Refer family member to MBB?

Question

I'll be starting at MBB (post-MBA) in the US very soon. I was wondering if it would be frowned upon for me to refer a family member (my husband). For what it's worth, I truly think he'd be great and he is very smart, but he is at a non-target and so might have a harder time than I had to get an interview. If he gets an interview, I think he could do very well.

I haven't heard of any rule against it (apart form the fact that I of course would not be allowed to participate in the hiring process whatsoever), but was wondering if it would be looked down upon and could reflect badly on me?

And if I refer him, do I need to disclose that he is my husband (I know I do if he was to work there eventually, but what about for the referral itself)? And would it be better for me to wait a year before referring him (so I've "proven" myself already)?

Answer 1

I have heard stories of family members being interviewed. In that case, I'm not sure if you should make it an offical referral (incl. bonus for you if he should sign up), but you can probably talk to HR to land him an interview spot. Make sure to follow the rules to the letter though - e.g. if he had applied earlier and was rejected, don't try to get over the cool-off period with your connections.

Once you two both work for the firm, you need to inform the staffing and the leadership team as it might affect the staffing for you two. (e.g. the firm might not want to have both of you on the same case, and certainly not in a direct reporting relationship).

Answer 2

By all means go ahead and refer your husband that is totally fine. And yes do disclose that he is a family member when you do so.

Answer 3

100% you can refer him!

I actually know someone who was referred by their Partner...she joined less than a year after he had.

Of course, speak with HR about this and make sure you're very open about everything (genuinely think he'd be a good fit, want to go by the right process, etc. etc.)

Answer 4

You can definitely refer him, although you may not receive the referral bonus. It might also come across more convincing once you've been in the job for a few months at least and know 'what it takes'. I guess the most important thing is to think about is how strong he is on paper (I.e., CV) that will show his fit through his past experience and achievements etc. Your referral will only help get his CV to be read as opposed to a definite invitation for interviews.

Answer 5

Hi Anonymous,

Technically you can refer your husband, although I'd still wait at least a couple of month until you proved yourself to give a bit more weight to it. And I would play it openly - don't think it looks very professional if your relationship turns out only after the referral.

Needless to say, also on paper your husband needs to look like a good fit for consulting - otherwise it's possible that your referral won't even help, so make sure the documents are well prepared.

Hope this helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

Answer 6

Hi there!

Yes, you can refer, however, I would recommend you to try to find somebody else for this, especially if you have a strong network. For your husband, such a referral will have a bigger weight.

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