[kapilkaisare]

As someone living close to you(Pune, MH), I think I can offer relevant advice:

First, realize - and I think you do already - that the days of the software tester are over. Only if you are working at the larger firms (read Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro) will your skills be called for in a full time context; even here, the scene is rapidly changing.

Second, PHP is very easy to learn and easy to produce something useful in. It is also in greater demand here than Python or Ruby. This will get you a job fast. Focus on core PHP5, learn to use Smarty, practise writing a few Joomla plugins and you will have a sellable skill.

Third: if you choose to go with PHP, get the ZCE certification. This will help you skip the technical rounds at several companies (This is not a good practise, but you sound like you need whatever you can get your hands on).

Fourth, learn MySQL to the point where constructing joins is second nature. If you want to, get the CMDEV certifications.

Fifth, learn HTML5 and CSS3; even if you don't use them alot at work(likely if you're working at a Joomla shop), knowing these will help you clear interviews. In any case, being ahead of the curve never hurt.

Sixth, and this is very important during a jobhunt: do not get desperate. Recruiters can smell desperation a mile away and will negotiate you down to a horrible wage if you let them. Don't. Also, make a point to distinguish between companies, and favor those that ask you tougher technical questions during your interview. You are likely to learn more from such a place.

Finally, if you must stick to testing, learn white box testing in any particular language(Java recommended) and/or learn Selenium thoroughly. There are still pockets around that hire skillsets like those.

Feel free to pass me a copy of your resume; I'll forward it to a friend I know who's doing reasonably well in the testing domain.

Good luck.

[locopati]

The needs for good software testers are greater now than they've ever been. There's more software, there's higher demand for fast turnaround and agile production code. Big companies still don't devote enough resources to testing so anyone who can make a lot out of a little is highly valued.

If you enjoy software testing (and not everyone does), but if you really do enjoy it, become more technical. Read books - anything by James Whittaker, for example. If you want to focus on web applications: learn Selenium in-and-out (it's the best around for testing webapps); learn Ruby to drive Selenium (Java also works, but for speedier scripting and turnaround, I think Ruby is better); learn how the web works (HTTP and what goes on under the hood) and understand web services (RESTful architecture versus SOAP versus RPC) and how to test web services (easier than applications, really).

If you're not into web applications, follow the same pattern: testing tools, language to automate those tools, domain knowledge.

[ido]

I am surprised you recommend getting certifications - I have never seen anywhere where those are held to be of any sort of value, especially if you have a computer science degree (I've been working as a programmer for 9 years at 4 different companies - I've been through my share of interviews).

Might be an Indian thing?

[rnicholson]

A few recruiters and HR departments, that I've seen, do value technical certifications. Depends on the job.

Personally, I'm not a firm believer in valuing technical certifications as worthless. Overly valued by some, sure, but not worthless.

[kapilkaisare]

Recruiters and HR departments value tech certifications because it means they don't have to test the technical knowledge of the candidate themselves. This saves time and acts as a 'useful' filter when they are processing resumes en masse.

To clarify, you wouldn't expect to see this followed at a company where its programmers are first class citizens; these guys tend to be real thorough.

[vegai]

"First, realize - and I think you do already - that the days of the software tester are over."

That's not quite true. Outsourcing testing work is much safer for western companies than outsourcing more demanding work.

[crysis]

thank you for the advice. I sent you an email. take a look when you get time.