Referral from a lower level

Referral
New answer on Jan 31, 2021
4 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jan 08, 2019

Hi everyone,

I have a question about referral: can a lower level position make a referral for a more senior candidate's application ?

Obviosly I do not expect a BA can make a referral for a Principal, but just a one-level difference (e.g. BA for a Junior Associate, Associate for Consultant, BA for a Senior BA, etc.)

Thank you in advance

V.

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Guennael
Expert
replied on Jan 08, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

"can", yes. Will the referral have much value? No.

The higher up, the more tenured and the stronger that person's in-house reputation, the more valuable the recommendation will be. A junior employee would typically not have any of these, so unless he/she already built a very strong reputation internally and/or really knows you, that referral will be just one data point amongst many. Still worth something though, so don't dismiss it.

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Ken
Expert
replied on Jan 31, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

Based on the specific range of entry-level roles you have listed, they can definitely make referrals, both formally through the firm's referral programme (which often involves a cash incentive) and informally by sharing the candidates CV with recruiting. This is true for any referral but it is much better if that person has been at the firm for a meaingful duration and have an established relationship with the recruitment team.

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 31, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there!

Yes, theoretically he can, but it will not have any sense. You need to have a strong referral from somebody who has a higher position than you. Only this type of referral can secure your interview invite.

Hope it helps
GB

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 08, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

In general, MBB is hiring for Analyst / Associates roles. Can an analyst make a referral for an Associate? - Yes. Will it be valuable? - Yes

Manager applications are mostly outliers and rare cases and in these cases, you need a referral from a partner

Vlad

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Guennael gave the best answer

Guennael

Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews
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