Penetration Tester
Ethically hack systems to find vulnerabilities before malicious actors do.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers are the ethical hackers who help organizations find and fix vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. The role combines deep technical knowledge with creative thinking and strong communication skills. With the cybersecurity talent gap widening, experienced pentesters are among the most sought-after professionals in tech, with opportunities in consultancies, enterprises, and independent contracting.
Skills
LinkedIn Optimization
- 1
Share CTF achievements and writeups
- 2
Post about interesting vulnerability classes
- 3
Highlight OSCP, OSCE, or similar certifications
- 4
Connect with security consultancies and red teams
- 5
Contribute to bug bounty programs publicly
CV & Resume
- 1
Highlight certifications: OSCP, OSWE, CRTO
- 2
Include bug bounty achievements and CVEs found
- 3
Detail types of assessments performed
- 4
Show report writing and communication skills
- 5
Include CTF rankings and competition results
Outreach Strategy
- 1
Reference their bug bounty program if they have one
- 2
Share relevant pentesting case studies
- 3
Demonstrate responsible disclosure track record
- 4
Connect with their red team members
- 5
Offer insights on their public-facing security
Interview Prep
- 1
Prepare to demonstrate live hacking skills
- 2
Review OWASP Top 10 in depth
- 3
Show methodical approach to testing
- 4
Demonstrate clear technical communication
A day as Penetration Tester
Scope engagement with client, perform reconnaissance, run automated scans, manual testing of applications and networks, exploit vulnerabilities, document findings, write detailed reports with remediation recommendations.
Career Path
Common mistakes
Only listing tools without showing methodology
Not having OSCP or equivalent certification
Ignoring report writing skills on CV
Not showing business communication ability
Focusing only on technical exploits without risk assessment
Essential tools
FAQ
Average salary for a Penetration Tester?
The average salary for a Penetration Tester in Europe ranges between 55K - 100K EUR. This varies by experience, location, and company type.
Key skills for a Penetration Tester?
Main technical skills: Web App Testing, Network Pentesting, Social Engineering, Exploit Development, Report Writing. Soft skills like communication and teamwork are equally important.
Career path for a Penetration Tester?
Typical path: Junior Pentester > Penetration Tester > Senior Pentester > Red Team Lead > Principal Security Consultant > Head of Offensive Security.