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Partner Referral - Is it okay to skip the online application?

Hello,

A partner has passed my resume and cover letter to the recruitment team. I am confused about how this will move forward? When asked if I could apply online and then forward my application along with CV/CL, I was told that was not necessary. Does this mean, my application won't get registered online? Is it okay if that happens? Please advice!

Thanks in advance :)

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Top answer
Emily
Coach
on May 06, 2020
9 years in MBB Southeast Asia & China| 8 years as MBB interviewer | Free intro call

Hi,

When partner refers you and it reaches the recuirtment team, usually you don't need to apply online anymore. Don't worry about whether you get registered online or not. HR would have your record and proceed you. 

When I was in the recruting team, sometimes HR pass me a resume directly telling me it is from a certain partner. As long as the resume looks decent (most likely it is, otherwise the partner would not have passed it), we go directly to arranging the interview. 

Personally I have also secured offer via referral, without applying online. 

Best,

Emily

Deleted user
on May 07, 2020

Hi A,

Referral normally brings you to the pole position for the interview. You may compare it to “skipping the line for business class” at the airport. So there is no need to apply online. Just wait until HR contact you.


Best,

André

5
Robert
Coach
on Mar 10, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

What usually happens if a partner is referring you, is that HR will contact you without that you enter any information online upfront.

So no need to apply online for now and just wait until you get contacted!

Hope that helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up!

Robert

Clara
Coach
on Mar 10, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Normally HR will directly contact you, hence you don´t need to apply online. 

In your shoes, I would wait a bit and only if none gets in touch, touch base with the partner. 

Good luck!

Cheers, 

Clara

Deleted
Coach
on May 08, 2020
FREE 1st session in November | From Lawyer to MBB | Top in FIT | 10x your structuring skills | Message to get Free Prep Checklist

Hi,

Just wait for instructions from recruiters. Very simple and straightforward.

Good luck in your interview!

Udayan
Coach
on Mar 10, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

You will have to submit a form online for regulatory/legal purposes anyhow. Like others have said even if you make it all the way to an offer without it, HR will make you do so

Luca
Coach
on Mar 11, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

If they receive the CV from a partner, there is no need for applying online. Anyway sometimes could happen that, when they will contact you, they will ask you to do the online application in addition just to record the process in the system.
Don't worry about it now, just follow the instructions that you receive.

Hope it helps,
Luca

Deleted
Coach
on May 09, 2020
Experienced strategy consultant

If the referral come from alumni or people working in the firm. Online application usually not required. The HR will record your profile along the process. So don't worry :)

on Apr 01, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

I would add to not worry about calling HR to clarify your status. They are there to help

Best,
Antonello

on May 01, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

normally there is no need to apply online if a partner provides a referral, HR will contact you in due time if you are invited.

Best,

Francesco

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