16 Essential Quality Analyst Skills Needed to Get Hired

January 25, 2025 INDUSTRY INSIGHT
employees in an office - Quality Analyst Skills

Consider you are a healthcare administrator looking to hire a data scientist to help your organization make sense of a mountain of numbers. After posting your job opening, dozens of candidates respond. You are thrilled until you realize you don’t know how to hire data scientists who understand the kind of data your organization collects or how to manage and analyze it.

You need someone with specialized skills to improve your operations. You need to focus on quality analyst skills. Quality analysts help ensure high standards for data, especially data collected for research or informed decision-making. Understanding how to hire data scientists with strong quality analyst skills will help you select the right candidate for your healthcare organization.

This guide will outline quality analyst skills so you can get familiar with them before your first interview.  Azulity’s provider credentialing services can help you achieve your objective by improving healthcare data quality.

Responsibilities of Quality Analyst

women on a laptop - Quality Analyst Skills

Analyzing Statistical Data 

A quality analyst analyzes statistical data related to production processes and product quality. This involves interpreting data from various sources to identify trends, variances, and areas of improvement.

Performing Quality Assurance Audits 

Conducting regular quality assurance audits is a key responsibility of a quality analyst. This involves evaluating various stages of production, processes, and final outputs to ensure they meet predefined quality standards.

Developing Quality Standards

Developing, reviewing, and updating quality standards is critical. A quality analyst works to establish clear quality benchmarks that align with customer expectations and industry norms.

Brainstorming Testing Processes

Creativity in developing and refining testing processes is vital. This includes designing tests that assess product or service quality, efficiency, and performance.

Monitoring and Reporting Data

Data regarding product quality and process efficiency must be continuously monitored. Reporting these findings to relevant stakeholders helps make informed decisions about improvements and corrections.

Ensuring User Expectations Are Met 

A fundamental duty of a quality analyst is ensuring that the end product or service meets or exceeds user expectations. This involves understanding customer needs and providing quality benchmarks that align with those needs.

Improving Products 

Quality analysts work towards continuous improvement of products. Identifying shortcomings and potential enhancements contributes to product development and refinement.

Making Recommendations for Repairing Defects

Identifying defects is only part of the job; a quality analyst also recommends solutions to rectify them, ensuring they are addressed promptly and efficiently.

Analyzing Test Results 

After conducting tests, it is essential to analyze the results to identify patterns, problems, and areas for improvement. This analysis helps refine products and processes.

Creating and Maintaining Test Documentation 

Proper documentation of test plans, procedures, results, and improvement recommendations is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring accountability.

Improving Processes

Beyond product quality, a quality analyst also focuses on improving production and operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance 

Ensuring that products and processes comply with local, national, and international regulatory requirements is a key responsibility of a quality analyst. This involves staying updated on relevant regulations and implementing necessary changes.

Related Reading

16 Essential Quality Analyst Skills Needed to Get Hired

employees in a meeting - Quality Analyst Skills

1. The Speedy Learner

A quality assurance analyst must be a fast learner. This individual should take the time to learn the ins and outs of your organization to improve the quality of your QA processes. A good QA analyst understands the procedures that govern the customer service operation and the defined metrics for success. They will quickly grasp the nuances of your business and the QA processes in place, helping to identify improvement opportunities and implement necessary changes for better outcomes. 

2. The Detail-Oriented Detective

Analytical skills are the cornerstone of a QA Analyst’s role. This skill set includes dissecting complex software systems, designing comprehensive test plans, and meticulously executing test cases. Attention to detail is critical, as QA Analysts must be able to identify even the most minor discrepancies and potential issues that could compromise software quality. Mastery of this skill ensures that products are thoroughly vetted before reaching the end-user.

3. The People Person

A strong QA analyst has to be a people person. Not only are quality assurance workers performing quality monitoring, but they are the glue between management and frontline staff. They make sure the entire organization stays aligned. A key quality analyst skill is confidence in communication. 

They must facilitate communication between management and frontline staff while also taking on the coach role. QA analysts work directly with frontline agents to improve customer service faux pas and recognize a well-done job. They must be comfortable giving constructive feedback without hurting anyone’s feelings. After all, agent empowerment is always a bonus in the contact center! 

4. The Tech Savvy Tester

Technical proficiency is a must-have for QA Analysts. This encompasses a deep understanding of software development life cycles, programming languages, and databases. Additionally, expertise in various testing tools and frameworks, such as Selenium, JIRA, or TestRail, is essential to manage test cases and defects efficiently. Staying abreast of the latest technological advancements allows QA Analysts to implement the most effective testing strategies.

