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Senior Penetration Tester Interview Preparation Guide - FAANG Standards

Penetration Tester
Senior
7 rounds
Updated 11/23/2025

This guide is based on general FAANG interview practices and may not reflect specific company procedures.

Senior Penetration Tester interviews at FAANG companies typically consist of 7 comprehensive rounds spanning 4-6 weeks. The process progresses strategically from initial screening through technical depth, hands-on penetration testing assessment, advanced red team scenario evaluation, security architecture understanding, behavioral leadership assessment, and final hiring manager alignment. Each round evaluates distinct competency dimensions: core security knowledge and methodology, practical exploitation and tool proficiency, strategic red team thinking, defensive security understanding, leadership and communication capabilities, and organizational fit. This structure ensures candidates possess both deep technical expertise and the maturity required for senior-level responsibility.

Interview Rounds

1

Recruiter Screening

2

Technical Phone Screen - Core Security Concepts

3

Technical Assessment - Hands-On Penetration Testing Challenge

4

Red Team Scenario and Strategic Assessment

5

Security Architecture and Defense Assessment

6

Behavioral and Leadership Interview

7

Hiring Manager Round

Additional Information

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