How to Put Your Hackathon on Your Resume and Stand Out

Hackathons have quickly become more than just coding marathons; they’re creative playgrounds where ambitious pros and students tackle real-world challenges, test their technical skills, and innovate under pressure. Beyond the thrill of the competition, these events pack powerful experiences that employers value, making them a golden addition to a resume if positioned well.

Last update:
01/01/2024
How to Put Your Hackathon on Your Resume and Stand Out

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Adding a hackathon to your resume can set you apart, but the key is knowing how to make it count. In this article, you’ll find practical ways to feature your hackathon experiences effectively, see examples for different resume sections, and learn common pitfalls to avoid.

How Do I Put a Hackathon on My Resume?


Getting your hackathon experience to shine on your resume doesn’t have to be tricky. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it effectively, with examples to guide you.

Man using laptop

1. Strategically Integrate Your Hackathon Experience into Relevant Sections

To make your hackathon experience resonate, place it where it will have the most impact on your resume. Here’s a breakdown of strategic placement options, each with examples tailored to maximize attention from hiring managers.

A. Add It to the Summary Section


Present your hackathon experience in the summary if it’s highly relevant to the job, either as a main qualification or as evidence of your technical creativity. This is particularly effective if you’ve participated in multiple hackathons or led projects that mirror the responsibilities of the role. Keep this section concise (2 to 3 sentences) and focus on what you achieved and learned.

Employers who scan resumes quickly will see your hackathon experience upfront, adding a unique dimension to your profile.

B. Include It in the Work Experience Section


If you took on a substantial role in a hackathon, like leading a team, developing a core feature, or handling project management, treat this experience as you would any professional role. Adding it to the work experience section lets you emphasize transferable skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and handling high-stakes, deadline-driven work, qualities that resonate with hiring managers, especially in tech roles.

Make sure to highlight specific contributions, relevant tools or tech you used, and any measurable outcomes, such as awards or project impact.

C. Feature It in a Projects Section


If the hackathon isn’t a central experience but still showcases relevant skills or achievements, include it in a separate “Projects” section. This section is ideal if your hackathon experience involves specific tech tools or projects you built, especially if these align with the position.

Describe the project’s objectives, the problem you aimed to solve, and any key achievements, like rankings or awards, that show your impact. By placing it here, you can keep your work experience section focused while still spotlighting the practical application of your skills.

D. Highlight It in the Skills Section


If your hackathon experience involved honing valuable technical skills or using niche tools that aren’t covered in your other roles, showcase these in your Skills section. This approach helps highlight both your technical versatility and your hands-on experience with tools that are sought after in your field.

Make sure to pair each skill with specific programming languages, frameworks, or techniques applied in your hackathon work, as this not only boosts credibility but also appeals to applicant tracking systems (ATS).

E. Add a Dedicated Hackathons Section


If you’ve participated in several hackathons, create a “Hackathons” section to consolidate and highlight these experiences. Each entry can include the hackathon name, your role, and 2 to 3 bullet points outlining key contributions, tools used, and measurable results. This section showcases your hands-on learning, collaborative work, and commitment to ongoing skills development.

F. Add a Link to a Project Demo or GitHub Repository


If you have a live demo or GitHub repository for a project completed during a hackathon, include a link. Recruiters love to see tangible results, and linking to a project shows initiative, transparency, and confidence in your work.

Just ensure the demo or repo is polished; working demos or well-documented GitHub projects stand out more than unfinished or incomplete work.Adding a link also provides a memorable interactive element, allowing hiring managers to engage with your experience directly.

Once you’ve chosen the best sections for your hackathon experience, follow up with a clear, engaging hackathon project description that highlights your role and achievements.

Group of young people in casual clothes working in the modern office

2. Include 3–5 Bullet Points Explaining Your Role

After adding the hackathon to your chosen section (Work Experience, Projects, or a dedicated Hackathons section), use 3 to 5 bullet points to clearly outline your contributions and achievements. Each bullet point should focus on a key action, technical skill, or result that you delivered.