5. The Problem Solver

QA Analysts must be adept problem-solvers with a knack for critical thinking. This skill involves identifying the root cause and thinking through complex problems to devise effective solutions. It’s about proactively preventing defects and continuously improving the quality assurance processes. A QA Analyst with strong problem-solving abilities is invaluable in minimizing the risk of software failures and ensuring a smooth user experience.

6. The Strong Written Communicator

Like possessing excellent verbal communication skills, being skilled in written communication is essential for almost any position in a contact center. However, crafting positive, informative, and brief written communication is crucial for quality assurance workers. Fortunately, written communication is a skill that can be taught. 

Good written communication can be part of your QA analyst development. One way to ensure your QA employees continue working on their writing skills is by rewarding them when they draft a thoughtful response. Training can be a game-changer for communication.

7. The Adaptable Learner

The tech industry is dynamic, with new methodologies and tools emerging regularly. QA Analysts must be adaptable, embrace change, and continuously learn to stay on top of industry trends. This skill set includes the willingness to learn new testing methodologies, such as shift-left testing or adopting Agile and DevOps practices. An adaptable QA Analyst committed to continuous learning is well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern software development and deliver products that exceed expectations.

8. The Empathetic Analyst

Over 90% of customers in recent surveys indicate they would switch to a competitive company if they have a terrible customer service experience. On the positive side, over 60% indicate they are willing to pay more for outstanding customer service. For these reasons, hiring quality assurance analysts who practice empathy and use strong emotional intelligence is essential. They will be more apt to notice quality errors in the empathy and EQ realms. 

Your ideal QA analyst understands multiple angles and can work with everyone to provide positive results. Having the potential to understand someone’s situation is essential, as they will better understand the “why” behind agents’ actions, customer satisfaction, and management procedures. By empathizing with everyone, QA analysts can better collaborate across the spectrum.

9. The Team Player

Teamwork feeds the company culture. And a positive company culture creates huge bottom-line benefits. With increased collaboration within the workplace, contact centers are likely to experience engaged employees, higher talent retention rates, and increased velocity and profitability. With widespread teamwork, employees are more likely to work hard and embrace challenges that take them to the next level. 

Analysts with excellent teamwork skills will know when to ask for help and where collaboration should be leveraged. It’s a bonus if an employee has leadership qualities to lead and guide their team or assist a struggling coworker. Even if you only have one quality assurance employee, teamwork skills are still valuable when they venture outside their department.

10. The Automation Expert

As we move into 2024, QA Analysts must be proficient in automation and scripting to keep pace with the rapid delivery cycles of modern software development. Mastery of automation frameworks and scripting languages enables QA Analysts to create efficient, repeatable, and scalable test processes. This skill is essential for validating complex systems and ensuring high-quality releases. QA Analysts who can automate routine tests free up valuable time to focus on exploratory testing and other high-value tasks, making them indispensable in a continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) environment.

11. The DevOps Guru

A deep understanding of DevOps and CI/CD practices is crucial for QA Analysts in 2024. As organizations strive for faster time-to-market and more frequent releases, QA Analysts must integrate smoothly into cross-functional teams. The ability to collaborate within a DevOps culture, where development, operations, and quality assurance work in unison, is key to maintaining the pace and quality of releases. QA Analysts skilled in these practices contribute to a more efficient pipeline, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing the overall software delivery process.

12. The Strategic Planner

Strategic test planning remains a core skill for QA Analysts as we enter 2024. The ability to design comprehensive test strategies that align with business goals and project timelines is vital. QA Analysts must be adept at risk assessment, resource allocation, and prioritizing test cases to maximize coverage with optimal effort. A well-crafted test plan ensures that critical functionalities are thoroughly vetted and that the product meets technical and user requirements. QA Analysts who excel in test planning will be pivotal in delivering functional products that meet the highest quality standards.

13. The Multifaceted Tester

In 2024, QA Analysts must have a broad knowledge of various testing types, including functional, non-functional, security, and accessibility testing. With software becoming more complex and user bases more diverse, it’s essential to ensure that applications are robust, secure, user-friendly, and accessible to all. QA Analysts who can apply the proper testing methodologies at the appropriate stages of development will be key in creating inclusive and resilient software products that cater to a broad audience and adhere to compliance standards.

14. The Goal-Setter

Being a great goal-setter is a quality analyst skill that will go a long way in your contact center. Having a QA worker able to set and accomplish goals is beneficial to the support team and the company as a whole. When quality assurance workers are focused on their goals, they’ll work to expand their skill sets and develop their careers. While all QA employees might share goals, setting individual goals tailored to each analyst will provide additional motivation. Most importantly, your quality assurance analysts can focus on solutions when they understand and align with the company’s goals.

