Hi there,

I like and agree with this plan. Withdraw the application ASAP, have this mock case (when you are in a good state already) and explain the situation.

Good luck!

Hi there,

1) Should I withdraw my application now and then, closer to the application deadline, approach my connection again for a referral. 

If I understood correctly you are not interested anymore in the previous application. In this case it is fine to withdraw the previous one. You can then reach out to your connection to explain you changed your plans and “check what they would recommend” for the new application.

2) Additionally, I'm curious about how the process of receiving multiple referrals works.

Normally you can have just one official referral but others can “mention” you to HR for an informal one.

You can find more on referrals below:

▶ How to Get an MBB Invitation

▶ The Exact Steps to Get a Referral

Good luck!

Francesco

Hello,

I think your plan sounds good! If you are no longer interested in the position you originally applied for, you can withdraw your application. Based on what you write here, it seems like your odds for getting another referral from your contact are very high, so I would definitely do the mock interview and ask them for a referral. 

Usually the portal allows for 1 referral per candidate, but since you will be applying for a new job posting, I don't think that your previous referral will be retained in the system, so it's worth getting a new one in any case. If you're asking because there are several people you have in mind who you could ask for a referral, the general advice is to get one from whoever is more senior. Remember that the referral should be submitted prior to your application, however. Once the referral goes through, you should receive an email with a bespoke link to apply.

(edited)

Hi there,

definitely do the mock interview and make sure you prepare for it like it was a real interview. The person referring you will want to make sure that it won't reflect poorly on them so they need to feel comfortable enough that you have a fighting chance.

I would not try to approach multiple people at the same company for referrals at the same time. You need a clear “primary” referrer. If you have multiple options, go with the one who has the highest seniority and the longest tenure with the firm.

Good luck

Dear,

I 100% agree with your plan. I would do the mock interview and at the end of the session explain what happened and ask without fear if the person is eager to re-submit the referral in the system.

Normally, the referral is submitted by one consultant working at the target company. However, what could happen sometimes is asking additional people (I'd say max 1-2) to “knock on the door” of HR to present your case and check on the application status.

If you are not interested in interviewing right away then I guess yes, your plan makes sense. Otherwise, I would keep the application open and only withdraw closer to the new submission date.