You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for penetration tester
Explore additional penetration tester cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Penetration Tester
- Highlighting key achievements, such as improving system resilience by 30% in the Junior Cyber Security Analyst role, demonstrates a proven impact in the field.
- Emphasising relevant certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) showcases the candidate's specialised training.
- Mentioning specific tasks, such as developing a security automation script, underlines the candidate's proactive approach to optimising security processes.
- Referencing participation in Capture The Flag (CTF) events illustrates hands-on experience and a commitment to continuous learning in penetration testing.
Senior Penetration Tester
- Highlighting the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification as it is a recognised standard in the field of cyber security, thus demonstrating advanced knowledge and credibility.
- Emphasising extensive experience in penetration testing and IT Health Checks under the government CHECK scheme, showing proficiency in industry-standard procedures which is crucial for a penetration tester role.
- Demonstrating the ability to lead and collaborate, as evidenced by the organisation of training sessions and collaboration on international security projects, which showcases teamwork and leadership capabilities essential for senior roles.
- Underscoring achievements such as reducing system vulnerabilities and automating testing processes highlights measurable impact and value brought to previous employers, an attractive quality for potential employers.
Lead Penetration Tester
- Technical Expertise and Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights Amelia's technical expertise in penetration testing and security strategies, showcasing significant achievements like streamlining testing processes with automation and improving vulnerability detection rates.
- Leadership Experience: It emphasises leadership skills by detailing Amelia's role in overseeing a team of penetration testers, training programs, and collaboration efforts with cross-functional teams, which are crucial for a Lead Penetration Tester role.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: Mentioning certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and specialised courses like Advanced Exploit Development aligns her qualifications with industry standards, demonstrating commitment to professional growth and credibility.
- Strong Communication Skills: The importance of stakeholder communication is underscored in the achievements section, especially during security incidents, which is critical for maintaining trust and transparency in cybersecurity roles.
Associate Penetration Tester
- Emphasise specific technical skills relevant to the role, such as "Python" and "AWS," showcasing your ability to meet job requirements and contribute effectively.
- Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your impact, such as "leading a security project that reduced vulnerabilities by 40%" to illustrate your competence and successful track record.
- Mention pertinent certifications like "Advanced Web Application Security Testing" to showcase your specialised knowledge and commitment to professional development in cybersecurity.
- Include examples of collaboration and leadership, such as "supervised a team of 5 penetration testers," to demonstrate your ability to manage teams and work in a collaborative environment.
Principal Penetration Tester
- The cover letter effectively highlights specific certifications such as the CompTIA Security+ and GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED), which are particularly relevant for a cybersecurity role, enhancing credibility and demonstrating specialised knowledge.
- Emphasising experience in leading penetration tests and identifying vulnerabilities in a significant percentage of network assessments showcases practical expertise and a proactive approach to threat detection, which is crucial for a Cybersecurity Specialist position.
- Mentioning achievements like reducing threat response times by 20% and implementing innovative security measures provides concrete evidence of the candidate’s impact and effectiveness in previous roles, strengthening their suitability for future responsibilities.
- The inclusion of passions such as cybersecurity innovations reflects a genuine interest and commitment to the field, suggesting a continuous drive to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies, which is valuable for ongoing professional development and success.
By Role
Penetration Tester Manager
- Emphasising leadership experience by highlighting the candidate's role as a team lead in penetration testing and their success in mentoring junior testers and improving team performance.
- Highlighting specialised certifications such as OSCP and CREST CRT, which are significant for a cyber security expert role, demonstrating the candidate's advanced skills and commitment to professional development.
- Mentioning specific achievements like enhancing cybersecurity efficiency by 30% or leading a project that resulted in a 40% improvement in security measures, showcasing the candidate's ability to deliver tangible results.
- Demonstrating a well-rounded skillset including social engineering, vulnerability assessments, and experience with cloud platforms, which are crucial for a penetration testing role.
Freelance Penetration Tester
- Highlighting industry-recognised certifications such as CREST Practitioner and Registered Intrusion Analyst can significantly bolster credibility for a role in cybersecurity training.
- Emphasising concrete achievements, like increasing trainee proficiency scores by 40% or enhancing cyber threat response rates, demonstrates tangible impact and effectiveness in past roles.
- Detailing collaborative international projects, like reducing incident response times through hands-on workshops, showcases the ability to work effectively across borders and adapt to diverse environments.