15. The Customer Advocate

A customer-centric mindset is increasingly essential for QA Analysts as we look toward 2024. Understanding the end-user experience and anticipating customer needs is crucial for delivering software that functions correctly and delights users. QA Analysts must consider user scenarios, pain points, and usability to ensure that the product meets and exceeds customer expectations. Those who can empathize with users and advocate for their needs throughout the testing process will play a vital role in building products that achieve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

16. The Mission-Driven Employee

If employees believe in a company’s mission and vision, they’re much more likely to enjoy their scope of work and remain dedicated to their role. Mission and vision statements can give quality assurance analysts a goal to work toward and a clear understanding of the company’s overall purpose. If your employees don’t understand or buy into the mission, the company will have a more challenging time succeeding. The mission statement and values of the company should be something your employees genuinely connect with and are constantly working toward achieving. 

Azulity specializes in healthcare master data management and provider credentialing services, bringing proven expertise in implementing healthcare data solutions and credentialing across the US. Our comprehensive platform ensures consistent patient, provider, location, and claims data synchronization across all systems and departments. 

Key features include healthcare MDM, provider MDM, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. We serve healthcare technology leaders – from CIOs and CDOs to VPs of data platforms and credentialing – helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Book a call to learn more about our healthcare master data management services today!

How to Hire A Quality Analyst in 10 Steps

employees in a meeting - Quality Analyst Skills

1. Leverage Azulity to Find a Quality Analyst

Azulity focuses on healthcare master data management and provider credentialing services. They have proven expertise in implementing healthcare data solutions and credentialing across the U.S. Their platform ensures the consistent synchronization of patient, provider, location, and claims data across all systems and departments. 

Key features include healthcare MDM, provider MDM, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. Azulity serves healthcare technology leaders—from CIOs and CDOs to VPs of data platforms and credentialing—helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Want to learn more? Book a call with Azulity to discuss their healthcare master data management services today. 

2. Prepare Targeted Questions to Gauge Candidate Skills

Focus on developing a list of questions to help you assess the candidate’s technical skills, soft skills, and overall fit for the role. Include practical tests or coding challenges that will allow the candidate to demonstrate their skills and problem-solving abilities

3. Assess Technical and Interpersonal Skills

During the interview, evaluate the candidate’s technical expertise and interpersonal and communication skills. Quality analysts need solid technical skills to assess your existing systems, identify areas for improvement, and recommend solutions. However, they also need good people skills to communicate their findings to stakeholders across the organization effectively. 

4. Involve Team Members in Interviews

Include developers and other team members in the interview process to provide valuable insights and ensure a good fit within the team. Quality analysts often work closely with various organizational stakeholders, so it is essential to assess how well they will mesh with your existing team. 

5. Evaluate Cultural Fit and Alignment with Company Values

Determine whether the candidate’s values and work style align with your organization’s culture. Quality analysts must integrate into your organization to help eliminate existing data quality issues, so it’s crucial to ensure a good cultural fit. 

6. Consider the Candidate’s Experience and Skillset

Evaluate the candidate’s experience and skills concerning the specific requirements of your project. For instance, if your project involves a particular technology or data system, assess whether the candidate has relevant experience. 

7. Weigh the Importance of Cultural Fit

Consider the candidate’s ability to integrate into your team and adapt to your company culture. Quality analysts often liaise between IT and an organization’s business side. Therefore, they must possess excellent interpersonal skills to help improve data quality and facilitate smooth communication between both parties. 

8. Take Input from Team Members and Stakeholders

Gather feedback from those participating in the interview process to ensure a well-rounded decision. This will help you eliminate biases and choose the best candidate for your project. 

9. Evaluate the Potential for Long-Term Growth and Success

Consider whether the candidate can grow within your organization and contribute to its success in the long run. Look for candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt. 

10. Make a Competitive and Fair Offer

Present an attractive offer that reflects the candidate’s skills and experience, as well as the market rate for the role. Quality analysts are in high demand so they may have multiple options.

Related Reading

Where to Find Quality Analysts for Hiring

man on a laptop - Quality Analyst Skills

1. Azulity

Azulity focuses on healthcare master data management and provider credentialing services. The company has solid experience implementing healthcare data solutions and credentialing across the US. Azulity’s comprehensive platform consistently synchronizes patient, provider, location, and claims data across all systems and departments. 

Key features include healthcare master data management, provider master data management, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. The company serves healthcare technology leaders, including CIOs, CDOs, and VPs of data platforms and credentialing, helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Book a call today to learn more about Azulity’s healthcare master data management services.

