Coding bootcamps have become a popular option for people interested in attaining a job in tech. With a limited amount of spots in each cohort, it has become more competitive to get into a coding bootcamp. It is important to ensure that you stand out among the sea of other prospective students vying for bootcamp spots. Here are 5 tips to remember that will help you ace your bootcamp interview:
Tip #1: Be Professional
Even though you’re not interviewing for a job, you should treat a coding bootcamp interview like a job interview. Whether in-person or remote, you should aim to look presentable (yes, even though the tech field can be famously lax with its dress code!). In addition, you should speak professionally and be sure that you maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Finally, make sure you are on time for your interview, as tardiness could leave a negative impression.
Tip #2: Be Prepared
One way you can stand out in your interview is by showing your interviewer your knowledge of their coding bootcamp. You should know the mission of the bootcamp, and the general requirements of the program you are interested in enrolling in. Additionally, you should be ready to answer the most common questions asked in a coding bootcamp interview. These common questions will typically address your previous experience, your career interest, and your motivations for learning to code. When these questions are asked in your interview, you will feel more confident in your ability to answer them since you practiced answering them previously and don’t have to come up with an answer on the fly.
Tip #3: Show an Eagerness to Learn
Coding bootcamps want students who are passionate about coding and eager to learn. Coding is a lifelong learning pursuit, and it is important that developers have a hunger for continued learning to keep up with evolving technology. Additionally, coding bootcamps are rigorous and intensive programs, so the admission team wants to ensure that you have the passion and motivation to succeed in a bootcamp format. This is the time to share your passion, including what motivated you to change careers and what initiative you’ve already taken to learn to code.
Tip #4: Ask Questions
You should always come prepared to ask your interview a few questions. Your questions should demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the coding bootcamp, the program you’re applying for, and the field. Your questions should also show that you are serious about attending the coding bootcamp. Aim to have two to three questions prepared to ask your interviewers. Applicants without questions prepared may be seen as not interested in the coding bootcamp.
Tip #5: Show Personality
Coding bootcamps are filled with ample opportunities to work with other students on classwork and projects. These activities aim to help prepare students for the amount of real-world collaborative projects that they may work on as developers. Coding bootcamps aim to create a diverse cohort of students who will work well together, and can learn from each other’s previous experiences. Be prepared to show a little personality in your interview, and share experiences you have had working collaboratively on a team.
Ready to start your coding career?
Are you interested in finding the coding bootcamp that’s right for you? Check out Noble Desktop’s coding bootcamps. You can take in-person classes at Noble’s location in NYC or attend a live online coding bootcamp from anywhere in the world. You can also find other coding bootcamps in your area using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool.