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Anonymous A

on Sep 05, 2024

USA

Does A MBB Partner Referral Carry A Lot More Weight Than An Average Employee's?

I am recruiting right now as a lateral to MBB firms (come from a financial services background and graduated 1-2 years ago). I have friends from college who work at the MBBs I am applying to and can refer me but I also have a connection to a partner who was a mentor to me at one point. Is a referral from a partner really a lot more powerful than getting one from people who are first or second level employees as these consulting firms?

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Top answer

Francesco

Coach

on Sep 05, 2024

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Is a referral from a partner really a lot more powerful than getting one from people who are first or second level employees?

In general, the higher the seniority, the stronger the referral, so if you have the chance, I would recommend a partner referral. If you don’t manage to get one, you can use the ones you currently have from someone more junior.

Good luck!

Francesco

Peter

Coach

on Sep 05, 2024

Ex-McKinsey Engagement Manager; 18/20 personal case record; ask me for my free cheat-sheet

Great to see networking in action :) - usually a partner referral has a bit more clout compared to junior referrals - but every bit helps! Usually if you have a strong connection / interaction with 1 partner you could ask to connect to another partner (where it makes sense) to help strengthen your case for interview. One of my mentees is doing this as we speak.

Good luck!

Nilay

Coach

on Sep 05, 2024

Former McKinsey Sr Engagement Manager | Trained McKinsey interviewer (100+ interviews, 500+ coaching sessions)

Hi There - good luck with you preparation. A partner is the only referral that almost guarantees an interview. SO YES if you can get one definitely prioritize Partner referrals over others. All referrals are good to have but I REPEAT a partner referral is far more valuable period.

Thanks

Nilay

Florian

Coach

on Sep 05, 2024

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

Hi there,

In the current market, I'd take every advantage you can get across all parts of the recruiting funnel.

It's no guarantee but it CAN move the needle more than a normal consultant's referral.

Cheers,

Florian