If you are in the field of IT or looking to land your first job as a programmer, then you should know how to list programming projects on your resume.
Not only does listing programming side projects on your resume show your prospective employer that you have the IT and technical skills required to complete a project, but it also shows passion and commitment to your craft.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- What a programming side project is
- Examples of the best programming projects for your resume
- Coding projects for your resume
- How to put programming projects on your resume
Once you understand all these details, you can use our AI-powered resume builder, which can tailor your application to your profession.
What Are Programming Side Projects?
Do you have programming skills, but you’re not sure how to show them off on your resume because you don’t have experience?
This is where adding a side project can help.
Programming side projects are jobs you’ve done for your enjoyment or practice. These can include:
- Webpages
- Apps
- Computer programs
For example, you could create a webpage for a friend, build a game on your computer, or try to create an app in a new programming language.
Don’t forget that by challenging yourself to complete a programming side project, you will keep your skills fresh while solving new and exciting problems you can list on your resume or CV.
A real-life experience that might inspire you is that one programmer, Obgonna Sunday, got hired thanks to his contribution to open-source projects.
By working on side projects, such as Obgonaa did, you can still add to your resume and eventually give yourself a better chance of landing a job, even if you don’t have full-time experience.
Make sure you do your research on the companies you are applying to and consider what kinds of projects might help with your application.
12 Programming Projects to Put on Your Resume
Now you may be asking yourself, “What type of project should I work on?” or “What is the best AI project?”
If you’re unsure about how to pick a project that shows off your IT and technical skills, then it’s a good idea to decide on one that best fits the sector you want to work in.
Here is a list of 12 good programming project examples for your resume or professional portfolio.
Project 1: An attractive blog
Let’s say you are applying to a digital marketing agency that specializes in writing content for client blogs and generating leads for their customers. You can build a blog webpage that suits the industry they serve. Think about adding features they’d use and upload a sample blog or two to make the page pop.
Project 2: Eye-catching website
If you are a web developer, or you are applying for front-end programming positions, then you could demonstrate your capability by creating an enticing website. Think about what your future clients will ask you to build when you land your next job.
Use this opportunity to add a programming project to your resume, while also updating your own website. If you don’t need a new website, you could offer to build one for a friend and use that to update your resume projects section.
Project 3: Build a game or improve on an existing one
Before you dismiss this idea as childish or simplistic, consider building a game in the programming language you’ll need to use in the job you are applying for. Maybe you’ll be required to use Python scripts regularly.
Apart from using Python for everyday tasks such as monitoring the stock market or converting text files to spreadsheets, the following sectors value expertise with Python:
- Software testing
- Automation
- Web development
- Data analysis
Could you enjoy getting to know the language, and build a game using Python? Sounds like it could be a win-win.
Project 4: Build the mobile app you wish you had
Whether you are hoping to work on designing mobile apps in the future, or you just want to build a useful app for yourself, you can brush up on writing code for Android or iOS devices.
Perhaps you want to pull in weather data from a database and show it in an app without all the annoying advertisements that appear in your current free weather app.
You’ll have a handy weather app for yourself, and you’ll have shown you can program for mobile devices, as well as interface with databases.
Project 5: Educational program for young learners
In the era of online learning, crafting an application for children to learn their ABCs or 123s would be very helpful. Parents need ways to keep their kids occupied while they work in an educational way.
So why not create an app for tablets that teaches kids how to read and do simple addition or subtraction? You can create images or videos to include which would also show your skills in visual communication, graphic design, or integrating imagery into your programs.
Project 6: Build a machine learning algorithm
If you are looking to get into data science or machine learning as a programmer, one of the best programming projects for your resume would be a machine learning algorithm. You could start small and create a simple algorithm in Python or R.
If that feels a little too detailed for the work you want to do, consider picking up a standard regression algorithm and altering it for a use case such as providing streaming video suggestions based on past viewing data.
Project 7: Voice recognition software or skill
Not only do we speak to our phones to search for things online, but we also have voice search options on our smart TVs and inside our homes with the help of smart speakers.
If you are interested in creating apps like Alexa, for example, that use voice as the input, then you might want to have one listed on your resume. Try building an Alexa Skill or voice recognition app that helps you control or optimize your home’s energy consumption, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.
Project 8: Build an online word puzzle/game
Could you put your own spin on the classic hangman game and host it online? Think of it like your own flavor of the word games that are seen in the newspaper and online. Create a website that hosts the game and spend some time making the user interface exciting and welcoming so that people will want to return.
Project 9: Create an API
This type of programming project would be best to put on your resume if you are applying for full-stack programming positions.
By making your own API (Application Programming Interface) you’ll demonstrate you understand this vital piece of code. If you know the types of databases or programs you’ll be working on in your next (or dream) job, then consider making the API for those specifics.
Project 10: Program a productivity app
There are many apps out there that can be your inspiration for this programming project. Some block social media apps and websites so you stay focused on your work. Others have timers to keep you working for a certain period.
Some will also track screen time, so you know what your common pitfalls are for distraction. A solution could be a productivity app for your phone or your desktop computer that you can add to the projects on your resume while creating a tool to keep you on task.
Project 11: Work on a fake news detector AI project
Create an AI-driven Resume Parser to streamline recruitment processes. This project uses machine learning and the NLTK Python library to analyze resumes from the Kaggle Dataset, focusing on relevant skills and experiences.
This project involves developing a clustering algorithm to evaluate and score resumes, demonstrating your AI expertise and practical HR tech application skills.
Project 12: Develop an AI chatbot for customer service
This project has to do with using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to create a responsive, conversational agent capable of handling customer inquiries and support tasks.
By training the chatbot with diverse datasets, you demonstrate your proficiency in AI development and your understanding of its practical application in improving business-customer interactions.
By doing so, you’ll be able to add technical AI skills to your resume, which is great if you want to become an AI developer.
How To Add Programming Projects to Your Resume
As mentioned, the way you list your programming projects on your resume can vary depending on your experience level:
- If you have limited experience: If you are a recent graduate or student and have a light experience section, you can list your programming projects under a heading titled “Programming Projects.”
- If you have relevant experience: If you have relevant programming job experience, consider listing programming projects under each relevant position. This demonstrates how your projects align with your professional roles and how you have grown in your career.
- For Additional Projects: Regardless of your professional experience, you can also have a separate “Projects” heading. Here, you can showcase programs, apps, and webpages you’ve built in your free time, highlighting your passion and continuous learning.
Here’s how an additional project should look on your resume if you add it correctly:
Programming Projects
AI-Driven Resume Parser | Personal Project | January 2022–April 2022
Objective:
- Designed an AI-based system to automate the resume screening process for HR departments.
Technologies Used:
- Python, Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), Machine Learning, Kaggle Resume Dataset.
Key Achievements:
- Developed an algorithm capable of analyzing and scoring resumes based on relevance and skill matching, rather than keyword frequency.
- Implemented a clustering algorithm to group similar skills and qualifications, enhancing the accuracy of candidate evaluation.
Key Points
For many, it’s easier to create complex lines of code than it is to create a resume that catches the attention of hiring managers.
However, you’ll be able to program an interview in no time if you remember to apply the tips we’ve mentioned, such as:
- Work on a programming project to practice your skills
- Place your completed projects on your resume
- Create your projects section correctly
- Use the right resume-crafting tools
Thankfully, with tailored resume templates and online tools like our builder, you can make the task simple and land your dream tech job.
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