Pentest
Pentest, short for Penetration Testing, is like hiring professional "good hackers" to test how secure a company's computer systems are. Think of it as hiring someone to try to break into your house (with permission) to show you where you need better locks. These specialists use the same tools and methods that malicious hackers might use, but do it legally and safely to help organizations improve their security. You might also see this called "ethical hacking" or "security assessment" in job descriptions.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Pentest activities for 20+ enterprise clients, identifying critical security vulnerabilities
Led Penetration Testing projects for financial sector clients
Performed Pen Testing and vulnerability assessments for cloud-based applications
Typical job title: "Penetration Testers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Penetration Testers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Conferences & Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you plan and manage a large-scale penetration testing project?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project planning, risk assessment, coordinating with client teams, managing testing schedules, prioritizing findings, and creating comprehensive reports that business leaders can understand.
Q: How do you stay current with the latest security threats and testing methods?
Expected Answer: Should mention following security news, participating in security communities, continuous learning through certifications, and practical experience through platforms like Hack The Box or bug bounty programs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for documenting and reporting security findings?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they document vulnerabilities, assess risk levels, provide clear reproduction steps, and create reports that both technical and non-technical stakeholders can understand.
Q: How do you prioritize which security vulnerabilities to address first?
Expected Answer: Should discuss risk assessment methods, understanding business impact, considering ease of exploitation, and balancing security risks with business needs.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the difference between a vulnerability scan and a penetration test?
Expected Answer: Should explain that vulnerability scans are automated tools that find known issues, while penetration testing involves human expertise to actively test security like a real attacker would.
Q: What basic tools do you use for penetration testing?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with common security testing tools and explain their basic uses in simple terms, showing understanding of when to use different tools.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic security testing tools usage
- Understanding of common vulnerabilities
- Simple security assessments
- Basic report writing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex security assessments
- Advanced tool usage
- Detailed vulnerability analysis
- Clear technical documentation
Senior (5+ years)
- Project leadership
- Advanced attack techniques
- Risk assessment
- Client relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic security concepts
- Lack of proper documentation skills
- No knowledge of legal and ethical boundaries
- Poor communication skills with non-technical staff
- No practical hands-on experience
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