resume/referral-how much does a referral help?

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, it really depends on the seniority of the person providing the referral, and all other aspects of your application. For instance, not even a very senior referral can most probably make up for poorly prepared application files.
• Without having a look at your resume, it is very hard to provide specific advice. In general, however, I would advise you to showcase the achievements you have made in that year and the skills you have learned that equip you well for other strategy consulting companies as well.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

1. Depends on the seniority of the referral. More junior referrals make sure that your application gets screened. More senior referrals might tip the balance during screening in your favor.
2. Focus on achievements and tasks that are relevant for MBB, e.g., leadership, impact, drive, and ambition. Quantify your successes.

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there,

1) How much would a referral help (pass CV screen) to get a first round interview?

A referral helps to get the interview but cannot guarantee one. Your application material (eg CV) is also very important.

2) What should I be highlighting on my resume with 1 YOE at a consulting firm (big4/acn) to be considered for a T2/MBB?

The main difference you have with a new grad is your work experience, so you should present clearly actions and results related to that.

Some of the key things to consider for a great CV are:

1. Use action verbs to describe the experiences (eg “Led…; Analyzed…) and use a structure of Action - Results
2. Quantify results. If you find challenging to have specific numbers, you can use number of countries/clients/forecasted results
3. Show experience related to leadership or teamwork. A good number of candidates have points on problem-solving and drive in achieving results, but lack experiences related to work in/leading a team
4. Show relevant extracurricular activities and interests. They make the profile more interesting and help to show leadership skills when you don’t have relevant work experience related to that

You can find more on that below:

▶ How to Get a Consulting Interview Invitation

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

a referral can help you to get to the first interview stage - from then on out it is solely up to you and how you perform. 

If the person referring you is in a senior position, has a considerable tenure with the firm and a good standing within, your chances of getting an interview are higher compared to getting a referral from a junior consultant who just started at the firm a few months ago.

In any case, referrals increase your chances but are no guarantee. I've heard of many cases where people got a referral from a senior manager or partner and did not get invited to the interviews. However, if you have the time and ability to get a referral, it is a pathway certainly worth pursuing.

You want to highlight in your CV everything that positions you as a candidate with relevant skills and experiences for the role you are applying for. Showcase your previous consulting projects and your role in them. Emphasize analyses and workstreams that you led rather than “just supported”.

Best of luck

Hi,

The other coaches have already mentioned how a referral can definitely help but not necessarily guarantee an interview.

With regards to your second question on what to highlight, i'll add 2 more points:

1. If possible, you should also include and highlight top performance relative to your peers
   • I'm not sure if you already know this at the 1 year mark, but see if you are able to get your mentor/career team to give you a quantitative range of where you rank
   • If you rank in the top 5-10%, that helps a lot in showing that you are the best of the best in your current environment
2. If possible, include anything else that also shows that you are an exceptional consultant 
   • When I applied from T2 to MBB, I included a point around me being a global ‘Brand Ambassador’ - my firm was refreshing their global recruiting marketing and I was the only analyst selected to represent the SEA system on recruiting marketing pictures and videos
   • Of course, end of the day It's all relative in terms of which points should have a space on the limited real estate on your CV

All the best!

Hi there, 

A referral is by no means a guarantee of passing screening but it does increase your chances of doing it (especially in the current economic climate when firms have grown more picky about who they invite to interviews and eventually hire). 

If you can get a referral, then definitely do it. Here's an ARTICLE I wrote on how to use coffee chats / networking intro to connect with other consultants and get a referral.

In terms of the resume, it might help to work with a coach on this. The ROI you get from it is incredible considering that a polished resume already puts you in the top 5-10% of applicants, plus you can use the same format going forward. 

Best,
Cristian

Hello A,

Adding to what everyone else has mentioned, from what I've seen, in most cases -if not all- if you manage to get a referral from a partner, you will pass the screening and get your first interview (or move to the first step of the process, whatever that is). 

Please don't be afraid to reach out to those higher up the hierarchy. Worst case scenario, they won't respond, best case scenario you'll secure an interview.

Best of luck!

Victoria 

Hi there,

Quite simply, try to get a referral! Referrals do help a significant amount. However, they are also not required to get an interview.

In terms of what to highlight, you need to highlight any impressive achievements/accomplishments, and anything that uses consulting-related skills (analysis, client management, leadership, initiative, etc.)

Hello,

1) A referral only guarantees a screening of your application, and does not guarantee an interview.

2) Make sure to highlight key projects on your CV in a STAR format and the transferrable skills that you have gained on those projects.

Best,

Rushabh