinformationlikelogindetails,ac testing.Thisinformationisbeinginvokedbythedriverscr Settingsintheinitializationscriptaregoingtoremainfairl occasionally.Thesescriptsloadenvironmentfilesandin Thisisthescriptthatcoordinatestestactivitiesbycalling fromtheenvironmentfiletothemaintestscript,andalso TheFunctionLib(functionlibrary)isasetoffunctionsus normallyloadedatthebeginning,andfunctionsarecalle redundancyofthescript.

Explain running Automation scripts execution after each build?  As a test lead what are are your responsibilit responsibilities ies in ur current current project at at NJM ? (if there there in resume resume as a Lead) Lead) How you managed the offshore and onsite team, meetings/KT sessions on Insurance domain? What type of reports can be generated using LISA while functional and performance testing?

9. Miscellaneous Questions: a. Is the assignment complete? If not, when will it be complete? Or Why are you wanting to leave it or wanting a different job? It’s almost came to an end and in Stabilization period.

b. Tell us about your working style. Structured , Results Driven and Time Driven: My working style as structured as possible, Day Started early morning Layout all tasks for that day assign priority and deadline of each task. Jump on it. If any other high priority task comes up I do restructure my plan accordingly. Quality: Quality Concern: Ensure 100% quality in all my assignments , so perform very precise verfification. Proactive: Proactive in taking assignments and proactive in contacting other teams to resolve issues/concerns in quick  way. c. Project Teams –how large are the teams you worked on? Ans : I was working in a project where we were 12 members in total…….in which we were 4 testers including the lead.

d. Do you prefer working on teams or working independently? Why? Ans: I can prefer both.. I prefer to work in a team as we get many more new ideas for testing, and like if I am struck somewhere I can take help of others and the same way I can help others, but if I have to work independently then also I can manage to do that. e. Work Environment  Are you okay with working in a project room with other People? Privacy is limited and there can be distractions. Are you able to work in that kind of environment? Ans: Actually in my previous project, complete team use to sit in a room that helped us a lot in like if I found an error, then n there I use to ask my developer and find out if that’s an valid defect or no, instead of raising a defect  which is invalid and takes a lot of time to come back again to me. f. Are you planning to relocate here or are you going to commute? Ans : Yes. I am ready to relocate to Madison. g. Do you have any Mentoring experience? Yes. I do. Whenever my lead went out he asked me to get the status from my team other test members. I took  status from team and assign the work where ever needed and send send the report to my lead.

h. Availability I can join as soon as possible, able to join date mentioned in requirement. j. Do you have experience with the coordinator, test manger and simulators on servers? a. Looking for answer around setting up a test environment outside of their local local pc (NO).

8. Do you want to say anything else which we haven’t covered? Or DO you have Questions for me? Ans: Yes. Looks like u covered everything as for as my qa experience.

**Ask following Questions to interviewer: one after another… I would like to know about project? Technologies used in Project? Which SDLC they Used for this? QA Team Strength? After completion of these questions… Thank you very much for giving an opportunity to have this interview.