MBB London Office Screenings Requirements

Question

Dear community,

I am a french student enrolled in two top grandes ecoles that are prestigious enough to pass the screening phase in the Paris Office. I am in my penultimate year, and I wish to apply for a summer internship at one of the MBB firms in London. I would like to know if there any risks that I don't pass the CV review there? How can I maximize chances if I don't know anyone there? The question behind this is to know if in London they are aware about the specificities of the french education system.

P.S.: I am not applying to the Paris Office, because they don't take summer interns, but only 6-month internships

Thanks in advance,

Regards,

Answer 1

Hello!

One step at a time, I would focus on CV and CL first, to ensure you pass the "first cut". Send over if you want.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 2

Hi,

Chances not to pass are high since London is the most competitive office.

1) Make sure your resume looks good (feel free to send)

2) Get a referral

There are certain criteria for the referral:

The consultant makes you a reference in the system and uploads your resume. Usually, he has to indicate why he thinks you are a good candidate
You skip some steps in the recruiting process (CV screening at McK, Test at Bain)
The consultant gets referral bonus ($) if you get a job offer

As you can see simply mentioning a person in your CL does not change the process at all.

The conversion to reference will be higher among consultant / manager level people who are still interested in the referral bonus. The basic idea is to ask these people for a mock interview.

Here are some tips on how you can do that:

1) Leverage your own network - find friends or friends of friends who can practice cases with you or make you a reference.

2) Attend company events. Consulting companies do a lot of events both for graduates and experienced hires. Find the social network groups related to consulting or websites, subscribe to newsletters and stay tuned. Also, check if they have events in your University since you are a PHD.

While some of the events will be open to everyone, others will require a resume and a cover letter, so make sure to prep.

3) Talk to people on the events and send Thank You notes. After each event, there is a Q&A session where you can talk to consultants 1 on 1 or in a group. Ask for contact info or send a thank you note after the event ("I just wanted to thank you for visiting our University... It was especially interesting to hear about... Would be happy to keep in touch and apply in the nearest future.). Alternatively, you may use linkedin for that. If you are an experienced hire I strongly suggest to ask for a 1 on 1 meeting in a thank you note.

4) 1 on 1 meetings. All people like giving an advice. So don't hesitate to ask consultants for a career advice. Tell your story and ask how consulting fits into it

5) Mock interview Depending on where you are in your prep process you may ask a consultant for a mock interview. Consultants are very much opened to help even if it is a cold call e-mail. The main problem is a lack of time on their side. So don't be afraid to remind about yourself if the consultant has already committed but finds it hard to find the time

6) Talking to partners If you are an experienced hire I suggest to talk directly to the partners in your industry or the partner responsible for experienced hires (in consulting partners also have additional roles). Get an intro from the HR or from your friends working there. Partners care a lot about experienced hires with relevant industry expertise. Chances to get referral are much lower though. They also will not be interested in giving mock interviews.

7) If you are an MBA graduate Just talk to your section mates and ask for a reference or a mock interview - they will be happy to help. Make sure you attend all the consulting events.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Happy to help with a quick cv feedback :)

Answer 4

Hello,

It's not a problem to attend a foreign university. If you want a feedback on your CV before sending it, feel free to send it to me.

Best,
Luca

Answer 5

Hi Anonymous,

it is definitely possible not to pass the screening for MBB London even with top universities and grades, simply because it is the most competitive office in Europe. Besides having a good CV and Cover, the best thing you can do to increase your chances is to find a referral for your application. You can find more on referrals at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Answer 6

Hi there,

Feel free to send me your CV.

I will check it with pleasure before applying.

All the best,

GB