Top Coding Bootcamp Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
You’ve got your sights set on a coding bootcamp in your pursuit to move forward in your career. Now that you’ve got an interview, it’s time to seal the deal. Coding bootcamp interview questions, like those found in a typical job or university interview, are an opportunity for you to showcase your strengths and excitement for learning and growing in the field.
Your interview is also the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the program and determine if it’s the right fit for you and your goals. In this article, we will go over how to answer common dev bootcamp interview questions, as well as provide examples of some questions to ask the coding bootcamp that can help you stand out to the admissions committee.
How to Prepare for a Coding Bootcamp Interview
To prepare for a coding bootcamp interview, the first step is to check the school’s website for information about what to expect. For example, some schools will ask basic technical questions, while others focus on getting to know you as a person. If a school includes technical questions, it might even provide courses or tutorials that you can use as bootcamp interview prep.
Coding bootcamp interviews can be completed in-person, over the phone, or by using a video conferencing resource. Typical coding bootcamp interview questions are aimed at assessing whether you’re a good fit for the program. This might include testing your basic coding knowledge and analytical skills, and you can expect behavioral questions that will assess your interest and drive.
Top Coding Bootcamp Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Interviews for coding bootcamps are often as varied and diverse as the programs themselves. Some schools may have an in-depth interview process with more than one round and a range of technical questions. Others may require only a brief conversation about what you hope to accomplish.
These interviews often incorporate both a technical and a personal component. They want to know where you’re at with the topic and also how you’ll do in the program. Here are a few of the top coding bootcamp interview questions to give you an idea of what to expect.
What Are Your Career Goals?
“What are your career goals?” is an extremely common dev bootcamp interview question because it allows the school to judge how effective its programs will be in helping you succeed. Students coming into the program are more likely to work hard and excel if they are passionate about a goal and are learning skills that are directly relevant to their chosen career path.
ANSWER
My long-term career goal is to become a data scientist at a company like Google or Amazon. I hope to go to this school because of your comprehensive data analytics curriculum. I believe it will prepare me to start my career as a data analyst after graduation, where I can gain some experience in the field and put my new skills to the test.
What Is Your Coding Experience?
Asking what your coding experience is gives the school a foundational idea of you as a student. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start on a new path or a more experienced coder looking to advance your skills, be honest in your response. Make sure to emphasize your desire to learn and continually improve, no matter where you’re at.
This question is also an opportunity to showcase your knowledge of code-related terminology and lingo. Even if you aren’t familiar with all areas of code, being able to intelligently and concisely describe a particular process or feature shows you’re ready to take your coding experience to the next level.
ANSWER
For the past few weeks, I have been taking advantage of online classes and tutorials to learn the basics of Python. My main goal was to understand the relevant terminology and build a strong foundation. I have really enjoyed using these tools to complete simple projects, such as creating my own tic-tac-toe game. I am very eager to dive deeper into the language and build more complex skills.
Why Do You Want to Be a Coder?
The question “Why do you want to be a coder?” gives you the chance to show your passion and share your unique story. Bootcamps can be very intensive, and schools don’t like accepting students who are just going to drop out.
Demonstrating your passion and eagerness to learn, beyond just a pay raise, communicates a positive impression for your interviewer. Whether you aspire toward data-focused work or more of a managerial, people-focused role, communicating that passion for future opportunities is both a benefit for the interviewer and yourself.
ANSWER
I studied computer science as an elective in high school, and it quickly became my favorite course. I love how hands-on programming is, and how every new skill and tool I learn helps me take on more complex projects. It means studying the subject is always fresh and exciting. A future career in coding feels like the perfect path for me.
What Is Your Preferred Programming Language?
If you are asked your preferred programming language, make sure you give an honest answer. While this may seem like a fairly basic question, it gives the school information about your educational background and can help them determine if you are a good fit.
ANSWER
My favorite programming language is JavaScript, though I also have some basic experience with Python. As I hope to become a full stack developer, I am eager to learn essential backend languages during this bootcamp.
Are You a Team Player or Do You Prefer to Work Alone?
Many bootcamps include group projects and emphasize a group learning environment to provide students with a supportive community. This is one of the tricker coding bootcamp interview questions because, while you want to be honest with your answer, you also don’t want to be too negative.
ANSWER
I am a very supportive team player because I recognize how valuable varying points of view can be when coming up with solutions and innovative ideas. I think both skillsets are important, and I also enjoy when I get the opportunity to take ownership of a task and work independently.
Can You Tell Me About One of Your Favorite Projects You’ve Worked On?
Asking about your favorite coding projects gives the interviewer a bit more information about your abilities and where you are as a programmer. If the school expects you to have some background knowledge before enrolling, make sure you complete a few beginner coding projects ahead of time so you are prepared. You can find ideas for coding projects online.
ANSWER
My favorite coding project was a scheduling application I made because it was satisfying to combine various skills together into a final project that was actually useful. I was able to return to the project to add new features several times as I gained more knowledge.
