I got a BCG referral but still rejected before the interview. Is this possible?

Hi there,

I'm really sorry to hear this!

A referral greatly increases your chances…but it does not guarantee and interview.

Unfortunately other factors (including resume strength, cover letter, general profile, office demand, other applicants, etc.) matter a lot. Right now is a rough time to apply.

Please ignore the others saying that you have to have a Partner referral. Any referral helps (with the higher the level helping more of course)

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about the rejection. In terms of your question:

Q: I got a BCG referral but was still rejected before the interview. Is this possible?

Yes. A referral increases your chances but unfortunately won’t guarantee an interview 100%.

Best,

Francesco

As I mentioned in many other comments, if your referral comes from someone below the role of Associate Partner / Principal, it is spectacularly useless. Do you want a great referral? Work your way to get a Senior Partner's referral. 

Beyond that, HR exists for a reason, among many, i.e., to screen CVs. 

And even if your CV is good, there are moments in which recruiting is more challenging. 


 

Hi there, 

sorry for the rejection. 

Unfortunately most of the candidates and coaches expect way too much from a referral. They help you to get your CV checked but not much more.  BUT it is important to have in mind that the person who refers you must write quite a story and fill a questionnaire about you. If the person doesn't know you well, it refers you but don't put much of the recommendation - it says the truth, that doesn't know you as well from working  (I wont to not ruin my reputation if I don't know you really well), then this referral is almost useless. 

Good luck next time

Lucie

Was this answer helpful?

Hi there, 

Yes, unfortunately this is possible and I've come across a few examples in the second half of this year as consulting firms are reacting to the economic situation and some have also already filled their hiring quote. 

At the end of the day, even with the referral, the application is also judged in relation to the priorities of the office and their capacity to take on new hires. That might mean that firms can reject at times candidates that they would love to hire otherwise. 

The solution here is to try and diversify your risk as much as possible and apply to multiple companies. 

Best,

Cristian

Hi 

Yes it is possible. there is only a certain level to which your referrals can influence/help with the initial screening process. You must not have checked off a clear screening requirement as part of the application process (however should have been flagged by the person referring you) best is to reach out to them and understand it directly with them. They can follow with the recruiting team. 
 

good luck 

I'm sorry to hear that. 

A referral is just a door opener such that the recruiting team looks through your application thoroughly. Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better chance of getting a first round interview.

A direct rejection can happen - even with a referral. In that case the HR team usually provides some feedback to the person having given the referral. So you should follow up with them to better understand the rationale

Hi there,

Sorry for hear that, 

Having a referral helps getting your CV screened but does not give you preferential treatment over other candidates. Also, it does not guarantee you getting the interview.

Mario

I'm sorry to hear this - after you've put in a lot of work it's really disappointing to be rejected. 

There could be a whole number of reasons for the rejection - the office could be contracting, they could be looking for different profiles etc., it could be though that your resume wasn't quite strong enough. 

It could be worth getting a second opinion on your CV from someone who isn't a friend and can perhaps be more honest than friends could be - as well as give you some pointers on how to strengthen it. 

Good luck!