How to reinitiate with old MBB contacts?

Question

A few months ago I was able to get a partner referral to one of the MBBs, but I wasn’t able to advance to interviews due to a hiring freeze. I was encouraged to reapply in September.

Come September, I sent an email to HR and they didn’t reply. I also wrote the partner saying I would be reapplying, but also didn’t get a reply. I didn’t ask for anything specifically, just said I would be reapplying.

Is it worth writing the partner again (if so, in what way, should I explicitly ask for help?). If that doesn’t work, how can I restart the process with this firm?

Answer 1

Hi there!

Sorry to hear. That sounds frustrating.

Basically, I'd try a few things:

1. Reach out back to HR via a different channel or different contact.

2. Reach out again to the person who gave you the referral and say that you are reapply and that HR is not responding and you want to make sure that you're making use of the referral

3. Re-start networking with other people in the firm so you get other contacts who could give referrals.

4. Already look into applying to other firms as well.

Sharing below also a couple of articles to help you with networking and navigating the recruitment process:

Best,
Cristian

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Answer 2

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear about this - quite frustrating.

If it were me, I would wait 3-4 weeks and reach out again, but through a different channel if possible (phone, linkedin, etc.). I'd make sure my message is worded in a “light” way, and a “just in case my other message was missed” sort of tone.

Additionally, never ever rely on one person or one firm. You should have 100s of feelers out right now, rather than being worried about 2 people who's last priority, speaking honestly, is you.

Get out there and get hustling with lots more networking.

Here's some more reading to hep:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/application-tracker

Answer 3

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, this must be frustrating! Here's what I would suggest:

1. Wait a week or two, and follow up with HR if you haven't heard anything back from them

2. Wait 3-4 weeks (if feasible given deadlines), and follow up with the partner. I think Cristian's suggestion of letting them know that HR is not responding and you want to make sure you can use the referral is great, I would do that.

In the meantime, continue networking with people at this firm to see if you can get another referral in case this one falls through. My guess is though that the partner just got caught up with something and didn't reply in time, I don't see why they wouldn't support you with a referral again.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Hi there,

1) Is it worth writing to the partner again (if so, in what way, should I explicitly ask for help?)?

I assume your goal would be to ensure that the previous referral is considered. If that’s the case, I would call HR and ask if there is any step needed for that.

2) If that doesn’t work, how can I restart the process with this firm?

If the previous referral cannot be used you can look for another referral and leverage that for the application. You can find some tips below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco