Resume Example
Penetration Tester Resume Example
Highlight offensive testing, vulnerability discovery, and clear remediation guidance. This sample focuses on impact.
Modern Minimal
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Keywords
Sample bullets
- Identified 35 critical vulnerabilities across 12 applications, enabling remediation in 30 days.
- Reduced repeat findings by 45% through secure coding playbooks.
- Led red team exercises that improved detection coverage by 25%.
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking
- Ethical judgment
- Clear reporting
- Curiosity
Certifications
- OSCP
- CEH
- CompTIA PenTest+
- GPEN
- OSCE
Why this works
- Shows measurable vulnerability reduction.
- Highlights strong reporting and remediation partnership.
- Demonstrates coverage across web, API, and cloud.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Penetration Tester Resume
Lead with testing scope and findings
Feature types of penetration tests performed, systems tested, and critical findings identified. Include testing methodologies and compliance frameworks. Show security testing expertise.
Showcase technical capabilities
Include web app, network, mobile, and cloud testing experience. Feature exploitation techniques, tool proficiency, and custom tool development.
Demonstrate reporting and communication
Highlight report quality, executive briefings, and remediation guidance. Show ability to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Feature certifications and credentials
Include OSCP, GPEN, CEH, or other relevant certifications. Show commitment to professional development in offensive security.
Include red team and advanced testing
Detail red team exercises, social engineering, and advanced persistent threat simulation if applicable. Show depth beyond standard penetration testing.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Penetration Tester conducting 50+ assessments annually across web, network, and cloud environments. Identified critical vulnerabilities in 85% of engagements. OSCP and GPEN certified with expertise in API and mobile testing.”
Shows volume, finding rate, certifications, and specializations.
“Senior Security Consultant leading red team engagements for Fortune 500 clients. Developed custom exploitation tools adopted by security team. Zero security incidents during testing across 5-year career.”
Demonstrates enterprise experience, tool development, and safety record.
“Penetration tester with experience in security testing.”
No volume, finding types, or certifications mentioned.
“Experienced in vulnerability assessment and ethical hacking.”
Too vague about testing scope and doesn't show expertise.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Penetration Tester Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying testing types and volume
- ✗Missing certifications (OSCP, GPEN, etc.)
- ✗Omitting critical finding rates
- ✗Being vague about technical expertise
- ✗Not showing reporting and communication
- ✗Failing to demonstrate methodology knowledge
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 72,000-95,000 | EUR 50,000-65,000 | CAD 65,000-85,000 |
| Mid | USD 100,000-130,000 | EUR 65,000-85,000 | CAD 90,000-110,000 |
| Senior | USD 130,000-180,000+ | EUR 85,000-120,000 | CAD 110,000-150,000 |
Market themes
- High remote flexibility
- Bug bounty experience is valued
- Cloud and API testing skills are emerging
US hot markets
- Washington DC
- San Francisco
- New York
- Seattle
EU hot markets
- London
- Frankfurt
- Munich
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Ottawa
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should penetration testers emphasize?
Vulnerability discovery, remediation outcomes, and reporting clarity.
Which metrics help most?
Critical findings, remediation time, and repeat issue reduction.
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