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BCG Partner Referral after already applying

Hey all, urgent question, I have been referred by a partner at BCG for another office than the one they are at (call it A) but have already sent my application with a different office as my priority (just reasoned that without a referral I wasn't getting into office A). 

I haven't received the referral link yet, however, I am a tad worried about how I should explain my situation and if I should disturb the partner who referred me again over this issue since it exposes my complete idiocy. 

Thanks so much for your help!

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
edited on Nov 30, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

  • First of all, generally speaking, the moment the application has been sent, any later referrals will not be taken into consideration. However, given that the referral comes from a partner, this might be an exception.
  • Moreover, I would advise you to reach out to both the partner and the recruiting team to clarify the situation, even if I personally do not think they'll consider the referral anymore.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

on Dec 01, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I have been referred by a partner at BCG for another office than the one they are at (call it A) but have already sent my application with a different office as my priority. Worried about how I should explain my situation.

I would recommend calling HR of office A and ask which steps you should follow to be considered for office A, given your previous application (I believe you would prefer office from what you shared).

Good luck!

Francesco

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | MBB Coach | 95% success rate | +13 yrs in consulting | +2,000 real interviews in 3 firms

Hi there,

First, don't worry since this situation should be easily solved.Try to talk with a recruiter to solve the situation. If not, reach out politely to your partner referral to help you with the situation.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Dennis
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

if your application is submitted via a referral, it will be considered as such. A referral that comes in after your application has already been submitted will typically not boost your chances. 

Depending on how much influence the partner has and how their relationship with HR is, maybe something is still possible. For instance if your application has not been reviewed yet. So all you can do is give it a shot and reach out to both HR and the partner to see if the situation can be aligned. A partner referral would of course increase your chances of getting a first round interview considerably. I would therefore at least try to have it included in your application.

Best of luck

Pedro
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Your only option is to reach out to HR and come clean with them. I don't think this will be an issue, but you should act fast.

on Nov 30, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi!

This sounds complex. 

Basically, to simplify it, just reach out to the HR in the office that you actually want to go for. Tell them there was a mix-up with your referral but you actually want to apply to their office specifically. Ask them how can the referral be redirected. 

That's it. 

Good luck!
Cristian

———————————————

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Ian
Coach
on Dec 04, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

You need to communicate with them. Speak with the recruiter and speak with the Partner. craft your email clearly/carefully to make sure it comes across positively/correctly.

on Dec 05, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Just reach out to HR but do not bother the Partner unless you have a casual/close relationship. Warm regards, Freddy

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