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Anonymous A

on Jul 20, 2021

Global

Does seniority of referee matters?

Hi Experts,

I am applying to positions in SEA, where some T2 firms have relatively small offices and currently only employ junior consultants who mostly work less than 2 years with the firm (start after their graduation). I would like to know if it will worth the effort to get a referral from junior consultants? And, how about newly joined consultants (less than 6 months in)?

Thank you in advance

Note: I have secured referrals for MBBs, and trying to maximize # of interviews elsewhere

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Top answer

Ken

Coach

on Jul 21, 2021

Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

If it's a small office than inherently seniority matters less and so I would definitely do the networking.

Deleted user

on Jul 21, 2021

Definitely get referred than nothing at all. And yes, the senior the better but if you dont have options, go with junior person.

Francesco

Coach

on Jul 21, 2021

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

Hi there,

Any referral is better than no referral. If you can choose between a senior person and a junior one, definitely go with the senior, it will increase the chances to get an interview. If that's not possible, go with the junior one, it will still be better than applying without referrals.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Florian

Coach

on Jul 21, 2021

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

Hey there,

There is an easy formula. The more

referrals
diverse
senior

the better will be your chances to move to the interviews or aptitude test stage of the application.

Also, a referral is better than no referral, so if you can only get one from a junior colleague, still go for it!

Cheers,

Florian

Ian

Coach

on Jul 21, 2021

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

Hi there,

First priority: Get a referral

Second priority: Get a higher level referral

The difference in odds between no referral and a low-level referal is far higher than the gap between two referrals of different seniorities!

Get that referral! Any referral!