Mckinsey referral

Question

Hello everyone,

I have been referred by a person who is working in the digital department at Mckinsey for a Junior Associate position (Consulting).

I got an email from Mckinsey asking me to apply through the link which was provided in that email.

My question - This person is with the firm for 2 years and in a different department than Consulting. Should I apply through this link or try to get more senior referrals. I do not want to wait for 12 months to reapply.

What are the chances of me getting an interview round if I apply through this link. Do they really screen your CV before sending you the link?

Answer 1

Hi there,

In general you can have one “formal” referral when you apply. If the person already referred you, then technically you have already been referred by someone and you cannot get additional formal referrals as part of the application.

You may get an “informal” referral by someone else if they mention you to HR.

Given you already received the link I would recommend to:

Apply via the link once you have polished your CV
If you have the opportunity to network with someone else senior, you can still mention you applied and you would be more than happy if they would like to mention you to HR

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

Hi there,

If you're already talking to a few more senior people that you think might refer you (in a few weeks), then take a wait-and-see approach.

Otherwise, I would apply right now via that link! You can always look to keep networking w/ only higher level individuals.

That said, it's great to have this referral and it will absolutely improve your chances!

Answer 3

Hey there,

You will be fine. Usually, a referral is better the more senior your referrer is, however, the difference is marginal and I would just go ahead with your application now.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

I don't think they screen your CV before sending you this link because everyone I've referred got their link around a few hours after I added them to the internal system.

You should apply now because any future senior referrals can simply mark your application status as “applied", which would match that referral to your submitted application.

As to whether you will receive the interview depends on how strong your resume is. If your resume is weak, you still won't get an interview even if a Partner refers you. Lastly, McKinsey preaches a meritocratic system and explicitly highlights and no referral will guarantee an interview (at all seniority levels), so that could indicate that who refers you is not as important as you might think.

Answer 5

It depends where it really will come down to your CV. Good news is that you have a recruiter who is aware of your profile where a senior referral will be marginal at this point.

Answer 6

Hello,

Since you have the link already, I would probably go ahead and apply (unless, as Ian pointed out, you are already having conversations with more senior people that you think could translate into a referral very soon). I would also advise continuing to build your network in the office/practice that you are applying for. Even if you weren't referred by a senior consultant, having senior consultants in your network and keeping in touch as you go through the recruiting process can help strengthen your candidacy.