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How long it takes to get the application portal link after referral?

Dears,

I sent my CV to one BCG guy two days ago, and he said would give me a referral, but until now, I haven't received the application link. 

So, I'd like to know, is this normal? Usually how long it takes to get the link?

Thanks in advance!

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Mar 17, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

Congrats on the referral!

Please wait. He is busy and you are not his priority.

Check your spam folder every so often, and then follow up with him in about a week (on a Friday morning when he will be doing his admin).

Dennis
Coach
on Mar 16, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi,

a referral gets you into the process in order for your written application to get thoroughly reviewed. It doesn't mean that you necessarily get express treatment. It all moves at the general pace of the HR team. If you don't hear anything after 1.5 weeks, I would politely reach out to the persion who offered to refer you and ask him if he is aware of the status - then go from there.

Good luck

on Mar 16, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: I sent my CV to one BCG guy two days ago, and he said would give me a referral, but until now, I haven't received the application link. So, I'd like to know, is this normal? Usually how long it takes to get the link?

I would wait at least one week. If you don’t hear by then, you can reach out to the person to check if "you should do anything else from your side” to complete the application process for the referral.

Best,

Francesco

on Mar 16, 2023
FREE INTRO I exMcKinsey EM I exKearney consultant I High Success Rate I Official Coach for HEC (160 coachees in 2022/23)

Hi,

Do not stress, from my point of view it can take 2 to 3 weeks. The guy you know is working hard and you're not his top priority, then HR have many applications and currently there's a slow down in consulting. 

Use these period to prepare yourself better !

Cheers,

Hagen
Coach
on Mar 16, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • First of all, I would highly advise you to wait at least 1-2 weeks before reaching out to the person who provided the referral. Chances are high that the person simply has not found the time yet to reach out to the recruiting team about it, or that there are other delays in the process. Either way, it is nothing to worry about already.
  • Instead, I would advise you to spend all the focus and energy you have on thoroughly preparing for the upcoming BCG Casey and interviews.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for the upcoming BCG Casey and interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

on Mar 16, 2023

I got mine at BCG within 24 hours of my referrer dropping resume, and same at mckinsey… got an email the same afternoon. I am not sure if it is automated or not but if your fired referring you is a friend, you can always ask him or her how long to expect etc. 

7
on Aug 29, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach

Hi there!

The referral process differs from firm to firm and office to office, so if you're confused about not having received the referral, you can just check in with your contact and ask for whether they did it already.

Best,
Cristian

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

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