TL;DR

• Listing a coding bootcamp on a resume can enhance your profile, especially if transitioning into tech.
• Place it in the education, projects, or additional training section based on relevance.
• Highlight key skills, projects, and achievements to showcase expertise.
• Use the resume summary to emphasize transferable skills if changing careers.
• Tailor your resume for each job and include relevant technical skills to pass ATS.
• Avoid listing unfinished or irrelevant bootcamps.
• A bootcamp certificate holds value if it provides real-world skills and projects.
• Basic training can be listed under additional training or professional development.

With the rise of non-traditional education pathways, coding bootcamps have become a popular way to gain technical skills quickly and efficiently.

A well-presented bootcamp on a resume can help you stand out, especially if you’re transitioning into tech from another industry. Whether you’re applying for a junior developer role, a UX/UI position, or a software engineering job, effectively showcasing your bootcamp experience can give you a competitive edge. In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to list your bootcamp credentials to optimize your resume for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Where to Put Bootcamp on a Resume

Education Section: Ideal if the bootcamp is a primary source of your technical education. Projects Section: Useful for highlighting specific projects completed during the bootcamp. Additional Information Section: Suitable for shorter bootcamps or when you have extensive experience. Resume Summary: Effective for career changers to highlight transferable skills.

How to List a Bootcamp on a Resume – Education Section

If the bootcamp is a major part of your education, include the name, dates, location, and a brief program description.

Example: Education
Coding Bootcamp Certificate
Flatiron School, New York, NY
September 2023 – March 2024
Intensive 12-week full-stack web development program covering JavaScript, React, Node.js, Ruby on Rails, and SQL. Completed 10+ projects, including an e-commerce website and a social media app.

How to List a Bootcamp in the Projects Section

Use a two-part approach by listing the bootcamp in the education section and highlighting projects separately.

Example: Projects
E-commerce Website
Developed using React and Node.js. Implemented RESTful APIs for seamless data communication. Collaborated with a team of 5 to design and deploy a scalable platform.

How to List a Bootcamp in an Additional Resume Section

If the bootcamp was short or supplementary, list it concisely at the bottom of your resume.

Example: Additional Training
Coding Bootcamp
General Assembly, New York, NY
June 2022 – July 2022
Covered HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git.

How to List a Bootcamp in Your Resume Summary

For career changers, design resumes, use the resume summary to connect past experience with new technical skills.

Example: Experienced professional transitioning into tech with a background in project management. Completed a coding bootcamp in full-stack web development, focusing on JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Proven skills in problem-solving, communication, and team leadership.

Does a Bootcamp Certificate Have Value?

A bootcamp certificate can hold value if it equips you with in-demand technical skills, hands-on project experience, and industry-relevant knowledge. Employers prioritize skills over credentials, so emphasize practical knowledge and the projects you completed during your bootcamp.

How to Put Basic Training on a Resume

Basic training, including bootcamps or short courses, can be listed under “Additional Training” or “Professional Development.” Keep the description concise and focus on relevant skills gained.

Example: Professional Development
Completed intensive front-end web development training, covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design principles.

If/Then: When to Put a Bootcamp on Your Resume

You Should Mention a Bootcamp If: You lack coding experience, are changing careers, or have impressive project work.

You Should NOT Mention a Bootcamp If: You have no significant project examples, the bootcamp was very short or unfinished, or you have extensive other experience.

Include technical skills from job descriptions and relevant keywords to pass ATS. List transferable skills such as problem-solving and team collaboration in bullet points. Mention additional workshops or training that enhance your expertise.

Final Thoughts

A bootcamp on a resume can be a game-changer for your career, but how you present it matters. By strategically placing it in the right section, highlighting relevant skills, and tailoring your resume for each job, you can maximize its impact and stand out to recruiters.

FAQs

Does a bootcamp count as work experience?

• No, but it can be listed as education or project experience.

How much does a bootcamp cost?

• Costs vary widely depending on the program.

How long does it take to finish a coding bootcamp?

• Typically 2-6 months.

Do bootcamp programs need to be accredited?

• Not always, but accreditation can be beneficial.

Can I list an unfinished bootcamp on my resume?

• Only if you have significant project work to showcase.