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If you’ve Googled “bug bounty hunter job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of cookie-cutter posts already. They all look the same: a generic list of responsibilities, a vague mention of “security,” and an uninspired call to action.
But here’s the problem: that kind of description doesn’t attract great candidates. It attracts any candidates — which means you’ll spend time filtering out people who aren’t the right fit.
A real bug bounty hunter isn’t just another “IT role.” They’re ethical hackers who think like attackers but act like protectors. They thrive on curiosity, creativity, and persistence — qualities that rarely shine through in a templated job post.
That’s why in this guide, we’ll go beyond the generic format and show you how to write a job description that actually connects with top security talent. We’ll also give you:
- Two customizable templates (experienced + entry-level)
- Breakdowns of what makes them effective
- A bad example (and why it fails)
- Bonus tips to stand out in a crowded hiring market
- And a ready-to-copy version you can tailor for your company
Before we dive in, if you want the full framework for writing better job descriptions across any role, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it breaks down why generic descriptions fail and what to do instead.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
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What A Bug Bounty Hunter Actually Is
A bug bounty hunter is a cybersecurity professional who helps companies find and fix security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Think of them as ethical hackers who use their skills to protect rather than attack.
Instead of following a rigid checklist, bug bounty hunters approach problems with creativity and persistence. They dig into applications, systems, and networks to discover weaknesses — then report them responsibly so the company can patch the issues.
Why does this matter?
Because in today’s world, a single overlooked vulnerability can cost millions of dollars, damage brand reputation, and break customer trust. Bug bounty hunters act as your early warning system, strengthening your defenses and keeping your data safe.
More than just technical experts, the best bug bounty hunters are:
- Curious problem-solvers who thrive on puzzles.
- Communicators who can explain vulnerabilities clearly.
- Collaborators who work with internal teams to improve security posture.
So when you’re writing a job description for this role, you’re not just looking for someone with “3–5 years of experience.” You’re looking for someone who can think like a hacker but act like a protector.
Two Great Bug Bounty Hunter Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced Bug Bounty Hunter
📌 Job Title: Bug Bounty Hunter (Remote | Full-Time | $95,000–$120,000/yr)
💼 Department: Security Team
🕒 Schedule: Flexible (core hours overlap with EST)
🎥 Meet the Team You’ll Be Working With
(Insert Loom or YouTube link here — e.g., “Watch our Security Lead talk about how this role fits into our mission”)
About Sentinel Secure
At Sentinel Secure, our mission is simple: keep businesses safe in a digital-first world. We work with startups and enterprises alike to proactively identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
We believe security is everyone’s responsibility — but bug bounty hunters are the sharp edge of our defense. That’s why we’re looking for an experienced professional who thrives on problem-solving, ethical hacking, and creative persistence.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Bug Bounty Hunter at Sentinel Secure, you will:
- Actively hunt for vulnerabilities across web apps, APIs, and mobile platforms.
- Use industry-standard tools (Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit) — and your own creativity — to identify and validate flaws.
- Document vulnerabilities with clear, actionable reports that our dev teams can act on.
- Collaborate directly with engineering and product teams to patch and prevent issues.
- Participate in our private and public bug bounty programs.
- Contribute to building internal security playbooks.
What We’re Looking For
- 2–4 years of hands-on bug bounty, penetration testing, or security research experience.
- Strong knowledge of OWASP Top 10 and real-world attack vectors.
- Comfort with scripting (Python, Bash, or similar).
- Excellent communication — ability to explain complex vulnerabilities simply.
- OSCP, CEH, or similar certifications are a plus but not required.
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
- Competitive salary ($95,000–$120,000 depending on experience).
- Remote-first team with flexible hours.
- Annual training stipend + sponsored certifications.
- Paid bug bounty bonuses on top of salary for critical findings.
- A culture that values curiosity, respect, and continuous learning.
Our Hiring Process
We respect your time. That’s why we keep things clear and fair:
- Apply via WorkScreen (we review every application).
- Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical challenge in WorkScreen.
- Meet the team for two interviews (one technical, one cultural).
- Final offer with transparency on pay, benefits, and expectations.
📥 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]
✅ Job Description Template 2: Entry-Level Bug Bounty Hunter (Willing to Train)
📌 Job Title: Junior Bug Bounty Hunter (Remote | Full-Time | $55,000–$75,000/yr)
💼 Department: Security Team
🕒 Schedule: Flexible | Hybrid learning program
🎥 Hear From Your Future Mentor
(Insert Loom or YouTube link here — e.g., “Watch our Lead Security Engineer explain how we train and support entry-level hires”)
About Sentinel Secure
At Sentinel Secure, we believe the future of cybersecurity depends on training new talent, not just hiring veterans. We’ve helped dozens of junior bug bounty hunters grow into world-class professionals, and now we’re opening another opportunity for someone passionate, curious, and willing to learn.