This format is especially effective in sections where recruiters expect detail, like Work Experience or Projects, and allows you to showcase your role without overwhelming the reader.

Here are spots where you could add the points:

In the Work Experience Section


Add bullet points here if your hackathon role was substantial. Focus on specific responsibilities, skills, and measurable results to match job requirements.

icon checkExample:

“Project Lead, TechSprint Hackathon 2023

  • Led a team of four to design an energy-saving app prototype that won ‘Most Practical Solution’
  • Developed technical features, including API integration and UI/UX design
  • Delivered a fully functional product within 48 hours”

In the Projects Section


Use bullet points to summarize key contributions, the project’s purpose, and any achievements if it’s in the Projects section. This shows practical, relevant skills.

icon checkExample:

“GreenHack Hackathon Project: Eco-Friendly Shopping App

  • Created an app prototype for tracking sustainable shopping, connecting users to eco-friendly businesses
  • Designed core UI elements in React, focusing on user-friendly navigation
  • Ranked in the top 10, drawing investor interest on demo day”

In a Dedicated Hackathons Section


Include 2 to 3 bullets per event to highlight your role, contributions, and specific skills. Include the event name, date, and brief details to show that you’ve consistently engaged in real-world problem-solving and collaboration.

icon checkExample:

“Hackathon: AI4Good Hackathon, Mental Health Chatbot Project

  • Led a team to develop a mental health chatbot, securing third place out of 50 teams
  • Integrated natural language processing for real-time mental health support
  • Incorporated user feedback within 24 hours to improve user experience”

Group of men working together at the office

3. Emphasize Results and Impact

In all the sections mentioned in the previous step where you included your hackathon experience, you have to highlight specific results and metrics. Measurable outcomes like awards, process improvements, or problem-solving successes catch a recruiter’s eye and make your achievements more credible. Using numbers, percentages, or rankings adds credibility and demonstrates the real impact of your work.

icon checkExample:
“Developed a web platform to streamline data entry for small businesses, reducing data processing time by 30% and winning the ‘Best Innovation’ award.”

4. List Valuable Skills Gained in the Skills or Experience Sections

If your hackathon experience helped you develop specific technical skills, such as Python, machine learning, or project management, list these directly in your Skills section or alongside the hackathon entry. Including relevant skills highlights your technical growth and readiness for the role.

icon checkSkills Example:
  • Python
  • React
  • Machine Learning
  • Agile Development
  • Real-Time Data Analysis (applied in hackathon projects)

icon checkExample in Work Experience or Projects Section:
“Applied machine learning and data analysis at the DataDive Hackathon, where our team developed a predictive model for energy usage.”

5. Use Keywords that Match Job Descriptions

Look at job postings you’re interested in and sprinkle relevant keywords into your hackathon descriptions. Keywords like “cross-functional collaboration,” “prototyping,” or “agile development” can help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and make your experience even more appealing to hiring managers.

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Example Resumes Featuring Hackathon Experience


Here are two sample resumes that showcase hackathon experience in different ways, depending on the role and relevance of the projects. Use these examples to inspire your own resume layout and content.

Developer discuss a business project in the office Brainstorming

Example 1: Front-End Developer Resume

Keisha Rivera

Front-End Developer

keisha.rivera@example.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keisharivera

Summary

Front-end developer passionate about creating responsive, user-focused web applications. Multiple hackathon participations with a proven ability to deliver clean, interactive interfaces on tight deadlines. Skilled in JavaScript, React, and responsive design principles.

Work Experience

Project Lead, HealthTech Hackathon

January 2023

  • Led a team of five to design a telemedicine app prototype, winning “Best User Experience” among 30 teams
  • Developed responsive, intuitive front-end features using React, improving load times by 30%
  • Designed accessible UI elements and managed seamless API integrations for a smooth user experience

Front-End Developer Intern, NextGen Software

June 2022 – August 2022

  • Built client-facing applications with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, focusing on user-friendly design and responsive layouts
  • Enhanced web performance by optimizing images and code, reducing page load times by 20%
  • Collaborated with backend developers and product teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements

Skills

JavaScript | React | HTML/CSS | API Integration | Responsive Design


Example 2: Data Engineer Resume

Marcello Park

Data Engineer

marcello.park@example.com | Portfolio: marcelloparkdata.com

Summary

Data engineer with experience in building data pipelines and processing large datasets, from hackathon challenges to production-level data solutions. Skilled in SQL, Python, and ETL processes, and known for efficient, scalable data architecture design.

