Networking question

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!

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.