Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 452,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

How to use a referral?

Referral referrals
New answer on Jan 28, 2023
7 Answers
424 Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 26, 2023

I asked for a referral and they have agreed to provide one. However, I'm still unclear on the next steps if the recruiter will reach out or do I still have to apply. I have asked them for clarity. What should I do just to be prepared as the firm that I am applying to is hiring these days and I don't want to be late in submitting the application? 

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 26, 2023
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hi there,

This depends on the firm and the office.

  • You might get a link from HR to apply
  • You might have to send your application automatically (and the referral is tagged in the system already)
  • You might go the informal route and can directly send your documents to HR (very rare these days due to data protection laws)

Ask your contact in the firm how to proceed.

Cheers,

Florian

Was this answer helpful?
Best answer
Hagen
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 26, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

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:

  • Depending on the company and region, there might or might not be specific referral systems in place through which you will need to apply. I would advise you to reach out to the person providing the referral and ask for clarification on the process and any specific instructions for using the referral.
  • Additionally, it's important to check if the application deadlines also apply to applicants with a referral or if there are different deadlines for referral applicants. This may help you to better plan and prepare your application.

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

Best,

Hagen

(edited)

Was this answer helpful?
Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 26, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

There's no set way. It depends on the firm and the office. 

So indeed do try to clarify this with whoever is providing you with the referral because they'll know what is relevant for your target office. 

Sharing HERE an article about how to use these networking opportunities in order to get a referral. You might find it useful when networking with other firms. 

Best,

Cristian

Was this answer helpful?
Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 26, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Always have your resume ready at 100%. Make sure you're ready to give them the resume (or apply) the moment they ask.

Ultimately they will tell you what to do (either send them it or you submit through an online link)

Was this answer helpful?
Dennis
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 26, 2023
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

you should clarify with the person referring you as to what they need or have done already. In general, you should have your CV and cover letter ready for action anytime you ask someone for a referral. 

Good luck

Was this answer helpful?
Pedro
Expert
replied on Jan 26, 2023
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

That depends on the firm. Some are more structured than other… can you share what is the name of the firm?

Was this answer helpful?
Moritz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 28, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos

Hi there,

Which firm is this? In most firms, the referral process is a formal internal process, whereby your referee submits the application on your behalf to HR with a few notes about you i.e., the candidate. Hence, make sure you provide your contact with your latest CV, cover letter, and other details if needed e.g., office preference.

Your next step is checking with your referee whether this is how it works in said firm and whether he/she will go ahead with the process internally. Do not apply yourself before having this clarification.

Best of luck!

Moritz

 

Was this answer helpful?
Hagen gave the best answer

Hagen

CoachingPlus Expert
Premium + Coaching Expert
Content Creator
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
489
Meetings
15,768
Q&A Upvotes
88
Awards
5.0
415 Reviews