How to arrange networking call sequence?

Hi there,

I would consider the following:

• If you manage to get the referral from someone more senior, I would go for that. The more senior the person referring you, the better
• However, I would do so just if you manage to get an answer within a few days given you said you would send the CV to the first person
• If you do find the senior referral, you can contact the first person, but make it clear to the consultant that the senior person is also referring you to be transparent

If you cannot find a more senior referral soon, I would go for the consultant one to be congruent with what you said.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

This is my suggested sequencing:

• Reach out to your senior contact person ASAP, and see whether it's possible to get a referral within a couple of days
• If you can get a senior referral, great, go with it
• If you can't within a couple of days, it's totally fine to proceed with the current consultant. It's still much better than no referral

In summary: seniority matters, but any referral is better than no referral. There's usually only one “official” person to give a referral, and that's the person who gets the referral bonus if you get in. You can of course still receive additional “unofficial” referrals/ support through informal channels (i.e., if there are a few consultants in the firm who can vouch for you)

Good luck!

You might be slightly overcomplicating this :). A referral is a referral. Don’t imagine it’s going to count more if it comes from somebody slightly more senior. Generally, networking to get into management consulting jobs is a slightly overblown effort. It makes a lot more sense to direct your energy at preparing for the actual interviews once you get any sort of referral or even without. 

So in short, go with the referral you already have. You should be fine. Juniors actually might take it as more of a mission to refer you than somebody more senior.

Hello,

Good for you for being so active in recruiting! In your situation I recommend going with the referral that you have. Although seniority does matter, at the end of the day what makes more of an impact is getting a referral in the first place. So if you are already talking to more senior consultants and think you can get a referral from them in 1-2 weeks you could hold off, but otherwise I would encourage you to take the referral offer.

You're overcomplicating this

You should be networking wherever doors open (when someone offers to put you in touch, do it. Message a whole bunch of people, see who bites). The more you over-engineer this, the more you limit your options.

Second, take the referral! A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. Worst (best) case scenario, the Partner offers to refer you. Say yes, but flag that you have one already. Ask if it makes sense and/or if they can flag your application to HR.

No need to over think this. You network and give equal importance to everyone & take the help of who ever comes first. Yes, seniority does matter but you cant always time this to perfection. Any referral is better than no referral.

Dont try and manipulate the situation too much in your favour. Keep your self orientation under control and try and build a genuine rapport during networking. Good things will happen.

Hi!

Go for the more senior referral if it doesn't take too long. 

You cannot have more than one referral.

Good luck,

Anto

Why make life so difficult?

If you are having good traction in securing referrals - why not start with more senior folks straightaway for the next firm you target?

For your existing ones - there's tons of good advice already on the thread. I resonate that if you can secure a more senior referral before the ‘cliff’ of a few days kicks-in - then good - otherwise go for the consultant referral. Its fine. A referral is a referral eventually - its only effective till screening. Once you are in interviews - you are at the same level as everyone else.

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