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Referrals for campus roles (UK)

campus recruiting Referral
New answer on Sep 30, 2021
9 Answers
656 Views
Anonymous A asked on Sep 27, 2021

Hi, I've heard of referrals being important for experienced hires to be invited to interviews, but was wondering if the same applied to campus/graduate, on-cycle candidates? Can recent university graduates be referred for entry level positions? Is this common or even worth pursuing? Thanks

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Erica
Expert
updated an answer on Sep 27, 2021
Ex-McKinsey / 100% offer rate / LBS / Principle driven / Real case/ If you get the interview, you should get the offer!

Hi there, the answer is ABSOLUTELY! 

Just think about the competitiveness of campus recruitment. Thousands of applicants apply at the same time, which is even more competitive than experience hire, for which the applications are much more scattered. 

So imagine if you’re the recruiter and you have thousands of applications in front of you. You’re just human and it’s very hard to carefully read the details on each one of them. Referral is critical for your application to stand out from the pile. 
 

Always always get referral :)

(edited)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 27, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Networking is extremely important regardless of the channel you're going through!

For on-campus MBA recruiting, referrals themselves are less important, but networking is still extremely important. For undergrad and other mastes programs, referrals are a big leg up against your competition.

In sum: Please do network and strive for a referral no matter what - it can only help!

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 27, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey, a referral is always worth gold dust regardless of what level you are coming at. 

For entry level recruitment, there is a standard process in place , so dont worry too much if you dont have a referral. But, yes you can still be referred for entry level positions.

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 28, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 27, 2021
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi! Yes, they can be referred. No, it’s not critical.

Sometimes, from inside MBB firms, this race to get a referral is a bit ludicrous. It can help, but you don’t need it to actually be considered. Referrals can increase your chances of passing the initial screening (at most), but I honestly doubt they’d ever pass anyone who wouldn’t have had a chance without the referral. You’re always better off just investing that time in preparing for the interview. Best of luck!

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 27, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

Referrals are definitely helpful to get an interview for every job position and type of candidate (generalist vs experienced hire).

Networking is a great way to obtain a referral and I encourage you to pursue this path.

Good luck,

Anto

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Sophia
Expert
replied on Sep 28, 2021
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| 6+ years of coaching

Hello,

Great question! Referrals can be helpful for getting your foot in the door at every level, including campus/graduate, so recent university grads can be referred. It is fairly common and certainly worth pursuing if possible, as it greatly increases your chances of being invited for an interview. 

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Calvin
Expert
replied on Sep 27, 2021
Experienced interviewer | Roland Berger Project Manager| Cambridge University | Super intuitive approach

Yes definitely. Referral always helps with securing interviews

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Sep 30, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

Referrals help - regardless of who you are.

For campus placements - your campus' brand is in-part a referral, but securing a normal referral via networking can help you secure a better standing in the screening process.

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Erica gave the best answer

Erica

Ex-McKinsey / 100% offer rate / LBS / Principle driven / Real case/ If you get the interview, you should get the offer!
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