You don’t need years of experience. If you’ve got drive, curiosity, and basic technical knowledge — we’ll help you grow the rest.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Junior Bug Bounty Hunter, you will:
- Shadow senior team members to learn real-world bug bounty processes.
- Participate in live vulnerability assessments and reporting.
- Use tools like Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP (we’ll train you).
- Document findings and practice writing clear vulnerability reports.
- Learn how to scope, test, and communicate vulnerabilities in a professional setting.
What We’re Looking For
- Basic understanding of web applications and how the internet works.
- Familiarity with coding/scripting (HTML, Python, or JavaScript preferred).
- Curiosity about hacking, security, and how systems break.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- No degree required — we value potential, not paper.
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
- Salary: $55,000–$75,000 depending on skills and learning pace.
- Structured mentorship program (pairing you with senior hunters).
- Paid training, certification sponsorships (OSCP/CEH).
- Clear career progression path (junior → mid-level → senior hunter).
- A team that invests in your growth, not just your output.
Our Hiring Process
We believe in fairness and clarity:
- Apply through WorkScreen (we look at skills + effort, not just resumes).
- Shortlisted applicants complete a beginner-friendly skills evaluation.
- Culture-fit conversation with our team.
- Offer letter + onboarding plan with mentorship built in.
📥 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Bug Bounty Hunter Job Posts Work
Writing a great job description isn’t just about listing duties — it’s about positioning the role as an opportunity worth applying for. Here’s why the two Sentinel Secure examples actually work:
1. Clear, Specific Titles
- Instead of a vague “Security Specialist,” the posts use “Bug Bounty Hunter” and “Junior Bug Bounty Hunter.”
- They also add job type + salary range upfront (e.g., Remote | Full-Time | $95k–$120k) which sets clear expectations and builds trust.
- Candidates instantly know if the role fits them — reducing wasted applications.
2. Human, Warm Introductions
- Both posts include a short video from the team before the company section. This humanizes the process and gives candidates a face/voice behind the words.
- Instead of opening with corporate jargon, the tone is conversational: “We believe security is everyone’s responsibility” and “You don’t need years of experience — if you’ve got drive, curiosity, and basic technical knowledge, we’ll help you grow the rest.”
3. Context-Rich “About the Company” Sections
- Instead of a dry corporate history, Sentinel Secure explains why the role matters and connects it back to mission: protecting businesses and training future talent.
- This answers the unspoken candidate question: “Why should I care about working here?”
4. Responsibilities With Impact, Not Just Tasks
- Notice how the experienced role says: “Document vulnerabilities with clear, actionable reports that our dev teams can act on.”
→ This shows impact, not just a task list. - For the junior role: “Shadow senior team members to learn real-world bug bounty processes.”
→ It reframes responsibilities as growth opportunities.
5. Transparent Salary & Perks
- Compensation ranges are listed clearly. No guessing, no wasted applications.
- Benefits are specific (paid bounty bonuses, mentorship, training stipend), making them feel tangible.
6. Respectful, Clear Hiring Process
- Instead of the cold “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”, Sentinel Secure lays out the process step by step.
- For juniors, the process is beginner-friendly (skills eval → culture chat → mentorship plan).
- For seniors, it’s structured but professional (challenge + interviews).
This transparency reduces applicant anxiety and builds credibility.
7. Culture Shines Through
- Both posts highlight values like curiosity, respect, and growth.
- Instead of simply claiming culture, they show it: paid training, mentorship, flexible hours, bounty bonuses.
- This makes the job post feel like an invitation, not a transaction.
8. Candidate Experience Is Front and Center
- The job descriptions emphasize fairness and clarity.
- Using WorkScreen for applications signals a modern, respectful hiring process where candidates are evaluated on skills and effort — not just keywords on a resume.
Example of a Bad Bug Bounty Hunter Job Description
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: Cybersecurity Specialist
Company: Sentinel Secure
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for a cybersecurity professional to identify vulnerabilities in our systems. The ideal candidate will ensure security compliance and help mitigate risks.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct vulnerability assessments.
- Prepare security reports.
- Collaborate with IT teams to resolve issues.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in cybersecurity.
- Knowledge of penetration testing and security frameworks.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter to hr@sentinelsecure.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Title
- “Cybersecurity Specialist” could mean anything — network admin, IT compliance, security analyst. It doesn’t speak to bug bounty hunters specifically.
- “Cybersecurity Specialist” could mean anything — network admin, IT compliance, security analyst. It doesn’t speak to bug bounty hunters specifically.
- Cold, Empty Introduction
- The “summary” is lifeless and vague. It doesn’t explain why the role matters, how it connects to the company’s mission, or why someone should care.
- The “summary” is lifeless and vague. It doesn’t explain why the role matters, how it connects to the company’s mission, or why someone should care.