Complete a Technical Coding Challenge
Some programs require you to complete a coding challenge to demonstrate your competency or skill level in certain areas. Whether or not there is a technical coding challenge is a great question to ask your coding bootcamp during your interview. While each program may structure their challenge uniquely, be prepared to do some hands-on work to express your continued interest in learning to code.
Don’t worry if you’re fairly new to coding. After all, that’s why you’re trying to learn. Oftentimes, these programs incorporate a challenge to assess your current skills and help you make the right decisions as you move forward in elevating your coding experience.
Top Questions to Ask Your Coding Bootcamp Interviewer
During a coding bootcamp interview, the school isn’t the only one asking questions. You will also have the opportunity to get some answers to help you determine your next steps. Coming up with questions to ask the coding bootcamp ahead of time shows an interest and demonstrates your curiosity and commitment. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking during your interview.
How Many Hours Do Students Need to Dedicate to the Bootcamp Each Week?
You will need to get an idea of how the bootcamp will fit into your schedule and whether you will realistically be able to keep up with the work. This is also a helpful question to ask in a coding bootcamp interview because there might be multiple scheduling options available, and the interviewer can help you decide what path forward is best for your specific situation.
What Types of Career Support Are Available?
If the program praises high job placement results and other career outcomes, discover what kinds of resources and support are available. Do they have specific advisors, career guides, connections with organizations that hire, or any other stipulations as you move from bootcamp into a career?
What Coding Bootcamp Payment Options and Financial Aid Options Are Available?
Be sure you get a firm understanding of what this program will cost you. Whether it’s an in-person, full-time bootcamp, or an online set of courses you complete at your own pace, know what the expectations are upfront. There are many available coding bootcamp payment options, so make sure you ask about what your school offers and take advantage of any discounts or scholarships.
What Are the Professional Qualifications of Your Instructors?
You will want to make sure the instructors in charge of your education have relevant professional experience in the field. This will help ensure that the skills you are learning are up-to-date and in demand among employers. If the school you choose doesn’t publicly share information about its instructors, this is a great question to ask in your coding bootcamp interview.
What Are Your Graduation and Job Placement Rates?
While some schools publish their graduation and job placement rates publicly, many do not. This information is vital, as a low job placement rate might mean that the school doesn’t adequately prepare its students for the job market.
Top Tips to Help You Answer Dev Bootcamp Interview Questions
Knowing common interview questions is important, but there are also things you can do to help you feel confident and excited about the opportunity. Here are a few quick strategies to help you feel ready to answer all sorts of coding bootcamp interview questions.
Do Your Research
One key thing you can do to grow in your confidence for your coding bootcamp interview is to prepare by researching the school and your chosen program. Knowing the requirements of the program and the mission of the organization can help put you in a great spot as you interview and express your interest in coding.
Knowing what to expect for the interview is essential. Find out if there will be a coding challenge, and if relevant, review fundamental coding terminology and practices. Be able to effectively communicate your passion for technology and career goals through a response to a directed question.
Check out Available Resources
Some coding bootcamps offer resources and preparation material to help empower you to do well in the interview and onboarding process. Don’t ignore those resources, especially if there is a technical portion of the interview. You can also search for school reviews online to learn more about the interview process from previous students.
Lead With Confidence
Even if you don’t know all the right answers to the technical questions or don’t perform at your best during a coding challenge, confidence can still carry you a long way in an interview. Be confident in who you are, the skills you bring to the table, and the personal and career goals you aspire to achieve. If you show passion and dedication, you still have a strong chance of getting accepted.
Answer Your Coding Bootcamp Interview Questions With Confidence
An interview for a coding bootcamp can be an exciting next step as you pursue your career in technology and coding. With proper research and preparation, you can easily make a positive impression. Whether you are pursuing one of the best coding bootcamps for women, teens, or advancing professionals, you should now be ready to answer all coding bootcamp interview questions with confidence.
Coding Bootcamp Interview Questions FAQ
A total beginner should prepare for a coding interview by utilizing free online resources like tutorials and instructional videos to learn basic coding skills and terminology. Keep in mind that not all dev bootcamp interview questions are technical. Many schools are happy to accept complete beginners, and only ask behavioral questions during the interview process.
How do I follow up after a coding bootcamp interview?
To follow up your coding bootcamp interview, you should write a brief email to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. You can also use this as an opportunity to reaffirm your passion for the school and your chosen bootcamp program.
Yes, you can get accepted into a coding bootcamp with no experience. In fact, many top bootcamps do not require applicants to have any prior knowledge of programming. In many cases, you will have access to prep materials before the main course starts to help you prepare for the curriculum.
How long should my response be to the “Tell Me About Yourself” question?
Your response to the “tell me about yourself” question should not be longer than a paragraph or two. You can provide a bit of background knowledge about yourself and your interests, but remember that the interviewer likely has quite a few questions to get through. They can always ask follow-up questions if they want more information about your answer.
