Do I need MBB Referrals?

Question

I am going into my Junior year at a target undergrad and was wondering if referrals are really necessary to get an interview. I have a 3.98 GPA with a STEM major and relevant internship/EC experience, and have attended networking/informational virtual events for all of MBB.

If referrals are really necessary to get an interview, then I'd be happy to go through the networking process. Though I've heard that with a high enough GPA I should get at least a phone screen and would rather just focus on case/Fit prep if this is the case.

Answer 1

Hi there,

A referral is just a door opener such that the recruiting team will look through your application more thoroughly. Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better chance of getting a first round interview. The more senior the person referring you is, the better. The longer the tenure of that person with the firm is, the better.

The reason is that such voices carry more weight than referrals coming from super junior or brand new people. They typically know the HR folks better and have been involved in recruiting activities for a while so it is usually assumed that they have a good grasp of what types of candidates with which sets of qualifications the firm needs. However, any referral is ultimately better than no referral.

Ideally, you get a referral from someone from the same office (or same country) you are applying to. But again, a referral from someone within the same firm but different office or country organization is still better than no referral.

A direct rejection after the CV screening stage can still happen - even with a referral. In that case the recruiting team usually provides some feedback to the person having given the referral. So you should follow up with them to better understand the rationale in case that happens. On the flipside, you can still get an interview invite when you just apply online without a referral - the probability is just lower - particularly when your CV is not “stellar” on a standalone basis.

And as always, factors such as economic conditions and headcount/budget planning of the individual firm also matter significantly in these decisions - but they are not within your control.

Best

Answer 2

Hi there,

Congrats on your great GPA first of all, that’s pretty impressive.

Your profile seems very solid but MBB are recruiting fewer people this year – a referral can just help, thus I would go for that. Better safe than sorry ;)

Here you can find some tips on referrals:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Hi there,

My main question for you is: would it hurt?

In which case my 2nd question for you is: why not get a referral?

:)

Remember, most things in life are not table stakes (i.e. must have). Everything is a scale. Think of referrals like you did your GPA: A 3.98 GPA isn't necessary to get an interview but it sure helps.

Also remember, nothing in life is a sure thing - I've seen amazing resumes/candidates get invited to interview at EY but not McKinsey, and unimpressive people get invited to all three of MBB.

There is always an element of chance/rolling the dice, so maximize your odds!

In summary: A referral is not necessary, but it is most definitely helpful.

Answer 4

Yes, referrals do help regardless of your background.

Think of them as ‘extra points’ added to your application when it's being reviewed.

Still, even with referrals, it doesn't mean that passing screening is a given.

Sharing with you two resources you might find useful to review if you're looking into getting a referral:

Best,
Cristian

Answer 5

Hi!

If you are at a target school and meet the formal criteria of your target office, you will not necessarily need a referral. Just make sure that you show the qualities in your CV and cover letter - this is where things become tricky, since only very few candidates really understand what MBB firms are looking for. In this sense, a referral can help mitigate this risk.

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 6

You will be fine without a referral but do not underestimate the time needed to polish your CV and cover letter. Also do let your university placement cell that you are applying so that recruiter looks out for your application

Answer 7

Dear A,

Referal will significantly maximise your chances. It's like a business lane in the aiport, when you can simply the skip the whole queue.

Although remember that you CV and Cover letter should be excellent.

If you need help with any of these documents, feel free to reach out to me.

Best,

André

Answer 8

Hi, especially in this period the referral can be an important boost to your application. It only accelerates it

Best,
Antonello

Answer 9

Hi there,

A referral can be a great instrument that helps you secure an interview invite.

However, it is not a 100% guarantee that you eventually get an offer because some points and effort must be given from your side as well.

The question is: How much do you really want to get the job? Of course, it is better to provide yourself with a referral for the targeted firm. Otherwise, you can not even get invited.

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