This can vary around the globe but in most cases works something like this:

1. Your CV is submitted internally by your referee to HR along with 3x location preferences
2. Your CV is then passed around the recruiters from said offices in order of preference with the referee's recommendation attached
3. The first office that choses to invite you gets to interview you. In other words, if location A doesn't want to interview you, then location B gets to see your application. If they want to interview you, they will invite you and location C will never see your CV
4. If nobody wants to interview you from these 3x locations,  you won't get invited

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Moritz

(edited)

Hi there!

The process differs a lot from office to office. 

In some cases, you receive an automated email saying that a referral has been submitted in your name. 

In other offices, it's more informal. 

If I were you, I would reach with a kind email to whoever gave you the referrals. Thank them again for all their help. Tell them that you want to make the most of their referral so you were just wondering whether you should have received an application link from HR or whether you should apply directly. 

The person who referred you should know the specific process in their office.

Best,
Cristian

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

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

Hi,

definitely clarify with the person who offered the referral to you. They will be able to tell you what they have done and what you still need to do to make sure that the referral links up with your application. Don’t let the deadline pass and confirm status and remaining steps as soon as possible.

Good luck

Hello,

Definitely check with the person who referred you, and also with on-campus recruiting! If you let them know that you have a referral, they’ll be able to guide you accordingly so that you get the benefit of both the referral and the campus recruiting channel

Hi there,

while the firm is using an online tool to capture referrals nowadays, the actual process followed can be quite region-specific. Accordingly, suggest you clarify with your referrer, who'll be able to advise.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi 

Hi there,

Q: I want to understand how the referral process works at McKinsey & Company. If someone adds your resume to the portal, what are the next steps? 

There might be differences depending on the country/office. In general, I saw three ways to be referred:

1. The person referring sends your CV to HR. HR contacts you to invite you to the next stage of the process. The next step is related to that (eg test).
2. The person referring sends your CV to HR. HR sends a link to apply linked to the person referring. The next step is to complete the application form.
3. The person referring asks to drop his/her name in the application form. The next step is to complete the application form accordingly.

When I applied at McKinsey, I got #1. In your case, it seems you got  #3.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

Please note that McKinsey does have an internal referral portal where current employees can refer new applicants. If your referrer is going this route (which is by far the most common), then you need to wait to receive an email from the recruiting team that has a special link for you to apply. That link flags your application as having come through a referral, so make sure to clarify with the person you're working with whether that's the route they've gone through. Otherwise, if they plan to send your CV to HR then you apply through the general portal. There isn't really a downside to either one, I've seen successful applications both routes!

Best of luck and let me know if I can be of any help in the McKinsey application process.