At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Cyber Team as a Junior Penetration Tester and tackle real-world security challenges.
- Company: URM Consulting, part of Cooper Parry Digital, focused on cyber security and resilience.
- Benefits: Hybrid role, generous holiday, ongoing development support, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Turn your passion for ethical hacking into a career and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and some exposure to programming or penetration testing tools.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Ready to turn your passion for ethical hacking into a career? We’re on the lookout for a curious, driven Junior Penetration Tester to join our growing Cyber Team. This is your chance to sharpen your skills, learn from experienced professionals, and make a real impact helping organisations stay secure. You’ll kick things off with our structured training programme, giving you the foundations and confidence to step into client engagements. From there, you’ll get hands-on experience testing systems, uncovering vulnerabilities, and helping businesses strengthen their defences.
What you'll be getting stuck into:
- Taking part in real-world penetration testing engagements (web apps, networks, and even social engineering)
- Identifying vulnerabilities and thinking creatively about how they could be exploited
- Turning technical findings into clear, impactful recommendations for clients
- Supporting the creation of client reports and presentations
- Collaborating with senior testers and learning from their expertise
- Contributing to internal tools, knowledge sharing, and team innovation
- Continuously building your skills through training, certifications, and self-learning
If you’re someone who loves figuring out how things work (and how they break), you’ll fit right in.
About you...
You’re naturally curious, always asking “what if?” and never satisfied with surface-level answers. You enjoy solving problems, learning new tools, and staying up to date in a fast-moving field.
What will make you shine:
- A solid understanding of core cyber security and computer science concepts (networking, operating systems, protocols)
- Some exposure to programming (Python, C#, C++, Java or similar)
- Familiarity with penetration testing tools or methodologies (even at a basic level)
- The motivation to work towards certifications like OSCP, PNTP, CREST or Burp Suite Certified Practitioner
- Strong communication skills – you can explain technical findings in a way that makes sense
- A proactive mindset and a genuine eagerness to learn
- A degree in cyber security, computer science, or a related field is great, but not essential. If you’ve got the skills and drive, we want to hear from you.
About us...
URM Consulting is all about helping organisations stay secure, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next. Since 2005, we’ve supported hundreds of businesses across areas like cyber security, data protection, and risk management. Now part of the Cooper Parry Digital rocketship, we’re growing fast and pushing boundaries—while staying true to what matters: great people, great ideas, and meaningful impact.
What's in it for you?
- Hybrid role with travel to our Reading office
- Generous holiday allowance
- Ongoing support for your development and certifications
- A collaborative, close-knit team where knowledge sharing is the norm
- The freedom and trust to work in a way that suits you
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. When you thrive, we thrive. Feeling supported and welcomed is such a big part of bringing your whole self to work. As an equal opportunities employer, we’ll work with you to ensure you have everything you need to develop your skills and achieve your best.
Get in touch if you have any questions about our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion or about accessibility/accommodations during your application process.
Junior Penetration Tester employer: Cooper Parry
Cooper Parry is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative culture, making it an ideal place for a Senior NetSuite Functional Consultant to thrive. With generous holiday allowances and a commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying the flexibility of a largely remote role. The opportunity to build strong client relationships and engage in meaningful projects further enhances the rewarding experience of working with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Penetration Tester
✨Get Involved in Cybersecurity Communities
Join local cybersecurity meetups and online forums like Reddit or Discord. These communities are often buzzing with opportunities and can lead to job openings at companies like Cooper Parry. Plus, you’ll pick up valuable insights from experienced pros!
✨Show Off Your Skills Publicly
Contribute to open-source projects or try your hand at Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions. This not only hones your skills but provides solid evidence of your capabilities that we can showcase when applying for the trainee role at Cooper Parry.
✨Utilise University Career Services
As a trainee, take full advantage of your uni's career services. They often have ties with companies and can connect you to internships or trainee roles. Get involved in campus cybersecurity events, as they can be a gateway to meeting the right people.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you're ready to apply for that exciting trainee position at Cooper Parry, don't forget to submit your application through our website. It'll make your application stand out and we love to see interested candidates taking that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Penetration Tester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Cybersecurity is all about your technical know-how, so make sure to highlight any relevant coding languages or security protocols you've learned. If you've dabbled in penetration testing or familiarised yourself with tools like Wireshark or Metasploit, don't hold back – make it known!
Emphasise Your Eagerness to Learn:As a trainee, your potential will be more important than your experience. Use your cover letter to express your passion for cybersecurity and your motivation to absorb knowledge. Share any relevant coursework, certifications, or personal projects that show your drive and commitment to the field.
Tailor Your CV to Cybersecurity:Don't just list generic job experiences; instead, focus on roles or projects that showcase your problem-solving skills and attention to detail. If you have participated in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions or completed online courses, make sure they shine on your CV. They matter!
Craft a Concise and Relevant Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter for Cooper Parry as a trainee in cybersecurity, keep it clear and to the point. Highlight your relevant skills and why you’re excited about learning and developing in this industry. Remember, we're looking for your personality as much as your credentials!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry
✨Brush Up on Cybersecurity Fundamentals
As we're diving into a trainee role in cybersecurity, make sure you’re well-versed in the basics like network security, encryption, and firewall technologies. Expect some technical questions that test your understanding of these fundamentals, so grab those textbooks or online courses and give them a quick review!
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Even though you’re applying for a trainee position, having hands-on experience can really set you apart. If you've worked on any personal projects, like setting up a home lab or participating in hackathons, be ready to share those experiences during the interview. It shows your passion and willingness to learn in a practical sense!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect real-world scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. Interviewers often present hypothetical security breaches or vulnerabilities and ask how you'd respond. Practising these scenarios can help us articulate our thought processes and demonstrate our analytical skills effectively.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your motivation and eagerness to learn are what they're really after. Make sure to express your interest in new technologies and staying updated on industry trends. It's also a good idea to cite any relevant cybersecurity certifications you’re pursuing or considering—this shows initiative and commitment!
