Are referrals a thing in the London offices?

Hi,

Having a referral is an additional element they consider when screening your application. There is not difference between the UK vs other EU offices. Some managers/partners are less prone to give a referral to candidates they do not know well. So I would advice only requesting a referral from someone you know already for a longer time.

Good luck!

Mattijs

From a BCG perspective, a generalist referral only gets your CV infront of the screening team, it does not guarantee you an interview. For a partner to say something like that, it could be that they interpreted the request to dictate to recruiting that you get a first round interview. Or perhaps they just did not want to help you (for whatever reason). 

Hi there,

Q: Are referrals a thing in the London offices?

I am helping a candidate applying to the London office who just got a BCG referral, so it is possible to get referrals also in London. Sometimes some consultants provide the reply you mentioned when they don’t want to refer you – I would simply look for someone else who might help in that case.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Referrals are also a reality in UK/London office. The consultant may not have granted it to you because he didn’t know you so well to endorse your candidacy. Make sure to reach out to other people and prepare for a coffee chat before asking for the referral.

Good luck!

Best,

Mari

Hi,

• Referrals in London are still helpful, but they generally carry less direct weight than in smaller offices due to high applicant volume
• Partners  in London are often cautious about referrals as the process is designed to stay very standardized (e.g., to avoid unfairly influencing who gets interviewed, esp. if others don't have a chance to get such support)
• Focus on strong connections (e.g., consultants, managers) rather than expecting partners to refer; consultant-level referrals still improve your chances noticeably

Best of luck!

Hey! Referrals in London offices, especially for MBB firms, can indeed be a bit different compared to other regions or offices. Here's a breakdown of some key insights based on common practices and feedback from candidates:

1. The London Office Culture and Referrals:

London, especially for MBB firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG), tends to be more formal and structured in its recruitment process. This means that while referrals are certainly a thing, their impact might be slightly less pronounced than in other offices (such as in continental Europe or the US). In places where recruitment processes are more centralized, referrals may carry less weight compared to a firm where referrals play a larger role in helping you stand out in a competitive field.

2. Referrals Are Still Helpful:

Despite what you've heard, referrals in London do matter, but they may not be as crucial for the first stage of recruitment (e.g., initial application screening). That said, a referral can help you stand out during later stages, like getting noticed by a recruiter or gaining access to internal information that could help you in the interview process. It's more about visibility than an outright guarantee.

3. Why Some Partners Are Cautious About Referrals:

Partners or senior consultants might express hesitation or reluctance to provide a referral because they don’t want to influence the hiring process unfairly. This is especially true in London, where hiring tends to be more meritocratic and data-driven. There’s a focus on fairness in the recruitment process, and there’s always the concern that a referral might raise questions about how a candidate got through the door. This is not about you personally—it’s about maintaining a fair process that is not perceived as "too exclusive" or biased.

4. What Partners Really Mean:

When partners or senior people say they don’t want to influence the process, they are likely trying to maintain the integrity of the hiring system. They are probably suggesting that you focus more on preparation, strong case interviews, and fitting into the firm's culture than just relying on an internal recommendation. It's important to approach networking and referral conversations with that in mind, demonstrating your genuine interest and suitability for the role.

5. How to Approach Referrals in London:

While referrals might be less emphasized in London than in some other offices, they still matter in networking and can give you a slight edge, especially if they come from senior figures or well-known consultants. Here’s how you can make the most of the process:

• Focus on building genuine connections: Reach out to people you admire in the firm or have worked with in the past. Make your outreach personalized, showing that you understand their work and why you're a good fit for the company.
• Show your value: Instead of asking directly for a referral right away, try to build rapport and offer value—whether it's through a relevant insight or by showing how your skills could complement their team.
• Leverage informal mentorship: If you build a solid relationship with someone, they might offer insights, guidance, or even indirectly help you with the hiring process.
• Understand the process: It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with how referrals work in London—some offices might encourage them more heavily at specific stages, so make sure you know when is the right time to ask.

6. Final Thoughts:

While referrals are less of a deciding factor in the London MBB recruitment process, they still play a role in raising your profile and ensuring you get the attention of the right people. Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get a direct referral from a senior person—focus on your networking, case prep, and overall fit with the firm's values. In the end, your performance in the interviews and the quality of your application are what will carry the most weight.

Good luck, and keep your focus on what you can control—like your preparation and personal branding. Referrals will come naturally as a byproduct of building authentic connections.

Alessa

Referrals happen in virtually every office. And yes, they are a reality in London.

But they are much more common in the US.

However, please understand that >90% of the people who get an interview do not have a referral. It helps, but it is far from being a requirement.

Honestly, I find this confusing as well at the moment with London. 

They've changed the process of the last few years and even went through a stretch where seemingly they weren't considering referrals anymore (at least this is what reached my ears). 

It's obviously impossible to cater for the different preferences of each office and firm so as a rule of thumb I would always try to get a referral.

Best,
Cristian