Hi there,

I think it would help to distinguish between two types of referrals:

• Formal referral: This is what any coach will think of by default and it refers to a process whereby current firm members use an internal system/process to formally endorse candidates' applications. This cannot be done by MBB alumni.
• Informal referral: This is basically networking support through introductions to current MBB employees with the objective to land you a formal referral at the end of the day. Anyone with connections to MBB can do this so long as they have intact links to their former colleagues.

Bottom line, formal referrals are key!

Best of luck!

Hi there, 

Ideally you should get a referral from somebody currently working at the firm, the more senior the better.

Referrals from past employees, especially if they were junior and were asked to leave do not count as much. 

Theoretically, HR doesn't ignore referrals, though if you get a referral it doesn't automatically mean that you pass the screening. It's just meant as an extra nudge to increase your chances. 

Yes, it's quite common for people to leave before the 24 month timeline. Basically, you get reviewed every 6 months. The first review is by default ‘strong’, but you actually get scored for the following ones. That means that you can already get flagged on your second one, and then be out by the third. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi - it is not ideal to get a referral from someone who has been asked to leave.

You should try to get a referral from someone who currently works for the firm and is in good standing. The only exception might be from someone who worked 10-15 years there, knows everyone and is trusted and still a close friend of the firm (e.g. as an ongoing client etc.). In this case it wouldn't be a formal referral but this person could introduce you to the right person who currently works for the firm.

If your friend has some ex-colleagues who they are still close with, they may be willing to introduce you to them.

Hello!

if the person doesn´t work in McK anymore, probably cannot really do anything. This is different in small offices (e.g., Spain, Lisbon), where people really build relationships with recruiting that can last time. In others, practically you can discard. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hi there,

He seemed reluctant to do so…so maybe don't push? If he can get you BCG or Bain that's fantastic! I am confused though how he can get you referrals from all of MBB though?

If he exited McKinsey he can no longer refer you…

He will not be able to refer you to a role in the real sense as he does not currently work there. All he can do is put you in touch with people he knows there who will then refer you if they choose to. So I do not see any harm in him putting you in touch with people that currently work there IF he is comfortable to do so. Best not to push him if he is not comfortable with this idea given the history with the firm.