I am applying to an MBB firm. Should I cold-email a partner I barely know to ask for a referral?

No. They have literlally have no incentive to give you that referral if they don't know you. Better reach out to other people in your network (friends of friends, alumns from your school, etc.). No need to only reach out to partners. Better folks around or just above the tenure level for which you're applying.

Don't ask them for a referral, but for help. Help in the preparation of your application, help to understand the ways of working, etc. At the end of a 20min call you can ask what the best path forward for your application will be. If they have a strong impression, they'll get the hint and offer to pass your docs through to the HR team.

Hi there,

You should not send an email asking for a referral.

However, you can send an email to a consultant you have some kind of connection with (eg an alumnus) to ask some questions. After you built rapport, you can then ask indirectly for a referral.

You can find more on referrals at the link below:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

I think you shouldn't.

Why don't you ask him/her for a call? It'll give you the opportunity to demonstrate your interest and experience to him/her and then maybe you'll get referred.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

No. This is honestly ridiculous! I'd even go so far as to say they would flag to HR NOT to bring you in if you ever apply.

Yes, you can cold email a partner to ask for a chat. No, you may not directly ask for a referral (at pretty much any point in time).

Hi there,

I think you can try, but only if there is a chance to schedule a call with him instead of asking him for a referral in an email, which is not the most polite way. If you write a nice and honest email in the first place, you might get some help and advice on your application strategy etc. 

Hope it was helpful,

Cheers,

GB

Hi,

Nope, why should they do it? Ask for a call, but make sure you have the questions to ask. Ideally, you should be an experienced hire, since for fresh grads the recruitment is highly structured.

Best,

Hello!

Nope, never ask directly for a referral. 

Organize a coffee chat, and it´s ideal of you have some contacts in common. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara