Hey, I am interested in a specific analyst role as part of a team at a local McKinsey solutions practice. This role only appears occasionally, unlike the year-round business analyst positions. While it is my preferred role, I am open to other roles including the generalist analyst position that is open to apply to year-round. (I am an experienced hire).
1, would it be better to wait until the specific analyst role opens up (my preferred role) and then apply? Or to send out an application now for the generalist year-round position? Is there any part of the application that allows you to make note of the fact that you prefer a specific role and am willing to wait for if that application opens up?
2, how would referrals work in this situation? I have a peer who is willing to refer me, and my understanding is that referred candidates are provided a specific link to apply through. Would I wait until the specific analyst position opens up to ask for a referral or am I able to receive a referral, hold onto that referral, and then apply to the specific preferred analyst position whenever it opens up?