Referral System MBB

Hey there :)

Yes, it’s definitely better to get a referral before applying, since the referral usually needs to be submitted in the system before or at the same time as your application so it's linked properly. Ideally, try to secure it 1–2 weeks before the deadline to be safe. If you don’t get a referral link or confirmation by then, it's likely not happening unless you follow up. If you apply first and they refer you after, it often doesn’t connect to your application unless they escalate it manually, which most won’t do unless they know you well. Friends or people who really know you are best since HR might ask for more context or feedback.

Let me know if you want to strategize who to ask or how to phrase it!

best, Alessa :)

Hey, if you can get a referral first, that typically is better.

You can receive your referral link on the day of the deadline and it would still count. The only way to know if/when you’ll receive said link is by talking to the consultants you’re networking with.

At least at McK, it was required that you apply through the referral link for it to be counted. 

To be clear - you need to ask a consultant for a referral link, and then apply through that link. 

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

• First of all, and contrary to what other coaches have said, yes, you have to secure referrals before applying, as they would not be valid otherwise.
• Moreover, you must actually ask for referrals, in case this wasn't clear to you. This way, you will also know immediately whether or not they are willing to provide them for you, so you won't have to wait for e-mails with referral hyperlinks.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

You need to get a referral before you submit your application as it typically follows a specific referral route compared to the regular online application.

A few more words on that. A referral is just a door opener such that the recruiting team will look through your application more thoroughly. Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better chance of getting a first round interview. The more senior the person referring you is, the better. The longer the tenure of that person with the firm is, the better.

The reason is that such voices carry more weight than referrals coming from super junior or brand new people. They typically know the HR folks better and have been involved in recruiting activities for a while so it is usually assumed that they have a good grasp of what types of candidates with which sets of qualifications the firm needs. However, any referral is ultimately better than no referral. 

Ideally, you get a referral from someone from the same office (or same country) you are applying to. But again, a referral from someone within the same firm but different office or country organization is still better than no referral.

A direct rejection after the CV screening stage can still happen - even with a referral. In that case the recruiting team usually provides some feedback to the person having given the referral. So you should follow up with them to better understand the rationale in case that happens. On the flipside, you can still get an interview invite when you just apply online without a referral - the probability is just lower - particularly when your CV is not “stellar” on a standalone basis.

And as always, factors such as economic conditions and headcount/budget planning of the individual firm also matter significantly in these decisions - but they are not within your control.

Best

Hi there,

I see you've received great answers on this one already, but adding here a couple of resources on referrals for other candidates that might be interested in the topic:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Best,
Cristian

Hello there,

In addition to what has been said, see that a referral only helps your CV being evaluated. If it is not properly crafted for consulting, the referral won’t offset it.

Happy to give you a free evaluation to check if you’re ready to go! Just DM me your resume :)

Best,

Mari