Should I find a second referee to push through my application?

Question

It has been two weeks since I have submitted my CV to a referee at Bain, but I haven't heard any replies from the HR and I'm really worried.

Should I try to ask other referee who are more senior to help me to push through my application at this stage? I have mentioned to the current referee that I'll appoint him as my referee, so that if I receive the offer she can receive a bonus. Thus, I am hesitant about my next step. Are there any suggestions? Or, should I directly reach out to HR to follow up my application?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Reach out to HR as a first step.
Don't worry. These things take time sometimes. It doesn't mean that your application isn't good enough or that they forgot about it.
And don't get a second referral. The first one has enough of your incentive to push you through. There's no need for a whole army of consultants to support on CV :)

Answer 2

Hi there,

Please practice patience here! This is par for the course and you should not expect companies to work to your timeline.

2 weeks is perfectly normal (think about how many applications they're getting). I would wait another 2 weeks before reaching out to your referee.

Fingers crossed for you!

Answer 3

Hi!

You could ask a follow-up to your referee and if she doesn't have any you could then reach out to HR directly.

Good luck,

Anto

Answer 4

Assuming you are applying to a large office, you only need 1 person to refer you. A second one does not really change things. In a small office the process may be different.
Two weeks is nothing. Relax. Consultants are the ones reviewing CV's and they have a lot of project work to do. Going through CV decks is not their top priority.

Answer 5

It been “JUST” 2 weeks. Relax! These processes take time. Lead times from application to job offer take anywheer between 2-10 months.
Don't get a second referral. That's not good practice. A referral is a referral. Not only will a second push create complications - you run the risk of burning bridges.
Meanwhile, practice and become fully prepared. Once the test and interviews arrive - you want to be bullet-proof ready. Get some coaching and make yourself ready.
if in doubt - always chase the HR. They are not the decision makers so you don't run the risk of annoying them. At the same time - following up is always helpful because HR team is generally swamped with applications.