- Mentioning a strong educational background, such as a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, underscores the formal academic preparation behind the practical expertise presented in the rest of the cover letter.
Ethical Hacker Penetration Tester
- Highlighting specialised certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), which are pertinent for an Ethical Hacking Specialist, demonstrating the candidate's advanced skills and commitment to continuous learning in cybersecurity.
- Emphasising leadership experience in roles like "Ethical Hacking Lead" where managing and improving team performance is crucial, showcasing the ability to lead security initiatives effectively.
- Illustrating a proven track record through measurable achievements, such as improving threat detection efficiency by 40%, which aligns with the role's objective of maintaining robust security measures.
- Including practical examples of integrating security solutions into business frameworks, such as reducing incident response times by 30%, aligns with the role's focus on proactive risk management and strategic planning.
Penetration Tester Consultant
- Highlighting Relevant Certifications: Mentioning SC Clearance, CTL/CSTL certifications, and completed courses like CEH and OSCP demonstrates specialised knowledge and qualifications crucial for penetration testing roles.
- Specific Achievements with Quantifiable Outcomes: Each experience section includes measurable results (e.g., increasing security by 30%, reducing report generation time by 20%), which reinforces the candidate's effectiveness and impact in previous roles.
- Technical Skill Emphasis: Listing technical skills such as Penetration Testing, Cyber Security, and Network Security aligns well with the requirements of a Senior Penetration Tester, signalling the readiness to tackle the role’s challenges.
- Mentoring and Leadership: Highlighting experience in mentoring junior consultants and leading teams showcases leadership abilities, essential for senior-level positions.
Penetration Tester Analyst
- Highlighted Specialist Certifications: Featuring certifications such as the Certified Expert Penetration Tester and GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development in cybersecurity.
- Quantifiable Impact and Achievements: Detailed accomplishments, like reducing vulnerabilities by 50% or increasing team productivity by 25%, provide clear, measurable evidence of success and effectiveness in the role.
- Emphasis on Mentoring and Leadership: The cover letter underscores the candidate's experience in mentoring junior testers and leading teams, which is crucial for roles that require leadership and skill development of staff.
- Technical and Strategic Expertise: The inclusion of both technical skills (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite) and strategic initiatives (e.g., implementing security protocols, steering improvement initiatives) highlights the ability to operate both tactically and strategically within cybersecurity roles.
Penetration Tester Specialist
- Highlight relevant certifications: Mentioning certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is crucial as they are highly regarded in the cyber security field.
- Emphasise specific skills: The cover letter underscores key skills like Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Management, and the use of automated tools, which are critical for the role of Penetration Testing Specialist.
- Showcase proven achievements: Detailing accomplishments, such as leading a team to perform over 500 penetration tests annually or developing a vulnerability management system that improved threat detection by 40%, effectively highlights the candidate's impact.
- Demonstrate leadership and collaboration: Providing examples of leadership in security initiatives and collaboration with cross-functional teams enhances the candidate's profile, showcasing not only technical expertise but also managerial and team-working capabilities.
By Industry
Cybersecurity Penetration Tester
- Relevant Certifications: Including the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and CompTIA PenTest+ certifications showcase in-depth knowledge and specialised skills in penetration testing, which are crucial for a Cyber Security Consultant role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Highlighting the 30% reduction in security breaches and the 95% client satisfaction rate demonstrates Evie's effective contributions and ability to deliver impactful results, reinforcing her expertise in cyber security and client management.
- Technical Proficiency: Emphasising proficiency in tools like Kali Linux, BurpSuite, and Nessus indicates hands-on experience with essential pen testing tools, further solidifying technical competence required for the role.
- Leadership and Influence: Mentioning the management of a team and the execution of critical projects underlines Evie's ability to lead initiatives and influence security outcomes, a valuable skill for a consultant who needs to drive change within organisations.
Financial Systems Penetration Tester
- Emphasises relevant certifications such as the CREST Certified Tester - Infrastructure and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), demonstrating proficiency in advanced ethical hacking techniques and pen testing fundamentals.
- Highlights specific achievements such as increasing threat detection by 40% and reducing incident response time by 15%, showcasing the applicant's capability to enhance cybersecurity measures.
- Mentions collaboration with various teams and consulting on cryptographic implementations, indicating strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across divisions to improve security culture.
- Details extensive experience in handling vulnerabilities, boasting over 200 network vulnerabilities identified and mitigated, which illustrates a robust track record in cybersecurity risk management.
