How to Write a Coding Bootcamp Resume That Will Get You Hired
Are you a recent coding bootcamp grad? You’re not alone! There are approximately 100 different coding bootcamp programs available in the U.S. and more than 20,000 graduates every year. (Like our partners General Assembly and Covalence.) So, how can you write a coding bootcamp resume that stands out from the crowd?
Updated January 2023.
By: Ashley Dolar | Contributor for Let’s Eat, Grandma
Coding bootcamp can be intense.
And by intense, I mean that you probably spent three solid months buried in code for 12 hours a day with little access to sunlight.
That’s fine, though, because you’re now totally prepared to develop programs and mobile apps and share your passion for computer science with the world!
But there’s a catch.
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To get there, you need to write a coding bootcamp resume that shows off your hard-earned skills to a potential employer.
More importantly, you need to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running and add value to the team right away.
Wondering how your resume stacks up against the competition? Request a free resume critique from a Let’s Eat, Grandma senior resume writer.
4 Elements of a Great Coding Bootcamp Resume
Here’s what’s important to focus on in a coding bootcamp resume:
1. Nail the professional summary section
This section is at the top of your resume, so it needs to hook your reader and summarize your tech qualifications in an easy-to-understand way.
That sounds difficult, but don’t despair! We have a first-sentence formula that can help you capture a recruiter’s attention and communicate the skills you mastered at camp.
Descriptive Word + Job Title + Level of Experience + Key Feature in Career
Here are a couple of examples using this format:
- Project-focused UX designer with significant experience conducting user research and collaborating with developers to create intuitive web applications.
- Award-winning software engineer with expertise in full-stack JavaScript and Python.
Then, you should explain your transferable soft skills and previous work experience. Be as concise as possible. You may be tempted to write your life story here, but you have a cover letter (and hopefully, an interview) to convey more relevant details.
Your entire summary section should be around four to five sentences. It could look something like this:
Experienced coding bootcamp graduate with extensive background in various programming languages, developing mobile applications, and building websites from the ground up. Specializes in JavaScript and Python. Professional strengths include creative problem-solving, written and verbal communication, and time management. Detail-oriented mindset from 5+ years of experience in the finance industry.
2. Highlight your most impressive coding projects
Photo by Nicole Wolf on Unsplash
What are your top three coding projects from bootcamp? Think about the cleanest code, the greatest user appeal, and the most personal gratification.
These projects need to go on your resume as proof of your skills. But how?
Coding bootcamp projects can be listed under a separate “Projects” or “Software Development Experience” heading. If you haven’t had other relevant professional experience, you can put this on the top of your resume before any other experience.
The point is to show you have the coding chops, even if your work history isn’t tech-specific.
You don’t need to explain the entire project. Just share the highlights of what you did (vs. what the program you created does).
Remember, coding bootcamp resumes (like all good resumes) need to showcase your specific accomplishments with metrics, instead of general skills and responsibilities.
In your coding bootcamp resume, that might look like this:
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE
Software Engineering Immersive (Student), School Name, City, ST | May 2023
- Developed three mobile applications and built two user-friendly websites using full-stack JavaScript and several other programming languages, libraries, and frameworks
- Created an interactive To-Do List app that helps users sort tasks into categories and then prioritize them into day, week, month schedules; used HTML, CSS, and JS React
- Second amazing project
- Third amazing project
Remember to also list the names of languages, libraries, methodologies, and frameworks you used in each bullet. These are likely important keywords to beat ATS software!
From there, you can continue listing your other software development work history in chronological order. Or you can include an Additional Experience section and list your non-relevant experience there. Bullet points will help you out in either format; they help a recruiter or hiring manager easily scan your resume.
3. Link to your online portfolio
An online portfolio (or a GitHub profile) is essential in the computer programming industry, especially if you have limited experience and professional contacts. It lets hiring managers see your work and take it for a test-drive.
Include the address and hyperlink to your portfolio in your header. This shows the recruiter that you want them to check it out. You can link to individual projects on your resume as well.
What if you still need to build a portfolio? Start with your coding bootcamp projects. Then, if you want to add a few extra examples of your work, try volunteering your coding services to a small business owner or nonprofit.
Check with your LinkedIn network to see if there are internship opportunities you should be aware of. All of these projects can be added to your portfolio.
By developing code that benefits an organization, you dramatically increase your chances of landing a job.
4. List your higher education accomplishments
You should still include your college degree under Education on your resume, even if it isn’t related to computer science or programming. You can also put the name of your bootcamp here, along with additional certifications, trainings, or other online coding courses.
There is a lot to squeeze into your coding bootcamp resume, but remember, it should be only one page, especially if you are new to tech.
Let’s Eat, Grandma is here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey. Check out our ultimate guide for writing a resume from scratch.
And when you’re ready, sign up for a free Senior Writer Resume Critique to see what’s holding you back from landing interviews. One of our top professional resume writers will give you personalized feedback on the top 3 items you can improve based on our expert practices!