Key takeaways:
- Research current bootcamp graduation rates and employment outcomes specific to your program and location of interest.
- Understand the flexible learning options available, including hybrid, remote, and self-paced formats.
- Verify the bootcamp’s curriculum includes both foundational programming and emerging technologies.
- Evaluate the support systems, including mentorship, career services, and employer networks.
- Consider the bootcamp’s track record with recent graduate placements and industry partnerships.
Bootcamps are among the fastest ways to reach your professional goals in tech. At this point, you probably already knew that, and you may be in the process of figuring out how to apply and enroll in the right coding program for you.
In today’s industry, it is common for admissions teams to hold interviews with potential students before being accepted. This bootcamp interview is an important part of the admissions process and is the admissions team’s way of determining whether their program is the right fit (for both of you). It’s a great way for them to get a sense of your coding skills and dedication to your future tech career. As such, the interview encompasses technical and non-technical questions. If you’re serious about being accepted into a coding bootcamp, it’s essential to prepare answers to these bootcamp interview questions so you can have a better chance at acceptance.
Although it’s highly important to prepare for bootcamp interview questions, it’s not only about planning your own answers; it’s about asking questions too. You should have a prepared list of questions to ask coding bootcamp admissions representatives in your interview. The bootcamp interview may be your best chance at getting detailed explanations from an actual human before you enroll.
Most bootcamps position themselves as being able to deliver specific results, like a certification, job guarantee, or even a particular average salary level after graduating. But it’s up to you to do your due diligence and determine which program offers the type of career support, job placement, curriculum, and financing options that work for you.
We’ve rounded up several questions to ask during your bootcamp interviews. These questions are designed to help you find the right bootcamp for your lifestyle and career goals in today’s tech landscape.
We divided the questions into three main categories:
- Outcomes: Graduation and hiring rates.
- Curriculum and format: The skills you’ll learn and how you’ll learn them.
- Differentiators: Credentials and unique selling points.
If you’re prepared to ask at least a few of these questions during your admissions call, you’ll walk away with a much deeper understanding of how that bootcamp operates and, more importantly, whether it’s a fit for your career goals.
Outcomes questions: What to ask a coding bootcamp enrollment representative
What are your graduation rates for this coding bootcamp?
Many bootcamps like to advertise high graduation rates as a critical success metric. But in your interview, you can press them a little further by asking for specifics, such as the current graduation rate, not only for the specific program you’re interested in but also for your specific region. After all, the graduation rates for the exact same course may differ from city to city.
It could turn out that the program you’re considering has stellar average graduation rates for their software engineering bootcamp, but different success rates for other bootcamps like data science or cyber security. A bootcamp may add a new program to their repertoire, change their curriculum, or hire new industry professionals as instructors. Any number of factors could affect the quality of their program.
You may not find those operational changes during your research, but the coding bootcamp should be transparent when asked directly.
What are your rates of employment six months after graduation?
Most bootcamp candidates in today’s competitive tech market are looking beyond certification—they’re seeking comprehensive skill development and clear pathways to employment. Ask your admissions representative what the hiring and job placement rates are like for the program. Most bootcamps track the percentage of graduates who get hired in their new field and how long it takes them to accept a job.
When discussing employment rates, ask for the most recent data from the current year, as tech hiring trends can shift rapidly.
Request specific information about:
- Recent graduate placement rates within the tech field
- Average time to land first tech role
- Types of roles and companies where graduates are being hired
If the post-graduation employment numbers are lower than you expect, don’t be afraid to ask them why. This isn’t necessarily a negative attribute. Some coding bootcamps might only count how many graduates are hired full-time in a software development role, which is better than a bootcamp that counts their outcomes for part-time and full-time employment in any role (regardless of whether or not it’s a coding job).
How recent is that data?
This is an important follow-up. Since many bootcamps aren’t held to formal regulations, they can easily provide data from several years ago. Be sure to confirm they are providing recent results that reflect the current economy and job market.
What types of students are likely to be successful in this program and career path?
The most successful bootcamp students might be those who are motivated by long-term career results and ready to build their coding skills from the ground up. They might have the ability and determination to devote several hours a day to their coursework. They might have some background in math, analytics, or all of the above.
It’s worth asking your admissions representative what factors tend to indicate success in the course.
Do you have an employer network, and if so, how does that benefit me?
This is an important question to ask, as some bootcamps advertise an employer network. However, there are no established standards about what that actually means; take this time to get a conclusive answer about their relationships with employers, if they have any.
Suppose an introduction to potential employers is vital to you. In that case, you’ll want to determine whether this bootcamp cultivates active partnerships with large companies and how many students successfully achieve a job placement each month.
