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Referred but no interview - what to do now?

Referral
New answer on Oct 31, 2021
6 Answers
1.5 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 16, 2021

Hi all, 

I managed to get a referral from a consultant (~2 years' tenure) at an MBB but just received an automated rejection email after the CV screening.

I was wondering whether this was common and whether I can do anything about it? Is there any way the person who referred me can overturn my rejection?

Thanks

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Hagen
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Content Creator
updated an answer on Oct 16, 2021
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years

Hi there,

First of all, I am deeply sorry to hear that you were not invited!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

  • Generally speaking, being referred seldomly is a guarantee to be invited to the interviews, especially if it is not a very senior employee providing the referral.
  • Of course, you might ask the referee to ask about the reasons for your rejections and act upon this feedback. However, I do not see a lot of chances that an employee with such short company affiliation can dissuade the recruiter from his/ her decision.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on what might be your best next career steps and how you can maximize your chances to be invited, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

(edited)

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Antonello
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 16, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi!

This happens sometimes, unfortunately!

If you received a rejection email, there isn't much you can do about it this time. However, try to understand why this happened so that you can improve for the next application.

Good luck,

Anto

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 16, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey,

Sorry to hear this. But rejection is part of this game and almost certainly everyone faces it.

Rather than trying to over turn the rejection (which wont happen anyway), see if you can discuss with your referee on possible causes for rejection and improve your CV.

And its not uncommon to get rejected even when referred.

All the best.

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Ian
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replied on Oct 17, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Unfortunately this is perfectly normal and there is no way to overturn the rejection.

Remember that referrals help your odds a lot but they are by no means gaurentee! 

Try to see why it was rejected (experience, office, etc.) and work to improve this over the next year or two. In particular, make sure your resume is as optimal here (perhaps post it here?)

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Oct 16, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Yes, this happens. And there is no way to overturn this. The only thing you can do is to try to understand what are the weaknesses on your profile / CV.

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Marco-Alexander
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 31, 2021
Former BCG | Case author for efellows book | Experience in 6 consultancies (Stern Stewart, Capgemini, KPMG, VW Con., Hor

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Hagen gave the best answer

Hagen

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