{Please Advice} Hi everyone, when should I apply?

Hi there,

The #1 thing you can do is look for a referral and ask the person providing it what’s the status of that particular company in terms of hiring.

Different companies have different pipeline status. Anyone different from an insider won’t really know the real status of recruiting for a specific company. An insider will be able to suggest whether to apply now or wait a few months.

Plus a referral will be useful anyway to increase the chances of being invited for interviews.

You can find more on referrals here:

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

Best,
Francesco

Don't apply yet!

Get a referral! If you have time and can wait, then wait until you finally get a referral! (And don't apply any sooner).

In terms of networking tactics:

a) Reach out to people in your network

b) Reach out to people once removed from your network

c) Reach out to people with a similar backgorund to you (i.e. same alma mater, same hometown, same career switch, etc.)

d) Tailor a message to them specifically both showing interest in them and their journey and demonstrating that you have done your research and could be a valuable hire

e) Play "tag" across calls you get so that you can work your way towards the company/office/role you want

f) Leave a strong impression - i.e. don't ask "basic questions". Rather, demonstrate your ability/intelligence by asking smart questions, carrying a natural conversation, showing genuine interest, etc.

I would say apply whenever you are ready, but this is my personal oppinion:

• Business is picking up for consultants and most offices are recruiting
• We don't know when things will be back to how they were before COVID
• If you have the time to wait now for 12 months until things get back to normal again (hoping that happens), you might also just try it now and wait 12 months in case you should not make it.

And lastly a solid recommendation: You can always call HR and tell them about your concerns. Ask them how they see the situation and what they would recommend you to do.

Hi there,

I think the smartest move would be to get a referral in your office of interest. This would guarantee you a 1st round of interviews. Alternatively, and if you cannot secure a referral, I would advise you to get in touch with HR to share your concerns and ask for advice.

I will be happy to discuss this futher with you if needed.

All the best,

Mehdi

Dear A,

I would recommend you to put your efforts in getting a referral and find some contacts within the company to get the insider information, because, in fact, all the company have different status, so nobody knows except the those who works there. 

If you need any help with networking, reach me out in PM

Best,

André

If you have waited this long, it makes sense to wait for a vaccine (which should be out by the end of the year) for the situation to improve dramatically

I agree with others, you should build a network and ask them for both referral and timing of when to apply. At the end of the day no matter what it is very difficult to get into MBB so best to optimize for whatever you can.

Hi,

Would not agree with the coaches below. Even the referrals do not help now in many offices. Thus I recommend you checking the recent status with an insider from the office you are applying to

Best