Are you an aspiring penetration tester looking to work with real threats, real tools, and real impact?
You’ll be joining a growing cyber security consultancy focused exclusively on keeping critical national infrastructure secure. You’ll support a team of expert ethical hackers, helping test systems, applications, and networks for vulnerabilities - working alongside seasoned professionals while sharpening your offensive security skills.
Expect to contribute to hands-on pen testing engagements, conduct vulnerability assessments, and support threat hunting within a well-established SOC. You\'ll develop your skills using industry-standard tools, investigate incidents, and provide actionable remediation advice.
Role: Junior Penetration Tester
Location: London / Hybrid
Salary: £30,000 - £50,000 (DOE)
Ideally, you’ll have:
- 6+ months of proven penetration or security testing experience
- Knowledge of Metasploit, Burp Suite, and vulnerability scanning tools
- Experience with Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems
- Interest in threat hunting, incident response, and security monitoring
- CRT / OSCP / Cyber Scheme training or aspirations to achieve them
- Eligibility for UK Security Clearance
If you\'re looking to build a long-term cyber career and be part of a collaborative security team on real-world projects from day one, click apply - interview slots are available.
We are an equal opportunity recruitment company. This means we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation or age.
We are particularly invested in Neurodiversity inclusion and offer reasonable adjustments in the interview process. Reasonable adjustments are changes that we can make in the interview process if your disability puts you at a disadvantage compared with others who are not disabled. If you would benefit from a reasonable adjustment in your interview process, please call or email one of our recruiters.
Junior Penetration Tester in Chesterfield employer: Big Red Recruitment
At Big Red Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Our hybrid work model in Coventry not only offers flexibility but also comes with a competitive benefits package, including 28 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and dedicated employee assistance, ensuring that our team members feel valued and supported in their professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Penetration Tester in Chesterfield
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Big Red Recruitment, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Big Red Recruitment
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Big Red Recruitment. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Big Red Recruitment insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Big Red Recruitment that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Red Recruitment
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Big Red Recruitment to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Big Red Recruitment.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
