Referral or not?

Question

I received an email from a recruiter at MBB that was personalised, mentioning someone I spoke to who passed my name on a month or so ago. However, the information seemed fairly generic, see below:

The applications open on the X September and close on the XX October 2021. If you are interested in applying you will need to submit an application with your CV and cover letter through our website [link]. If your application is successful the recruitment process would include an online numerical assessment, online case study simulation and 3 rounds of case study interview in November.

I'm wondering (1) is this a referral (2) should I apply through the site now (my materials are ready) or wait until the designated time period?

I asked the recruiter who is now away (out of office email): I'm generally confused as if I apply through the online application will this not just land on the pile of year-round applicants?

Hope you can help.

Answer 1

Hello,

I would reach out to the person you spoke to, explain the situation, and ask whether they referred you. I agree that this does sound like a referral though. You should also go ahead and fill out the online application - as Agrim pointed out, you have to do this regardless of whether you have a referral or not.

Answer 2

Hi there,

(1) is this a referral?

You have probably been referred in this case.

In some offices, when someone refers you, you still have to apply online (I had to do so for BCG and in my case I had one area where I had to report the person who referred me).

If you have a good relationship with the person who should have referred you, you can clarify with him.

(2) should I apply through the site now (my materials are ready) or wait until the designated time period?

You can apply anytime after the applications open.

Best,

Francesco

Answer 3

Generally for MBB, you need to fill out the online application in addition to the referral so that you get lodged in their global system. In this case since there is a mention of the name of the person who potentially referred you - this sounds like a referral. Do check and confirm with this person as well - but the online application will be necessary regardless.

Answer 4

Hey there,

Since you received a personalized email that asked you to apply and send your documents, go ahead in this case and follow their recommendation.

Most firms require online applications now due to data protection laws, even when being referred!

Cheers,

Florian