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Referral from former consultants - MBB

Referral
New answer on Jan 31, 2021
10 Answers
1.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jan 10, 2021

Hi all,

Is it possible for former MBB consultants to give referrals? Or will it carry no weight?

Thank you!

Overview of answers

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Best answer
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Normally former employees cannot refer you directly. However, if you know a former senior consultant (eg Partner/Director), they can forward your CV to HR and recommend you in this way, and you would have good chances to be invited for interviews.

Hope this helps,
Francesco

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Jan 11, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hello there!

I agree with Francesco here and would also like to add that former consultants could help you find a referral among the current ones, as they typically have a good network.

Hope it was helpful.

Cheers,

GB

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Yes but not in the way you're thinking!

They can't refer via the online system, but they can put you in direct contact with HR, Partners at the firm, etc.

100% leverage a network of former MBB consultants if you have the option

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

It's possible.

If you could choose between a current and former employee, I'd go for the first option though.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Antonello

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Florian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

It will not have the same weight as if you would do it via a current employee. Still, some alumni still have a very friendly relationship with the local HR, which could definitely have a positive impact on the speed and outcome of your screening.

So it is definitely worth a try!

Also, try to couple it with a referral from a current employee. The more often your name pops up with HR, the more interesting of a candidate you appear to be.

Cheers,

Florian

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jan 10, 2021
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

At McKinsey, it's not possible officially, only via friends of former employees.

I recommend finding someone who currently works there

Best

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 10, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Dont get a former employee to refer you directly, rather get them to introduce you to someone (current employee in the target firm) they know well who can coach you and eventually refer you.

And obvisuly get all the insights from this former employee as well. The more knowledge you have the better you can tailor your CV, Cover Letter & interviews etc.

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Anonymous replied on Jan 10, 2021

Hi,

Yes it is possible. At least in BCG the referral program also include alumni.

Best,
Iman

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Henning
Expert
replied on Jan 31, 2021
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate

Yes, it is possible if they maintain good relationships. Better would be an actual employee of the office you're applying to, but I have seen referrals from alums and clients.

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jan 12, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

I have done it myself, since I keep very good contact with HR. And it worked :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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