Will getting a referral matter if I previously did not make it past screening?

Hey there, 

I'd like to make a really important here: Whilst a referral is a great asset to have in the recruiting process, it is doesn't replace the need to having a strong profile. Ultimately, you should be able to make it pass screening even without a referral if you have a strong profile. 

Regarding re-applying, it really depends on when your last application was and if you're in the application ban period for that firm / office (which usually would be 1 year). If you're outside any application ban period, getting a referral would be great for adding some weight and usefulness to your application

In terms of benefits for the person who would you refer you, many firms offer a referral bonus to consultants, so they do have incentives to find high potential candidates for the firm to assist the recruiting team with getting strong candidates into the recruiting pool

All the best!

Yes, a referral can still matter, even if you didn’t pass screening before, especially if you’ve improved your profile (e.g., stronger resume, better story, added experience).

Key points:

• You can reapply; most firms allow reapplication after 6–12 months, and a referral can help your profile get a fresh look
• A strong referral, especially from someone who knows your work or can vouch for your growth, can offset a prior rejection
• Being in the system won’t negatively impact the referrer and it won’t block you unless you're within a “cooling-off” period
• Just be transparent with the person referring you that you’ve applied before, it helps them position the referral

Hi,

If you got the rejection, there is a typical 1 year ban period before reapplying. Adding a referral to your new application is an additional element they will consider, while it does not replace the need to show how you worked on your main points of improvements.

Feel free to reach out via chat.

Mattijs

Hi there,

Q: Will getting a referral matter if I previously did not make it past screening?

Yes, you will still benefit from a referral, even if you have been rejected before. If you have the option, I would look for one to strengthen your application.

You can find some tips for networking to get referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Interview

Good luck!

Francesco

You can reapply with a referral if two things are true:

1. The ban period has expired—usually 12–18 months after rejection, but check with recruiting. It varies by firm, office, and role.
2. You were flagged as “see later”—meaning they saw potential in you, either from your application or interview, and left the door open.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: StayPro - Consumer Growth Strategy

Hi there,

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

If you were rejected, you have to respect the freeze period, even if you now have a referral. 

What I'd do instead is reach out to the recruiter in 6 months or so, explain that you've accumulated significant experience in the meantime, that you have a stronger profile, a better CV and a referral. They sometimes make exceptions in reducing the freeze period. 

Make sure you consider other firms as well in the meantime.

Best,
Cristian

Yes, getting a referral can still be beneficial, even if you previously didn’t make it past screening. A referral can help your application stand out, as it adds credibility and may help you get noticed by the recruiting team, especially if you’ve made improvements to your resume and profile.

Being in the database doesn’t necessarily hurt your chances; a referral might help your application be reconsidered, but the impact will depend on how you've addressed any previous concerns in your application.

It could be worth trying, but make sure your application is strong and tailored to the role.

Hi,

You've received great advice already, but what I do recommend is to ask yourself:

• Why were you rejected?
• How can you best improve your CV and increase your chances of an interview? 

I recommend that you spend time on your CV BEFORE you use the referral. 

Good luck!

Yes, it may help. But I suggest you have your CV reviewed by a professional here to make sure you maximize your chances and have an optimized CV.