Help! Sensitive situation with referrals

Referral
New answer on Feb 07, 2021
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Feb 03, 2021

Hello,

I am in a sensitive situation, I applied to an entry level position at McK after trying in vain for over 3 months to get a referral. After I applied, partners I had reached out to contacted me to tell me that they are willing to put me in touch with people in my target office (they don't know I already applied). What do I do? Do I withdraw my application and talk to them? Or do I wait and hope I don't get rejected and that they may refer me although I already applied?

All answers will be greatly appreciated since I am in a time sensitive situation (the office is supposed to reach out to us this week with their final decision).

Thanks!

(edited)

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 04, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Once the application is sent, do not withdraw it. There is nothing to gain from that and it would lead to confusion.

That being said, I would play it fully transparent with the partner. Tell the person you already submitted your application and politely ask if they would support it.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

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Ken
Expert
replied on Feb 04, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Definitely don't withdraw your application. You should have your application screened as per the usual process as there is a formal deadline and if you are able to get someone in the local office to also refer you then great but it's not as big of a make-or-break factor as I feel you are imagining.

Fingers crossed!

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Antonello
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replied on Feb 04, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm to do not cancel your application. Only try to be supported in it from the partner so that the invitation process can be accelerated

Best,
Antonello

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Henning
Expert
replied on Feb 07, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Why don't you just tell the partner that you have already applied? If they are impressed with you, they'll reach out to HR to refer you post-factum.

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Clara
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replied on Feb 05, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Don´t worry, is not a big deal.

Don´t withdraw and talk to the people. When they offer to refer, tell them you are already in the system and ask for advise on how to proceed.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Gaurav
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 04, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

be honest with the partner and explain the situation to him. There is still a chance that his support will have an impact.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers, GB

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Ian
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Content Creator
updated an answer on Feb 04, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I would keep your application AND talk to them.

It doesn't hurt to expand your network (newsflash: networking doesn't end just when you get a referral to a company!)

But, when you do talk to them, note that you've already applied but are just looking to better understand x.

(edited)

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Florian gave the best answer

Florian

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