2. Job Portals and Platforms

Hiring a Quality Analyst through job portals and platforms can help you find candidates quickly and efficiently. Here are the top sites to find QA talent: 

LinkedIn

Post job listings and use LinkedIn Recruiter to filter profiles based on QA skills, experience, and location. You can also search for candidates using relevant keywords like “Quality Analyst,” “QA Engineer,” or “Software Tester.” 

Indeed

Post detailed job descriptions on Indeed and review candidates’ resumes tailored to QA positions.

Glassdoor

Use Glassdoor for job postings and to build your employer brand to attract QA talent.

Naukri (for India)

Naukri is a popular job platform in India for finding QA professionals with varied skill levels.

Hired.com

Hired.com is a specialized platform for finding tech talent, including Quality Analysts, by skill set and salary expectations.

3. Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms allow you to hire Quality Analysts for short-term or project-based needs. Here are four options to consider:

Upwork

Upwork is ideal for finding freelance QA professionals for short-term or project-based needs.

Toptal

Toptal provides access to highly vetted QA professionals.

Fiverr

Fiverr suits smaller projects or testing requirements where freelancers with QA expertise are available.

Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is another option for finding freelancers for quality analysis tasks.

4. QA-Specific Job Boards

Quality assurance-specific job boards can connect you with candidates explicitly looking for QA roles. Here are some of the top niche platforms to find a QA professional: 

QAJobs.net

QAJobs.net is a niche platform dedicated to QA professionals.

SoftwareTestingHelp Job Board

The SoftwareTestingHelp job board is part of the SoftwareTestingHelp community, connecting QA professionals to job opportunities.

Test Automation Jobs (Slack) 

Test Automation Jobs is a Slack community that shares job openings for QA and automation testing roles.

5. Tech Communities and Forums

You can also find QAs by looking in tech communities and forums. Here are some of the best online spaces to find potential candidates: 

GitHub

On GitHub, you can review profiles of contributors who may have QA-related repositories or projects.

Stack Overflow Jobs

Stack Overflow has a job board where you can find QA professionals. You can also engage with active contributors using the QA tag.

Reddit

You can explore subreddits like r/QualityAssurance, r/softwaretesting, or r/ITCareerQuestions to find QA candidates for job postings.

6. Networking Events and Meetups

Networking can help you find qualified Quality Analysts. Here are some ways to leverage your professional network: 

Meetup.com

Meetup.com can help you look for QA or software testing meetups in your area so you can network with professionals.

Tech Conferences and Events

Attending QA-focused events like TestCon, Agile Testing Days, or SeleniumConf can help you connect with candidates.

University Partnerships

Partner with universities offering computer science or software engineering programs. Look for students interested in quality assurance for internships or entry-level roles.

7. Social Media and Online Communities

Social media is another place where you can connect with Quality Analysts. Here are a few options to consider: 

Facebook Groups

Facebook has groups like “Software Testing Club” or “QA and Testing Professionals” where you can connect with potential candidates.

Twitter

On Twitter, you can follow QA professionals and engage with those sharing insights and expertise in quality analysis.

Discord Servers

Communities like “Software Testing & QA” on Discord may help you connect with QA professionals.

8. Employee Referrals

Employee referrals are effective for finding qualified candidates. Here’s how to implement a referral strategy: 

  • Ask current employees to refer skilled Quality Analysts from their network.
  • Offer referral bonuses to incentivize high-quality leads.

9. Staffing Agencies and Headhunters

Staffing agencies and headhunters can help you find skilled Quality Analysts faster. Work with agencies specializing in tech talent, such as: 

  • Robert Half Technology
  • Modis
  • Insight Global

10. Other Sources

Finally, consider these additional sources for finding QA professionals. 

Hackathons

QA-focused hackathons often attract professionals with practical skills.

Professional Certifications

Look for certified professionals through organizations like ISTQB or CAST.

QA Training Programs

Partner with training centers or boot camps specializing in software testing and quality analysis.

Book a Call to Learn More About Our Provider Credentialing Services

Azulity specializes in healthcare master data management and provider credentialing services, bringing proven expertise in implementing healthcare data solutions and credentialing across the US. Our comprehensive platform ensures consistent patient, provider, location, and claims data synchronization across all systems and departments. 

Key features include healthcare MDM, provider MDM, reference data management, credentialing, and provider enrollment. We serve healthcare technology leaders – from CIOs and CDOs to VPs of data platforms and credentialing – helping them eliminate the costly problems of fragmented data systems. Book a call to learn more about our healthcare master data management services today!

Related Reading