Modernize

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of quality engineering at a software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Modernize?

We needed help with application testing staffing. We needed people to execute manual tests. We had one individual on our team, but they transitioned to the engineering department and became a developer. Once they left, we hired an automation engineer to focus primarily on automation. I needed staff to run the manual tests because I didn't have any. It wasn't even adding to my team—I just didn't have those positions filled. I was looking to find people who did the job well, worked well with the team, worked well as a team, worked well with the developer side, and worked well with the whole engineering organization.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Modernize provided us with two contract employees to help us with application testing. They went through a training and onboarding period lasting about 1–2 weeks. We have a plan for every new employee, and they went through that plan. Once they were familiar with our business model, the applications we were testing, and the tools we were using for testing, we had them start executing tests.

We used Linear for our ticketing system, Postman for our automation, and JumpCloud for security management. Most of our applications were Android-based, so we used various web browsers and pieces of hardware, such as tablets, phones, and streaming TV boxes. I transitioned the two individuals from contract positions through Modernize to full-time employees of our company.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the two hires, Jonathan from Modernize, and their accounting department. 

How did you come to work with Modernize?

I knew Jonathan, a recruiter, and I worked with him previously. I had used another agency for the same positions, but those people didn’t work out. When they didn’t work out, I reached out to Jonathan.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent under $260,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March to December 2024.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

When they transitioned to full-time employees, our goal was met. They were a good fit for the team and worked well with the whole engineering team. Modernize provided the resources I needed at the time. The overall goal of having them transition to full-time was what I was looking for. Modernize did an excellent job. 

How did Modernize perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered on time and within budget. We used Zoom meetings and Slack for messaging. We met in person every other month.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I want to give a shout-out to Jonathan. He did a great job trying to understand what you're looking for. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't have much criticism for them. Early on, Modernize was different from past engagements. The previous company had an application their contractors used to enter their hours. I could access that application and see how many hours they worked every day and week. I could compare the hours to the invoice sent by the accounting department.

Modernize didn't have an application for tracking their hours, so I had to find one. They should provide one so I can compare their hours to the invoices.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you are hesitant about the interviewing process or if the candidates have any questions or doubts, communicate that immediately to Modernize so they can adjust their search and fulfillment process for you. I found them to be very responsive to that kind of feedback.