How can I improve my CFGdegree application?

This guide is designed to help you strengthen your next submission by breaking down our application review process. You will find advice, tips, and guidance you can use to improve your future application!

If you didn't get the outcome you hoped for with your CFGdegree application this time, we are so sorry for the disappointment, but we warmly encourage you to use this guide to come back even stronger for our next cohort.

What is CFG looking for in an application?
What is the STAR method?
How can I overcome Imposter Syndrome?
Can I use AI to help with my application? 

What is CFG looking for in an application?

Before you submit your Code First Girls application, run through our 10-Star Candidate Checklist. This quick guide outlines the criteria our team looks for when reviewing candidates for our CFGdegree.

Ticking off these ten points helps your submission to be complete, eligible, and ready to stand out!

1. Right-to-Work & Eligibility: You meet all mandatory right-to-work, location, and legal eligibility criteria for both the programme and your chosen sponsoring employer.
2. Full Schedule Availability: You have full availability for all listed assessment windows, fixed sponsor interview dates, and cohort start dates.
3. Detailed Written Motivations: Your application features thorough, well-considered responses that explain your drive for a tech career, avoiding brief one-liners.
4. Genuine, Unscripted Voice: Your answers are 100% your own—written in your authentic voice without the use of AI generation tools (like ChatGPT) or reading directly from pre-written scripts.
5. Evidence of Independent Learning: You highlight past evidence of self-directed tech study, such as CFG courses, similar foundational courses, or personal coding projects.
6. Tailored Sponsor Knowledge: You demonstrate clear, tailored knowledge of your chosen sponsoring companies, including their core values, products, and tech culture.
7. Clear, Professional Communication: You maintain clear, professional, and well-structured communication across all written assessments and application forms.
8. Pre-Tested Audio & Video Equipment: You have tested your webcam, microphone, lighting, and internet connection before starting recorded video assessments to prevent technical issues.
9. Professional Candidate Etiquette: You demonstrate politeness, positive engagement, and professional etiquette in all interactions with our team and employer partners.
10. Timely Stage Completion: You complete all technical assessments, video submissions, and application links well within their designated deadlines. 

What is the STAR method?

When applying for CFG programmes, behavioral questions are a key part of your recorded video assessment and company interviews.

Questions like ""Tell me about a time you worked in a team"  help to assess how you work and apply your skills. Using the STAR framework keeps your answers clear, structured, and concise.

Here is the breakdown of the STAR Framework:

• S – Situation: Set the context. Briefly describe the background or scenario you were facing. Keep this to just 10–15% of your answer.
• T – Task: Explain your specific responsibility or the goal you needed to achieve within that situation.
• A – Action: This is the most critical part! Detail the specific steps you took to address the task. Use "I" instead of "we" to ensure your individual contribution is clear.
• R – Result: Share the outcome. What was achieved? Use numbers, metrics, or tangible accomplishments wherever possible, and reflect on what you learned.

Click here can watch one of our previous Live Seminars for more top tips on how to use STAR to ace your interviews!

How can I overcome Imposter Syndrome?

Transitioning into tech can feel intimidating, but feeling like you aren't "technical enough" is completely normal—over 80% of career switchers experience imposter syndrome.

Quick Mindset Shifts

• Drop the "Expert" Trap: You don't need to know every coding language to apply. Employers value your ability to learn over static knowledge.
• Stop Comparing: Don't compare your Day 1 to someone else's Year 5. Focus on your individual progress.
• Own Your Success: Passing an assessment isn't "luck"—it's a result of your logic and hard work.

Actionable Tips to Build Confidence

• Keep a Win Log: Record small achievements, finished courses, and positive feedback to read when self-doubt hits.
• Reframe Your Thinking: Replace "I don't know how to do this" with "I haven't learned this yet."
• Lean on the Community: Share your doubts with others—you'll quickly realise your peers feel the exact same way.
• Value Transferable Skills: Communication, organisation, and problem-solving from non-tech roles are vital assets.

If you meet the core eligibility criteria and have a passion for learning, we want to see your application. You've got this!

For more inspiration and in-depth advice from our team and industry partners, watch our full session: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Can I use AI to help with my application?

AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be helpful assistants, but relying on them to write your application can result in rejection. Use AI responsibly — it can act as a coach or proofreader but should never be your ghostwriter. We want to see your genuine voice, real motivations, and personal story!

Here are some Do's and Don'ts of using AI for your CFG application:

• DO use AI to outline & practice: Use AI to help structure your thoughts into the STAR method, proofread your grammar, or generate mock interview questions to practice out loud.
• DON'T copy and paste text: Avoid pasting AI-generated answers directly into your form. Sifting teams can easily spot generic buzzwords, robotic phrasing, and lack of personal detail.
• DON'T script video interviews: Avoid reading AI-generated scripts on camera. It ruins natural eye contact, removes warmth, and makes your delivery sound robotic.

Before submitting your written application or pressing record on your video assessment, ask yourself:"Is this written in my own words, and could I discuss this answer comfortably in a live interview without notes?" If the answer is yes, you're ready to submit!

You can also watch the Live Seminar we held earlier this year for more tips on acing your application!

If you successfully get to the interview section of the application process, you can find advice on how to prepare for them here.