Got BCG rejection even before referral is submitted. What can I do?

That's tough, very sorry to hear. Unfortunately, you will need to wait 12 months before reapplying as this counts as a rejection in the system. For future reference, if you have a referral your candidacy should START with that. You shouldn't apply separately without it and look to add it later. 

That is incredibly frustrating timing, and I’m sorry that happened. It feels like the recruiting machine worked against you right when you needed that internal advocate.

Here is the reality of experienced-hire recruiting: these spots are filled on a strictly rolling basis and often have an extremely narrow window. Your application was likely filtered out because the specific headcount for that role or office was met incredibly fast, or the application volume was so high that the initial HR screener or ATS filtered aggressively to thin the queue. The recruiting process often operates completely blind to a pending referral; the initial screen happens, and if the file is moved to the reject queue, a later referral submission can’t automatically pull it back. The slot likely closed while your contact was away.

Do not waste your contact's political capital asking HR to reconsider the rejected application. Appealing a system-generated, fast rejection is almost always a zero-sum game, as the firm doesn't want to break standardized process for capacity reasons.

The referral is still immensely valuable, but you need to pivot. When your contact returns, ask her to use the referral to scout for a different open role—perhaps in an adjacent office, or one of the specialty units (like BCG X) if your profile fits. Submitting a new, immediate referral for an active opening is the most efficient way to get that essential human review.

All the best with the next step.

You can still submit the referral, but it might not reverse the rejection immediately  Your contact could reach out to HR to express support and highlight your fit for the role, which can sometimes prompt a reconsideration or keep you in mind for future openings. Meanwhile, you could also reapply for similar roles in the next recruitment cycle.

hey there :)

this happens unfortunately and it is usually an automated screen before referrals are attached. A referral submitted after a rejection rarely reopens the same application, but your contact can still reach out to HR to ask whether a reapply is possible or whether they recommend a cooling off period. In parallel, the most realistic option is to wait for the cooldown and then reapply with a slightly adjusted profile or different office if applicable. It is not a red flag and does not mean you are out long term. Feel free to reach out if you want help with next steps or positioning.

best,
Alessa :)

Unfortunately, it's too late now. 

It's a bit strange that the referral was meant to be submitted after your application. 

Typically the referral comes before or at once with your application (precisely to avoid situations like this one from happening). 

Reaching out to the recruiter won't change anything now. I would recommend you focus on recruiting with other firms at the moment. 

Best,
Cristian

Sorry to hear this. 

I think what you can do now is to ask your referral contact to reach out to the recruiting team, not to ask for reconsideration, but to understand why you were rejected and what are the improvement areas they want to see you do better. That could help you prep better next time. 

Best,

Emily

Hi there,

this is very unfortunate. You always want to have your application looked at within the context of the referral (if you have one). So ideally your application should be channeled through the person referring you or at least have that connection made somehow. Once an application has been rejected, a referral based on the same application documents won't change anything in my experience. However, even with a referral, rejections are possible.

Continue your recruiting with other firms and if you are still interested in BCG, you should be able to reapply after 12 months or so.

Best of luck

This is strange. You are expected to submit referral together with your application, or before the application, not afterwards.

Hi there,

Unfortunately, it's very unlikely that you can do anything regarding your rejection. I suggest you prepare for next round and hopefully get better timing regarding the referral. 

ask ur friend/referrer to ping hr