Network Penetration Tester
- Relevance of Experience: Clearly demonstrate how your extensive experience in penetration testing and cyber security directly benefits the potential employer, showcasing your ability to reduce threats by significant percentages.
- Highlight Key Achievements: Emphasise your successes in enhancing network security, developing industry-standard security policies, and pioneering new testing methods to draw attention to your innovative contributions to the field.
- Specific Certifications: Include relevant certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to validate your expertise and reinforce your credentials in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
- Impactful Skill Set: List pertinent skills, such as ethical hacking and network security analysis, to clearly convey your capability in implementing holistic cyber security measures.
Application Penetration Tester
- Highlighting Relevant Certifications: The inclusion of certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Secure Code Review Specialist underscores specialised expertise crucial for the penetration tester role.
- Showcasing Impactful Experience: Detailing achievements like developing a threat modelling framework that substantially reduced security issues demonstrates capability in producing tangible results in application security.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Collaboration: Experience leading triage and validation teams, and collaborating with developers to enhance security reinforces leadership and team synergy skills vital for a security expert role.
- Emphasising Continuous Learning and Passion: Including passions related to cybersecurity innovations suggests a proactive approach towards staying current with industry trends, which is critical for keeping ahead of threats.
Wireless Penetration Tester
- Highlighting relevant experience in cybersecurity, such as Jack's experience as a Senior Penetration Tester at CyberGuard Technologies, showcases his expertise and suitability for advanced roles.
- Emphasising certifications such as "Certified Ethical Hacker" and "CompTIA Pentest+" demonstrates a commitment to staying updated with industry knowledge and technical skills, vital for a penetration tester role.
- Underscoring specific achievements, like reducing client vulnerabilities by 30% and enhancing security resilience by 40%, provides tangible evidence of impact and success in previous positions.
- Mentioning soft skills such as effective collaboration with stakeholders and delivering cybersecurity training sessions can highlight Jack's ability to work well within teams and manage client relationships.
Web Penetration Tester
- Relevant Experience and Achievements: The cover letter highlights a track record of delivering cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing quantifiable achievements like a 20% reduction in vulnerabilities and a 30% enhancement in application security at Aviva.
- Certification Emphasis: The mention of certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are particularly relevant for a Senior Security Engineer role, showcasing advanced skills in penetration testing and comprehensive knowledge of information security.
- Technical and Leadership Skills: Skills in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and collaboration with cross-functional teams demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to lead and communicate effectively across departments.
- Passion and Continuous Learning: Expressing an interest in staying updated with cybersecurity trends and advancements showcases dedication to the field, implying a proactive approach to learning and growth.
Mobile Penetration Tester
- Highlight relevant certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and AWS Certified Security - Specialty, which demonstrate proficiency in penetration testing and cloud security, critical for a Technical Security Consultant role.
- Emphasise key skills like Penetration Testing, Cloud Security, and Networking Protocols that align with the technical demands of cybersecurity consultancy, showcasing the candidate's expertise in these areas.
- Illustrate accomplishments with measurable outcomes, such as increasing client security ratings by 20% or reducing incident response time by 40%, to effectively convey the impact and success in previous roles.
- Include details of collaboration and leadership experience, like mentoring junior consultants and leading successful projects, to indicate the ability to work effectively in teams and lead initiatives vital for a consultancy position.
Cloud Penetration Tester
- Highlight Industry Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Chloe's extensive experience, with over 8 years in the cybersecurity field, showcasing her expertise and long-term commitment to this industry.
- Specific and Measurable Achievements: The letter uses specific metrics, such as a "30% reduction in security breaches" and a "40% reduction in response time," which provide concrete evidence of Chloe's impact and effectiveness.
- Relevant Certifications and Education: Mentioning the SANS GMOB certification and advanced degrees in Cyber Security aligns Chloe's qualifications with the advanced skills required for a cyber security specialist role.
- Technical Skills Emphasis: The letter effectively showcases key technical skills such as "Cloud Pentesting," "AWS," and "Kubernetes," which are crucial for the role of a Cyber Security Specialist, aligning her capabilities with industry needs.
Information Systems Penetration Tester
- Highlighting specific certifications such as the 'Certified Penetration Tester' and 'GIAC Security Essentials' which are pivotal for roles in offensive security and penetration testing, demonstrating advanced expertise.