- No Salary or Benefits Transparency
- Candidates are left guessing about pay, perks, or growth opportunities. This kills trust and drives strong applicants away.
- Candidates are left guessing about pay, perks, or growth opportunities. This kills trust and drives strong applicants away.
- Responsibilities Are Too Broad
- “Conduct vulnerability assessments” could mean 10 different things. There’s no sense of daily impact, tools used, or what success looks like.
- “Conduct vulnerability assessments” could mean 10 different things. There’s no sense of daily impact, tools used, or what success looks like.
- Requirements Feel Gatekeeping
- The “3–5 years experience + degree” filter discourages talented self-taught hunters, juniors eager to learn, and those from non-traditional backgrounds.
- The “3–5 years experience + degree” filter discourages talented self-taught hunters, juniors eager to learn, and those from non-traditional backgrounds.
- No Culture, No Values
- There’s no mention of how the company operates, what the team values, or what working here feels like. For a role that thrives on curiosity and creativity, this is a huge miss.
- There’s no mention of how the company operates, what the team values, or what working here feels like. For a role that thrives on curiosity and creativity, this is a huge miss.
- Dismissive Hiring Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” makes applicants feel like they’re sending resumes into a black hole. That’s the opposite of candidate respect.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” makes applicants feel like they’re sending resumes into a black hole. That’s the opposite of candidate respect.
- Zero Personality in the CTA
- Ending with a bland “send CV to HR” line makes this feel like a formality, not an opportunity. There’s no spark, no excitement, no call to action that inspires.
Should You Use AI to Write a Bug Bounty Hunter Job Post?
It’s tempting. With so many AI tools out there, you can type in “Write me a bug bounty hunter job description” and get something in seconds.
But here’s the problem: most AI-generated job descriptions end up generic, lifeless, and disconnected from your company’s mission.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- It’s too generic. AI defaults to the same dry structure everyone else uses: “Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.”
- It attracts the wrong candidates. You’ll end up with a flood of low-effort applicants instead of mission-driven security pros.
- It hurts your brand. For many applicants, a job post is the first impression of your company. If it reads like boilerplate, it signals you don’t take hiring seriously.
For a role as critical as a bug bounty hunter — someone you’ll trust with the keys to your systems — the last thing you want is a cookie-cutter post.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI isn’t the problem. The problem is using it blindly. The best approach? Treat AI as a polishing tool, not a replacement for human insight.
Here’s how:
- Come Prepared With Inputs
Before asking AI for help, write down the essentials:- What your company does.
- Why this role matters.
- Key responsibilities (in plain English).
- Your culture and values.
- Salary, benefits, and perks.
- What your company does.
- Prompt AI With Context
Example prompt:
“Help me write a job description for our company, Sentinel Secure. We’re hiring a Bug Bounty Hunter to test and secure our web apps and APIs. Our culture values curiosity, fairness, and continuous learning. We want to attract candidates who are ethical, persistent, and great communicators. We offer $95k–$120k salary, bounty bonuses, training budgets, and a remote-first culture. Here are my raw notes: [paste your notes].” - Let AI Organize & Polish
- Use it to improve flow, tighten language, or add clarity.
- But keep your company’s voice, values, and unique details intact.
- Use it to improve flow, tighten language, or add clarity.
⚡ The Bottom Line
AI can help you polish words, but it can’t replace your mission, your voice, and your culture. That’s what candidates connect with — and that’s what attracts top security talent.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need Quick Copy-Paste Bug Bounty Hunter Job Description Templates?
We get it — sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve read this guide and already know what makes a strong job description, but you still want a ready-to-use starting point.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Bug Bounty Hunter
💼 Company: [Insert Company Name]
📍 Location: [Remote / Onsite City, State / Hybrid]
💰 Salary: [$XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/yr + bounty bonuses]
🕒 Type: [Full-Time / Contract / Part-Time]
📅 Schedule: [e.g., Flexible | Mon–Fri | Core Hours: 9–5 EST]
🎥 Insert video link from your hiring manager, team lead, or CEO here
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we believe security isn’t just an IT function — it’s a mission. Our team works every day to keep businesses safe from cyberattacks, and we want you to be part of it.
Why This Role Exists
We’re looking for an ethical hacker who can think like an attacker but act like a protector. Someone who thrives on puzzles, enjoys finding hidden weaknesses, and knows how to communicate them clearly so they can be fixed fast.
What You’ll Do
- Hunt for vulnerabilities across apps, APIs, and systems.
- Document findings in clear, actionable reports.
- Collaborate directly with developers to patch issues.
- Participate in our bug bounty programs.
- Share ideas, tools, and insights with the team.
What You Bring
- Experience with bug bounty programs, pen testing, or security research.
- Knowledge of OWASP Top 10 and common exploit techniques.
- Strong problem-solving mindset.
