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Anonymous A

on Sep 22, 2021

Global

Asking for referral in a direct way?

I have known a MBB junior partner for around a year. He is an alumni and we have scheduled a call once and hangout for coffee once. Except these two events, I haven't contacted him for more than 6 months. Given that he has some personal understandings about me, I am thinking of approaching him directly and seek his help for referral. Is this move suggested, and how can I frame the request in an elegant and polite way, as we are not acquaintance? Appreciate your thoughts.

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Top answer

Florian

Coach

on Sep 22, 2021

1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hey there,

An indirect way would be to reach out to him and ask how the referral system works.

He will pick up on your request and - if willing - will automatically offer you to refer you. If not, then he would not have referred you, even if you had asked in a more direct way. :-)

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

Cristian

Coach

on Sep 22, 2021

#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Yes. Do it.

I suggest you reach out, say that you hope he's been well and that you've recently decided to apply to his firm. That you're very excited, already started preparing and have a few questions. Would he have a few minutes to connect? You would really appreciate that. Most likely he will say yes, even though it could get tricky to actually find a time to do the call.

Once you do discuss with him, ask him mindful, genuine questions that you wouldn't normally get answered online. Say thank you, that he's been very generous with his time. Say that you're a bit concerned about the initial screening, whether he thinks you have good chances with your CV and whether there's any chance him or someone like him could provide a referral for you. He'll probably say yes. You'll be grateful, the call ends, you start preparing for the interview and then get the offer. Good luck!

Ian

Coach

on Sep 22, 2021

Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

100% you should! There's no downside risk and there's only upside here.

I love Florian's suggestion of bringing it up naturally and asking about the process (don't be overly coy though or make it look like you're playing games).

Personally, I think if you can even meetup in person again, that's the best way to do it! (Message him and say you're looking to apply and would love to catchup again).

Good luck!

Antonello

Coach

on Sep 23, 2021

McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

The Partner knows what you're aiming to. I would build the relation and then you'll get the chance to ask for a referral or he/she might even propose that to you.

Best,

Anto