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Do you have higher possibility of passing a CV screening if you CV is from a headhunter versus internal referal?

Which one would you have higher possibility of passing a CV screening if you CV is from a headhunter versus internal referal?

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Top answer
Mariam
Coach
on Oct 14, 2021
Ex-Bain | ~5 years of consulting experience in the Middle East (UAE) | 4 years of candidate coaching with Bain

Internal referral of course, given that it is an internal employee vs an external recruiter.

However, it all depends on the consulting firm, the office, its needs and how the recruitment operates (in terms of overall chances of getting an interview invitation)

Ian
Coach
on Oct 13, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Internal referral and it's not even close!

on Oct 14, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

I'd say an internal referral unless it is an internal headhunter!

Best,

Anto

Erica
Coach
on Oct 14, 2021
Ex-McKinsey / 100% offer rate / LBS / Principle driven / Real case/ If you get the interview, you should get the offer!

Hi there. Assuming you have a strong CV and just need someone to get you through the door, I’d say it’s not really about whether that person is internal or external, it depends on whether the referral has a good relationship with the recruiter. I know ex consultants who became headhunter later and helped consulting firms with recruitment. Their reference is in no way any weaker than an internal referral.

However, if we’re comparing apple to apple, say both internal and external recruiters don’t have a personal relationship with the recruiter and they’re just referring you through the official reference system, then yes, internal referral would be stronger in this case.

Hope this helps!

Deleted
Coach
on Oct 13, 2021
5+ years consulting experience | McKinsey | Strategy& | INSEAD | Bocconi | Here to guide you from your very first steps

Internal referral is the best, because it shows that would have internal people who believe in you. 

Deleted user
on Oct 13, 2021

Internal referral increases the chances of CV being looked at.

Headhunters work equally well for senior roles which are a little difficult to fill generally.

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Pedro
Coach
on Oct 13, 2021
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Internal referral is better, as he knows the job and the culture, and he also has no conflicting interest. Not the same with headhunters. 

As a general rule, there is absolutely no plus in being presented by a headhunter (unless he is an alumn, but even in that case internal referral is better).

Moritz
Coach
on Oct 15, 2021
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Internal referral - hands down! 

They know exactly what to look for (so you pass the first test) and will consider very carefully who to refer because there´s something at stake for them.

Headhunters, on the other hand, generally benefit from referring more people vs. really good people.

Agrim
Coach
on Oct 15, 2021
Top Awarded Coach | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Master Casing in only 3 Hours | 10y in Consulting | Free Intro Call

Internal referrals should always be preferred over any headhunters - in any job.

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