Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Referrals for campus roles (UK)

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

9
1.2k
18
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Erica
Coach
edited 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 :)

Ian
Coach
on Sep 27, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

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!

Deleted user
on Sep 27, 2021

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.

14
on Sep 28, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

For sure, a referral is always useful. Definitely invest time to get one as it will increase your chances substantially.

You can find some tips on referrals here:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

on Sep 27, 2021
#1 rated 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!

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

Deleted user
on Sep 28, 2021

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. 

11
Deleted
Coach
on Sep 27, 2021
Experienced interviewer | Roland Berger Project Manager| Cambridge University | Super intuitive approach

Yes definitely. Referral always helps with securing interviews

Agrim
Coach
on Sep 30, 2021
#1 Awarded Coach | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Master Casing in only 3 Hours | 10y in Consulting | Free Intro Call

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.

Similar Questions
Consulting
How Does the Referral and Interview System at McKinsey Work?
on Jul 19, 2024
Global
4
1.6k
Top answer by
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
38
4 Answers
1.6k Views
+1
Consulting
Rejection at Bain
on Oct 28, 2024
Global
5
1.5k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
72
5 Answers
1.5k Views
+2
Consulting
Will getting a referral matter if I previously did not make it past screening?
on Apr 26, 2025
Global
9
300+
Top answer by
Thabang
Coach
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)
13
9 Answers
300+ Views
+6
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.