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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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Top answer
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

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
on Jun 15, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

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

Dennis
Coach
on Jun 15, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ 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

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

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

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