Asking for a referral

Referral Referral program at MBB
New answer on Nov 11, 2020
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Nov 07, 2020

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to apply to MBB offices in the middle east this month. I am currently based in Europe so I would like to do some networking and hopefully get a referral before I apply. I was wondering what the best way to ask for a referral is.

I don't really want to ask for it directly and would like to have genuine conversations with consultants who hopefully would want to offer to refer me. I do, however, think that I should have a specific approach. I am planning to reach out on LinkedIn and try to get a call. What are some things that I can say during the call to trigger this? Any ideas of there's norm here? I've read some comments on posts here saying I should "indirectly ask" for a referral. I'm not sure at all what this looks like.

Thanks for your help!

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Francesco
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 08, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

To find a referral, you should follow 3 steps:

  1. Identify the people that can help you
  2. Write them a customized email
  3. Have a call and indirectly ask for a referral

As general tips:

  • Don’t use LinkedIn for your communication – emails work better. You should target 30% conversion for your messages; if you are not achieving that, there is space for improvement.
  • When sending emails, your goal should be to organize a call, not to ask questions – you can then use the call for the questions.
  • You need to close the call with an indirect request for a referral – don’t leave that to chances. There are specific ways to phrase it.

You should prepare three main things before the call:

  • Your own pitch. 3-4 lines should be enough
  • 3-4 questions on the personal experiences of the person. Avoid to ask questions on the company
  • A closing question for the referral. It should be an indirect request to avoid to be too pushy

Before the call, you should have your CV and Cover ready – in this way you can send them right away it if the person wants to refer you.

If you are interested to know the exact email to write, questions to ask and indirect closing to land the referral, please feel free to PM me.

I provide a 30 min session at 50% discount to understand the right steps to get MBB referrals, directly from home – no events participation required.

This includes all the scripts needed for the email to send and the call to have with the consultant.

Following the same process, I managed to get 6 invitations out of 6 applications – including all MBB. I regularly see my mentees getting referrals for MBB with that.

Best,
Francesco

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Ian
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replied on Nov 08, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

You essentially have 2 chances to "hint" at a referral.

So, near the end of the call, you can say "Thank you so much for your time. The company seems great and I will definitely be applying. Do you have any tips/advice for me?"

The 2nd "hint" comes a few days before you apply. Email them and say "Thanks again for meeting with me x weeks/months ago. I just wanted to let you know that I'm applying in a few days and appreciate all your time!"

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Clara
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replied on Nov 08, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Indeed the referral topic is one of the hottest in this Q&A, and there have been literally rivers of ink with all the tips and tricks, I would recommend you to look directly for "Referral"

In any case, best would be to have contacts in common, so you don´t need 3er parties or coaches for it.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Adi
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replied on Nov 07, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience
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Vlad
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replied on Nov 08, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Cold calling has very low chances of success. You should do it via friends or friends of friends. Note that you can get a referral from any office, not just the one you are applying to

Best

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Gaurav
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 11, 2020
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi Anonymous,
I should say I like your approach.
I can also recommend you attend different specific events, breakfast networking, and speaking engagements to build a good network and connections. Also, you can try to ask your peers if they are aware of such events.

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GB

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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