- Curiosity, persistence, and ethical commitment.
What’s In It for You
- Salary: [$XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/yr + bonus for critical bounties].
- Paid training and certification sponsorships.
- [Health / Dental / Vision insurance].
- [Flexible work hours + Paid time off].
- The chance to make a real impact every single day.
📥 Apply here via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen application link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Bug Bounty Hunter
💼 Company: [Insert Company Name]
📍 Location: [Remote / Onsite City, State / Hybrid]
💰 Salary: [$XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/yr + bounty bonuses]
🕒 Type: [Full-Time / Contract / Part-Time]
📅 Schedule: [e.g., Flexible | Mon–Fri | Core Hours: 9–5 EST]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a Bug Bounty Hunter to identify, report, and help resolve security vulnerabilities in our systems. You will play a critical role in protecting our clients and strengthening our defenses.
Responsibilities
- Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
- Identify, validate, and report security flaws.
- Work closely with product and engineering teams to resolve issues.
- Contribute to internal security documentation and playbooks.
- Support ongoing bug bounty programs.
Requirements
- [X+ years] of experience in security testing, bug bounty hunting, or penetration testing.
- Familiarity with OWASP Top 10 and web app security concepts.
- Knowledge of tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, or OWASP ZAP.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Bonus: OSCP, CEH, or similar certifications.
Salary & Benefits
- [$XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/yr + bug bounty bonuses].
- [Health / Dental / Vision insurance].
- [Paid leave + flexible hours].
- [Annual training stipend + certification sponsorship].
📥 How to Apply
Apply through WorkScreen [Insert link]. Our process is designed to be fair and respectful: we evaluate every application, give feedback, and keep you updated at each step.
Why WorkScreen.io Is the Next Step After a Great Job Post
Writing a great job description is only half the battle. Once your post attracts applications, you’ll face the real challenge:
👉 separating skilled, ethical bug bounty hunters from low-effort applicants who send copy-paste resumes or AI-generated cover letters.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
How WorkScreen Helps You Hire Smarter
🔎 Quickly Identify Top Talent
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard. That means you instantly see who the strongest candidates are — without spending hours digging through resumes.
🛠️ Test Real Skills, Not Just Claims
Bug bounty hunters are all about real-world ability, not just certifications. WorkScreen lets you administer one-click skill tests so you can assess candidates on practical security challenges — spotting the ones who can actually deliver.
🚫 Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants
Workscreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes
You’ll only spend time on genuine, committed applicants who care about the role.
📊 Data-Driven Decisions
Instead of gut feel or keyword-matching ATS filters, WorkScreen gives you a clear, objective view of who’s most qualified. That means fewer costly mis-hires and more confident hiring decisions.
✨ The Bottom Line:
You’ve written a strong, human job post that attracts the right people. Now let WorkScreen.io help you evaluate them, filter out the noise, and hire the best bug bounty hunters with speed and confidence.
turn great job descriptions into great hires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Bounty Hunter Job Descriptions
The salary of a bug bounty hunter depends on whether they’re working in-house as employees or freelancing on platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd.
- In-house bug bounty hunters (full-time employees): Typically earn between $85,000 and $120,000 per year in the U.S., with senior roles reaching $140,000+.
- Freelance bug bounty hunters: Earnings vary widely. Some make a few hundred dollars per month, while top performers can earn six figures annually. In fact, some reports show elite hunters earning $250,000–$500,000+ per year from bounty payouts.
👉 For most job descriptions, it’s best to publish a transparent salary range (e.g., $95k–$120k + bounty bonuses) to build trust with candidates.
While both roles involve finding vulnerabilities, they differ in scope and engagement:
- Penetration Tester: Usually hired for a defined project or engagement. They follow a set scope, timeline, and methodology to test specific systems.
- Bug Bounty Hunter: Often works continuously, testing across a broader scope as defined by the company’s bug bounty program. They’re rewarded per vulnerability discovered, rather than by hours billed.
👉 In job descriptions, it’s important to clarify if you’re hiring for a dedicated in-house role (ongoing) or project-based testing (like pen testing).
It depends on your needs:
- Full-time employees give you consistent security coverage, cultural alignment, and the ability to grow internal expertise.
- Freelancers (via bug bounty platforms) are great for tapping into a global talent pool and paying only for valid findings.
👉 Many companies now use a hybrid approach: an internal security team plus an external bug bounty program for extra coverage.
Beyond technical knowledge (OWASP Top 10, scripting, tools like Burp Suite and Nmap), strong bug bounty hunters are:
- Curious problem-solvers who think like attackers.
- Communicators who can write clear, actionable vulnerability reports.
- Collaborators who work well with developers to resolve issues.
- Ethically committed, operating under responsible disclosure and safe-harbor guidelines.
- Curious problem-solvers who think like attackers.
