EP 90: How to Get Your First Job as a Pentester with Chris Horner

EP 90: How to Get Your First Job as a Pentester with Chris Horner

Author: Kip Boyle February 17, 2023 Duration: 36:09

https://www.yourcyberpath.com/90/

In this episode our host Jason Dion goes over the very exciting topic of how to get your first job as a Pentester with Chris Horner, banking expert turned Security engineer and Penetration tester and together they go through Chris's background, how he got into banking and why he made the switch to Cybersecurity.

Chris discusses his transition story and how it's not the cliche zero to hero in 90 days, explaining that it took him a long time to transition where he is today, highlighting that his networking experience and soft skills were a huge aid on his job hunting journey.

Jason then shares his opinion on Chris's journey highlighting many important parts, like how to deal with time limitations during your studies and how to choose the right path to start you Cyber career.

Chris then shares his experience with the eJPT certification exam and how he was able to pass it, giving us examples of the training he used and how he prepared for it.

Then Chris and Jason go over Chris's Job responsibilities and how he goes about every one of them, what he enjoys, what he finds tedious and what parts of the job he finds challenging.

In the end Jason and Chris discuss the hiring process from two different perspectives, the hiring manager perspective and the applicant perspective discussing the different challenges that both people go through.

What You’ll Learn

●    How important are soft skills for someone in the cybersecurity industry?

●   How to choose the right certifications to start your pentesting career?

●   What is the eJPT test like?

●    What is it like working as a Pentester?

●    How long does it take to get your first Job in Pentesting?

●    How to fight self doubt and continue your cyber career journey?

Relevant Websites For This Episode

●    https://www.offensive-security.com/labs/

●    https://www.vulnhub.com/

●    https://ctftime.org/

●  https://www.linkedin.com/ in/chrismhorner/

●  https://www.diontraining.com/courses

Other Relevant Episodes

●   Episode 82 - From Truck Driver to Cybersecurity Analyst with Mike Hillman

●  Episode 79 - Mid-Career Transition Success Story with Steve McMichael

●  Episode 76 - Which Certification Roadmap Or Path Should I Use?


Navigating a career in cybersecurity can feel like a maze without a clear map. Your Cyber Path: How to Get Your Dream Cybersecurity Job, hosted by Kip Boyle, cuts through the noise by focusing on the perspective of the people who actually make hiring decisions. This isn't just generic advice; it's a direct line to understanding what employers are truly looking for in candidates, from entry-level roles to advanced positions. Each episode delves into the practical, often unspoken, steps needed to build your skills, craft your resume, and ace interviews in this competitive field. You'll hear concrete strategies for bridging the gap between where you are now and that ideal job, all framed within the broader contexts of business, technology, and personal growth. Tune into this podcast for honest conversations that translate complex career pathways into actionable plans, helping you move forward with confidence. Whether you're considering a pivot or aiming to advance, the guidance here is rooted in real-world hiring dynamics, making it a valuable resource for anyone serious about building a future in cybersecurity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Your Cyber Path: How to Get Your Dream Cybersecurity Job
Podcast Episodes
EP 75: The Value of University Degrees in Cybersecurity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/podcast/75/ In this episode, Kip and Jason talk about the value of university degrees in the cybersecurity career. This topic does come up all the time in discussions or when people come up…
EP 74: Top Five Mistakes People Make When Negotiating [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:56
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/74/ In this episode, the discussion between Kip and Jason is about the top five mistakes people are making when it comes to negotiating their pay. You need to know what mistakes to avoid whe…
EP 73: Top Five Things That Will Separate You From Other Applicants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:27
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/73/ In this episode, the discussion between Kip and Jason is about the top five things that will make you stand out from other applicants. These tips will definitely help you get ahead of th…
EP 72: DISC Profiles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/72/ In this episode, the discussion between Kip and Jason is about DISC profiles. You need to understand how important it is to choose the right job for you based on your personality. These…
EP 69: Breaking into Cybersecurity with Nancy Hunter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:26
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/69/ In this episode, the focus of discussion is what Nancy Hunter, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Data Privacy Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia looks f…
EP 68: Can You Demonstrate Too Much Passion for Cybersecurity? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:53
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/68 In this episode, Jason and Kip are focused on how you can demonstrate true passion for cybersecurity. They discuss the six things that you must avoid as they are considered red flags by a…
EP 66: How to Be Irresistible to Hiring Managers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:31
https://www.yourcyberpath.com/66 In this episode, we are focused on how to make yourself into an irresistible candidate for hiring managers. Today, Naomi Buckwalter, another hiring manager, joins Kip and Jason. What do h…