Diving into this question and a few follow-ups will help you uncover how active that network actually is, and whether it goes beyond a simple email list or LinkedIn group.
Do you have any type of job guarantee, and if so, how does it work?
The “job guarantee” has become common among tech bootcamps. It is also an excellent incentive for bootcamps to tailor their course material to the job market. But as enticing as this promise sounds, it’s still essential to get the details.
Many bootcamps promise job placement, but there are often special qualifications and stipulations. In most cases, you’ll have to agree to follow a specific job application process, and you may have to commit to the job search for months or even a full year before any kind of tuition refund kicks in. The criteria for what is considered “job placement” is also an important factor that can vary from school to school.
It might be easier to digest that information in a live conversation instead of sifting through paragraphs of fine print buried on their website. So be sure to bring this up during your first call, if your admissions representative doesn’t offer up more information from the start. Ultimately, you’ll want as much information as possible to make an informed decision about whether you want to go down the job guarantee route.
Curriculum and format questions: What to ask a coding bootcamp representative
Realistically, how much time will I commit to my coding bootcamp, including coursework?
Most bootcamps list the number of instruction hours to expect in each program. However, there may be time commitments beyond that number, such as homework, projects, office hours, career coaching, and mentorship sessions.
Modern bootcamps now offer multiple learning formats to accommodate different lifestyles:
- Traditional immersive programs
- Flexible hybrid options combining online and in-person learning
- Part-time and weekend cohorts
- Self-paced programs with mentor support
When you get that time estimate, think through your typical week and make sure you can devote that much time without compromising your lifestyle.
How is the coursework presented?
Your lectures, labs, and asynchronous assignments will all be delivered through various learning platforms. And you’ll have to grasp some pretty technical concepts in just a few months.
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It’s no small feat, and many bootcamps now offer creative ways for students to complete labs and practice exercises. So, find out more about the learning platform you’ll be using. You should also find out what kind of device and storage you’ll need since bootcamps don’t provide a computer.
If you’re interested in learning remotely but prefer a structured environment, many bootcamps offer flexible learning options like hybrid models.
What emerging technologies are covered in the curriculum?
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, many bootcamps now integrate emerging tech skills into their curriculum. Ask about exposure to artificial intelligence concepts, cloud computing fundamentals, and other current industry tools that complement core programming skills.
Will I have access to any learning support?
The opportunity to join a strong community of motivated learners, as well as experienced software developers and tech professionals in your new field, is as valuable as the course itself.
Find out if your bootcamp fosters engagement and collaboration with other students and instructors through peer network groups. They may even have an established, formal mentorship program.
Asking this question opens up the conversation and allows you to get specifics from the admissions team before you actually enroll.
Will I have an opportunity to take breaks or pause days?
Even though you’ll be learning in a structured environment, you’ll have to streamline your schedule. If the course you’re considering is several months long, they may build in time for you to take a break. We all need sick time or mental health days—especially if you’re enrolling in a rigorous program.
Their answer may give you an idea of how student-friendly and flexible they’re willing to be.
Are there any other skills not included in the curriculum page?? Will I learn [x, y, z]?
This question may take extra pre work on your part. It’s fair to ask what programming languages and frameworks you’ll learn beyond what they list, but you’ll get even more out of your conversation if you know precisely which coding languages, frameworks, or skills you want to graduate with.
Most admissions representatives will happily send you a detailed curriculum list or syllabus so you can compare the course with their competitors.
Differentiator questions: What to ask a coding bootcamp representative
Describe your instructor credentials.
Your instructor’s quality, skill level, and enthusiasm will significantly influence your success in the program. That’s especially true when taking in a lot of new, technical information.
The highest-rated bootcamps have a standard set of requirements for their instructors and TAs, whether that be years of experience in the industry, specific degrees, or certifications. If you’re weighing up two or three similar programs, this could be an easy way to differentiate them.
What are the main differences between you and other bootcamps?
This question allows you to get a clearer understanding of the values of a specific bootcamp provider and get a deeper view into how they invest their time, energy, and budget. Whether they emphasize their passionate mentors, thorough curriculum, or state-of-the-art learning platform, you’ll come away with a better understanding of their strengths.
Choosing the right bootcamp for you
Professionals of all ages looking to shake up their career development have so many options to choose from when it comes to tech bootcamps. The challenge is selecting one that fits your needs. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of programs, come to your interview prepared. Communicate effectively; admissions will try to sell you on their product, and it’s up to you to ask some tough questions. This is an excellent opportunity to figure out whether their program is truly a match for your career goals.
If you’re ready to start a new, life-long career, compare tech bootcamps to find the one for you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