- Emphasising substantial achievements like leading a team that decreased breaches by 25% and improving organisation's threat preparedness by 35%, which illustrate the candidate's tangible impact on cybersecurity effectiveness.
- Showcasing strong experience in developing and automating processes that enhance security architecture and response efficiency, underscoring the candidate's ability to innovate and streamline operations in information security.
- Detailing the progression and leadership roles across reputable companies like BAE Systems, Sophos, and Cisco Systems, reflecting the candidate's growth and reliability in the information security sector.
Penetration Tester cover letter example
Thomas Walker
Portsmouth, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
As a seasoned cybersecurity specialist, I was drawn to your company due to its reputed emphasis on innovative security practices and its commitment to safeguarding client data. I have followed your company’s contributions to the industry and am eager to bring my experience in advanced cyber defense to your team.
During my tenure with CyberDefend Ltd, I led a team in the meticulous security evaluation of a critical financial web application, identifying and mitigating over 30 high-level security threats. This effort not only bolstered the client's security framework significantly but also demonstrated my capacity for delivering impactful and quantifiable results. By designing tailored security assessments, I enhanced security postures by 20% for our cloud-based clients and facilitated seamless integration of best practices, reducing vulnerabilities by 40%.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my skills and experience align with the needs of your cybersecurity team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Walker
Senior Penetration Tester
Here’s what makes this cover letter great:
- Emphasize specialized experience or achievements that directly relate to the cybersecurity field, such as leading security evaluations or reducing vulnerabilities.
- Highlight specific results or metrics that demonstrate expertise and effectiveness in the role, like percentage improvements in security posture or number of threats mitigated.
- Mention familiarity with industry-standard practices or tools, showing up-to-date knowledge and capability in current cybersecurity methodologies.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial part of your application, offering additional details beyond your CV.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Supporting your CV: Now's your opportunity to provide some context for your experience, with more information on your key achievements and how your profile could benefit the position and organisation to which you're applying.
- Showcases your character: Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates that you’re proactive, organised, ambitious, and genuinely interested in the role.
- Reflects your career goals: Use the cover letter to outline your long-term career career aspirations and how this role aligns with your broader plans.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
When writing your cover letter for a UK employer, it’s important to keep several things in mind. First, you need to conduct a thorough research, which includes reading up on the company’s website, recent news, and their presence on social media. Understanding the company’s latest achievements and its overall mission will allow you to tailor your letter to their specific needs.
Next, focus on the company’s core values. Whether they value teamwork, innovation, or community involvement, highlighting how your own experience aligns with these principles is essential.
Finally, don’t forget to match your skills to the job’s requirements. Study the job description carefully and pick out the most important qualifications or competencies. Then, provide evidence of how you meet those criteria with concrete examples from your past work experience.
How to format a penetration tester cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your penetration tester cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your penetration tester cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
Cover Letter Intro
With a keen appreciation for CyberGuard's commitment to pioneering secure digital solutions and empowering organisations through its innovative approach, I am drawn to the opportunity of contributing as a Penetration Tester. My dedication to fortifying digital landscapes aligns perfectly with your mission to revolutionise cybersecurity.
RIGHT
How to write your penetration tester cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at CyberSafe Solutions, I had the opportunity to spearhead a project that significantly bolstered the security infrastructure of a major client in the financial sector. By conducting a meticulous penetration test, I identified a critical vulnerability in their online banking system that could have been exploited to compromise sensitive customer data. The discovery led to the implementation of an enhanced security protocol which decreased the risk of potential breaches by 85%. This accomplishment not only reinforced my expertise in vulnerability assessment and ethical hacking but also underscored the tangible impact of proactive cybersecurity measures on safeguarding valuable assets. This project was particularly fulfilling as it showcased my ability to meticulously analyse complex systems and deliver robust security solutions under tight deadlines.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Now we’ve reached the closing paragraph of your cover letter. You might be tempted to end with a simple Yours sincerely, but don’t!
Instead, finish with a promise to enhance the company’s performance metrics (backed by your hard and soft skills), to develop as a professional, or something else that holds significance for the organisation. Whatever you choose, ensure to stand behind your words and be remain sincere.
Don’t forget to include a call to action, encouraging recruiters to suggest the best time to follow up for an interview or update.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my skills and experience in penetration testing to your esteemed company and contribute meaningfully to your security team. I am confident that my proactive approach and unwavering commitment to cyber security will provide substantial value. I warmly invite you to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can best support your organisation's goals. Thank you once again for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
