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

Referral
New answer on Oct 31, 2021
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Oct 14, 2021

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!

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Cristian
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Content Creator
replied on Oct 14, 2021
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

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 :)
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Ian
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replied on Oct 14, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

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!

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Antonello
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replied on Oct 14, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

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

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Pedro
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replied on Oct 14, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
  • 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.
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Agrim
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replied on Oct 15, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting
  • 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.
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Marco-Alexander
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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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Cristian gave the best answer

Cristian

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