Networking question

Short answer: networking is helpful, sometimes decisive, but rarely sufficient on its own for MBB and Tier-2 consulting.

MBB

• You can get interviews via the website alone, especially from target schools
• Networking mainly helps with:
  • Office preference alignment
  • Getting your CV actually reviewed (soft push, not a guarantee)
  • Understanding fit and interview expectations
• Referrals matter more for borderline profiles or non-traditional backgrounds, less for “clean” profiles from target schools

Tier 2 (OW, Strategy&, Kearney, LEK, etc.)

• Networking is more important than at MBB
• Referrals can materially increase interview chances
• Some offices quietly expect at least light networking

What networking does not do

• It will not compensate for weak casing or fit
• It will not override poor academic or professional signals

Practical rule of thumb

• Apply online and network in parallel
• Aim for 2–4 meaningful conversations per firm, not mass coffee chats
• Convert networking into a referral or internal note, not just “nice chats”

Bottom line

• Website-only works, especially from top schools
• Networking reduces risk and improves odds — especially for Tier 2
• No one regrets networking; many regret not doing it

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.

Networking isn't strictly required, but it significantly improves your chances. 

Applying through the website alone works if your profile is strong. Top school, high GPA, relevant experience. The system is designed to filter for these things. If you tick all the boxes, you can get interviews without knowing anyone at the firm.

But most people don't have a perfect profile. That's where networking makes the difference.

What networking actually does for you:

It gets your resume noticed. A referral from someone inside the firm moves your application out of the pile and onto someone's desk. At some firms, referred candidates get reviewed separately and more carefully.

It helps with borderline profiles. If your GPA is slightly low, your school isn't a target, or your background is non-traditional, a referral can get you past filters that would otherwise screen you out.

It gives you information. Talking to consultants teaches you what the firm actually looks for, what the culture is like, and how to position your story. That's hard to get from a website.

It shows genuine interest. Firms notice when candidates have taken the time to connect with their people. It signals you're serious, not just mass-applying everywhere.

How much networking matters depends on your profile:

Strong traditional profile (target school, high GPA, relevant experience): networking helps but isn't critical. Apply online and you'll likely get interviews.

Borderline profile (non-target school, lower GPA, career switcher): networking is almost essential. A referral can be the difference between getting screened out and getting an interview.

Non-traditional background: networking is critical. You need someone to advocate for your profile and explain why you'd be a good fit despite the unconventional path.

MBB vs T2:

MBB firms are more structured in their recruiting. Networking helps but the process is fairly standardized. Your application still needs to pass their filters.

T2 firms and boutiques are often more flexible. Networking can have an even bigger impact because hiring decisions are sometimes less formal and more relationship-driven.

My advice:

Don't choose between networking and applying online. Do both. Apply through the website and network at the same time. Even a few coffee chats with consultants at your target firms can make a meaningful difference.

This is one of the most common questions, and I'll give you the straightforward, insider answer: Networking is not optional; it is a mandatory strategic layer of the process, especially for MBB, and especially if you are already a super competitive candidate wanting to derisk and last 5% chance of failure.

Here is the reality of the recruiting machine: When you apply through the website, your resume goes into the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), where it is benchmarked against tens of thousands of other candidates before a human even looks at it. Most firms have a near-blind filtering process that knocks out 90% of candidates immediately. Your goal is not just to apply; your goal is to bypass that initial screening and flag your file for priority review.

This is where networking comes in. The 15 minutes you spend talking to a consultant is not just an informational interview; it is an interview to secure a referral. The referral is the mechanism that changes your status from "cold website applicant" to "warm, internally vouched-for candidate." Recruiters are volume-limited, so they prioritize candidates whose quality has already been endorsed by someone inside the firm.

Strategically, you should submit your application, but treat that submission as a placeholder. The application only truly becomes active and competitive once a consultant, ideally someone who knows your story well, submits a quality referral that links directly to your file. Do not rely solely on the website.

Hope this helps!

I will get straight to the point - Networking is critical and near mandatory.

Perhaps in different phases of hiring and there is more demand than supply you can get away with cold applying on the website - but we are not in that scenario at the moment and haven't been for a long time.

This is not just for consulting either - and consulting is hyper competitive. Even in less competitive industries you're more likely to get an interview with a referral or can show via your cover letter that you have done your own due diligence and spoken to people from the company.

I highly recommend doing informational interviews with people from the companies you're seeking to apply to. Try reaching out on LinkedIn to people from your network, or 2nd degree connections. Ideally, when you reach out you have something in common (past company, same university, same hobby etc.) this will give a warm element to you reaching out. Ask for a short (10-15) zoom or call whereby you ask them about their experience and advice. You do not ask for a referral - but if the rapport is there they likely will offer one - or something else to help you on your journey.
It is really important to build this into your application strategy and timeline.

Happy to talk more if helpful!

Hi there,

A referral through networking is just a door opener such that the recruiting team will look through your application more thoroughly. However, you can't expect someone who doesn't know you to put their name and reputation on the line for a quick referral. It usually takes some time to cultivate this kind of professional relationship, hence networking efforts. You should have at least an informal "interview" with that person before you can expect something.

Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better chance of getting a first round interview. The more senior the person referring you is, the better. The longer the tenure of that person with the firm is, the better.

The reason is that such voices carry more weight than referrals coming from super junior or brand new people. They typically know the HR folks better and have been involved in recruiting activities for a while so it is usually assumed that they have a good grasp of what types of candidates with which sets of qualifications the firm needs. However, any referral is ultimately better than no referral. 

Ideally, you get a referral from someone from the same office (or same country) you are applying to. But again, a referral from someone within the same firm but different office or country organization is still better than no referral.

A direct rejection after the CV screening stage can still happen - even with a referral. In that case the recruiting team usually provides some feedback to the person having given the referral. So you should follow up with them to better understand the rationale in case that happens. On the flipside, you can still get an interview invite when you just apply online without a referral - the probability is just lower - particularly when your CV is not “stellar” on a standalone basis.

And as always, factors such as economic conditions and headcount/budget planning of the individual firm also matter significantly in these decisions - but they are not within your control.

Best

Depends on the geography. 

Networking will help you get a referral. That's the way in which it directly increases your chances of passing screening. Beyond that, the referral doesn't count anyway. 

Indirectly, networking helps because it gives you a more holistic understanding of the industry and the job you're going for. 

If you want to learn more about networking and referrals, the following two materials will be useful:

Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Best,
Cristian

hey there :)

networking is very helpful but not strictly mandatory. For MBB, having connections or referrals can give you visibility and sometimes speed up your process, but strong candidates also get interviews through direct applications. For Tier 2 firms, it is slightly less critical, though a connection can still help you understand culture and tailor your application. The key is to combine both: submit strong applications and leverage networking to get insights and advocate internally. Feel free to reach out if you want tips on efficient networking strategies.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there,

It's not essential, but it could help when they ask you why you're interested in the firm and you share your experiences with chatting with those in the company. It could also help by having someone in HR to reach out to when following up on your application. Whether or not you get an interview invite really depends on your profile though.

It helps. But most people who get in did not network.