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Referral

Hi!

Does a referral by a Principle/Partner increase our chances of selection for the job ? Does it give any edge in the interviews?

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Profile picture of Francesco
on Jun 15, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Does a referral by a Principle/Partner increase our chances of selection for the job? Does it give any edge in the interviews?

In theory, a referral should help just to get the interview in the first place. Having said that, the higher the seniority, the stronger the referral, so definitely go for a principal/partner referral if possible.

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Profile picture of Ian
Ian
Coach
edited on Jun 15, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
Profile picture of Cristian
on Jun 15, 2023
Most Awarded Coach on the platform | Ex-McKinsey | 88% verified success rate

Hi there, 

It depends on the office and what they understand through a referral. 

In big offices where referrals go through an automatised system, it doesn't make a big difference who sends it. 

In smaller offices where referrals are more personal, having a close referral from Partner will likely make the recruiter progress you directly to the next stage (whereas if it comes from a BA they're likely to review it in more detail).

However, don't overthink referrals. Having any is miles better than having none. Optimising between referrals is not worth the effort. 

Here's a guide that explains how you can leverage coffee chats to get eventually get referrals:

Best,
Cristian

Profile picture of Dennis
Dennis
Coach
on Jun 15, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|9+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

with a referral like that, your chances of getting a first round interview will significantly increase. A referral from a principle/partner also usually trumps a referral from someone less senior (e.g. consultant level).

A referral will not give you any brownie points during the interview, however. Your performance alone will matter - but at least you have to chance to showcase your performance.

Good luck

Profile picture of Andi
Andi
Coach
on Jun 28, 2023
BCG 1st & Final Round interviewer | Personalized prep with >95% success rate | 7yrs coaching | Experienced Hires

Hi there,

a senior referral from a Principal / Partner significantly increases your chances of getting invited, while it gives you no edge in the interviews

Hope this clarifies.

Regards, Andi

Profile picture of Andreas
Andreas
Coach
on Jun 21, 2023
McKinsey EM | Top MBB Coach | >70% Success Rate | Free Introductory Calls

Hi there, it is always better to have a referral than not having a referal.

Good Luck

Andreas