Hi there,

1) How helpful is the internal referral for the firm in question? Does it get you close to a first round? 

Very helpful compared to an application without it, in particular if you have some “issues” in your CV (GPA below average, lack of big brands, etc). There is no disadvantage in applying via referral, so I would always recommend it.

2) What is the referral process? Is it internal and attached to your application, or is it an internal note that then asks you to apply? 

It depends on the company. In some, the person referring you will send your CV to HR and they will contact you from there. In others, you have to mention the person during the application process.

3) How can I help you get a referral bonus? Do I need to wait for the employee to refer me to apply (do not apply before hand). 

As mentioned, the process depends on the firm. You can simply follow what they will tell you.

You can find more on referrals here:

▶ How to Get an MBB Referral 

Best,

Francesco

Well, in practice, the referral process differs quite a bit between firms and geographies. 

In general, I'd recommend you start by networking with current consultants in your target office and learn it from them. ‘Learning’ about it is also a great way of bringing the topic up without directly asking for a referral. 

Have a look also at these two articles on how to get referrals (through coffee chats or LinkedIn):

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn? 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

Let me get straight to the point:

1. How helpful is the internal referral for the firm in question? Does it get you close to a first round? Yes, it's the single most powerful tool that anyone can leverage in the application process. It's absolutely worth the extra effort if you're serious about your ambitions!

2. What is the referral process? Is it internal and attached to your application, or is it an internal note that then asks you to apply? The latter - your referee will generally initiate an internal process and provide a recommendation of sorts, which includes your CV/Cover Letter. Once you have someone to support your application via a referral, they will explain this to you.

3. How can I help you get a referral bonus? Do I need to wait for the employee to refer me to apply (do not apply before hand). Let's forget about the bonus. If you apply beforehand you're effectively applying without a referral.

Hope this helps! Best of luck!

Hey there,

1. Referrals are always helpful, however, they are most helpful when your resume has some weaknesses that might lead to rejection during screening. In such cases, a referral might tip the decision in your favor. For other candidates, they might speed up the application process.

2. This is different for every firm and even sometimes across offices of one firm. It can be either formal with a direct recruiting link, an online tool where your name is entered, you entering the name of your contact while applying or informal with a simple email to HR by the person referring you.

3. Few firms actually pay referral boni. If, they are usually paid once someone is hired + sometimes works there for a couple of months.

All the best!

Cheers,

Florian

Typically referral bonus will not be available for students who are graduating (and hence would have been captured through the grad recruiting process anyway) and only offered for experienced hires.

I would focus on ensuring your CV and case are on point, plus doing some networking if you can (but without the transactional pressure of the referral).

Hello!

If you look in this forum filtering for the word referal, you will find all this info andmore

Cheers, 

Clara

I would spend time focusing on things that are in your control: application, case interview, FIT interview, getting to know the firms you’re interested in