Projects

Hackathon Project: Real-Time Data Analysis for Environmental Impact

DataHack Hackathon, October 2023

  • Developed a pipeline that processed and visualized environmental impact data in real time, ranking in the top 5 out of 50 teams
  • Built ETL processes using Python and SQL to handle large datasets, ensuring smooth data flow for analysis
  • Designed user-friendly dashboards with key metrics, collaborating with team members on both data engineering and visualization

Data Engineering Intern, GreenTech Solutions

April 2022 – August 2022

  • Built and optimized ETL pipelines for climate data, improving data processing efficiency by 40%
  • Performed data quality checks and cleaning to ensure data accuracy and integrity for research and reporting
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into technical data requirements

Skills

Python | SQL | ETL | Data Visualization | Data Architecture


Why You Should Put a Hackathon on Your Resume


  • Hackathons prove you can solve problems on the fly, which employers love in fast-paced roles.
  • They show you’re willing to go beyond a typical job description to tackle challenges head-on.
  • Participating in a hackathon highlights your technical skills in action, not just on paper.
  • These events showcase your ability to work in teams, a skill just as valuable as any coding language.
  • Hackathons push you to adapt quickly, proving you can learn and adjust in real time.
  • They’re standout conversation starters that set you apart in a pile of traditional resumes.
  • Hackathons also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth by dedicating your time to new skills and experiences.
Technology students group in computer lab school classroom working on

How to Leverage Hackathon Projects to Find a New Job


Your hackathon projects can be powerful tools in landing your next role. Here’s how to use them strategically:

  • Mention Hackathons in Interviews: Bring up your most impressive project as a real-world example of your problem-solving, technical skills, and teamwork.
  • Link Projects on Your LinkedIn and GitHub: Make sure your profile is complete with detailed project descriptions, practical skills used, and relevant programming languages.
  • Use Projects as Portfolio Pieces: Treat unique hackathon projects like portfolio showcases, especially if they align with the jobs you’re applying for.
  • Connect with Hackathon Participants: Networking with fellow participants can lead to job referrals, freelance gigs, or even startup opportunities.
  • Reference Projects in Cover Letters: Use your hackathon experiences to highlight your innovative approach to real challenges, showing how your practical skills translate directly into the workplace.
  • Attend Hackathons Hosted by Target Employers: Many companies host or sponsor hackathons, so participating can introduce you to hiring managers or potential teammates.

Conclusion


Listing hackathons on your resume can give you a real edge, showing employers that you’re innovative, adaptable, and ready to tackle real-world challenges. By strategically placing your most impactful projects, focusing on measurable results, and tailoring your descriptions to fit the role, you’ll turn your hackathon experience into a standout asset.

Take pride in those late nights and creative sprints, it’s exactly the kind of experience that can make your resume pop and grab a recruiter’s attention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do hackathons count as extracurricular activities?

Yes, hackathons are often considered extracurriculars, especially if you participated outside of school or work. They demonstrate initiative, technical skills, and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers and academic programs alike.

Is a hackathon just coding?

No, hackathons involve more than just coding. They often include design, project management, and problem-solving aspects. Many hackathons encourage participants to collaborate, brainstorm, and develop solutions from start to finish, making them valuable for both technical and non-technical skills.

Where should I put a hackathon on LinkedIn?

You can add hackathons to the "Projects" or "Volunteer Experience" sections on LinkedIn, depending on your role and involvement. This allows you to showcase your contributions, link to any demos, and highlight skills you developed during the hackathon.

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