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Partner Referral

Application application process interview process MBB networking Referral referrals
Most recent answer on Apr 05, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 05, 2024) is from:
Dennis
Expert
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Dennis
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 05, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi there, A referral is just a door opener such that the recruiting team will look through your application more thoroughly. Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
2.8 k
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Apr 05, 2024 on Apr 05, 2024
Last Activity

Is it realistic to get an MBB interview without referral?

connection Middle East networking Referral referrals USA
Most recent answer on Apr 05, 2024
The best answer (on Apr 05, 2024) is from:
Dennis
Expert
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Dennis
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 05, 2024
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi there, A referral is just a door opener such that the recruiting team will look through your application more thoroughly. Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
5.2 k
Views
19
Total Upvotes
on Apr 05, 2024 on Apr 05, 2024
Last Activity

Let referral expire or possibly perform worse?

BCG McKinsey and Bain casing summer internship McKinsey Referral referrals
Most recent answer on Feb 28, 2024
The best answer (on Feb 24, 2024) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 24, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, It sounds like you'd like to not apply now, so as to apply next year? (Not later this year as in a few weeks/months later). Remember that you can re-apply each year (i.e. for next year's internships). Absolute ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
193
Views
59
Total Upvotes
on Feb 28, 2024 on Feb 28, 2024
Last Activity

Benefits of Referral

analytical test application process CV screening interview process management consulting MBB referrals
Most recent answer on Dec 30, 2023
The best answer (on Nov 10, 2023) is from:
Frederic
Expert
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Frederic
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 10, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Importance of referrals really differs my geography, but in general you can see the following advantages: Expedited Process: In some cases, a strong referral can fast-track your application, bypassing certain stages of ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
35.8 k
Views
18
Total Upvotes
on Dec 30, 2023 on Dec 30, 2023
Last Activity

how (most updated) referral system works in Mck and BCG

referrals
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 10, 2021) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 10, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi! Once you get a referral, you should get a link to submit your application (i.e. CV and cover letter). If you do not receive that link, send an email to HR with your CV to start the application process. They will lik ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.4 k
Views
91
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Consultant & partner Referrals

Multiple Referral referrals
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Dec 16, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 16, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, The most effective email address is the one you received from the person. Do not reach out to their private email if you have gotten it somehow through a different approach. Even reaching out to a firm email ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
767
Views
29
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Requesting Referrals

Application referrals
Recent activity on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 31, 2023) is from:
Cristian
Expert
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Cristian
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 31, 2023
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach
Sure, I actually put together two articles that go deeper into this topic and you might find it useful to review them.  Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals V ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.5 k
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Networking event with McKinsey. Any tips/suggestions?

Advice careers fair company event MBB McKinsey mixers networking recruiting recruiting event recruiting mckinsey associate analyst networking referrals tips
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 19, 2018
If the on-campus event is invitation-only and is limited to 60-80 people, I agree with other suggestion: you have been flagged as high potential and you shouldn’t be worried about impressing them. If instead this is a ... (read entire answer)
17
Answers
18.9 k
Views
53
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

Problem in referrals

referrals
Most recent answer on Sep 27, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 25, 2023) is from:
Lorenzo
Expert
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
Lorenzo
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 25, 2023
University of St.Gallen graduate | Learn to think like a Consultant | Personalized prep | CV review
It can be frustrating and disheartening when someone offers or promises to refer you for a job opportunity but then doesn't follow through. This situation can occur for various reasons, and it's not necessarily a reflec ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
304
Views
52
Total Upvotes
on Sep 27, 2023 on Sep 27, 2023
Last Activity

Do you need referrals to stand a chance (London offices)?

Applications London referrals
Most recent answer on Aug 07, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 06, 2023) is from:
Dennis
Expert
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Dennis
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 06, 2023
Ex-Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe
Hi there, if you have the time, try to get a referral for you application. Why leave out a pathway that could significantly increase your chances of getting a first round interview? Don't just forgo the step because it ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
516
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on Aug 07, 2023 on Aug 07, 2023
Last Activity

Already Have An Associate's Referral, Should I try for a Partner's Referral?

Bain & Company BCG MBB McKinsey Referral Referral program at MBB referrals
Most recent answer on Jul 21, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 13, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 13, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: I was wondering if I should try to get one from a Partner or someone more senior instead? If you can get a partner referral definitely go for that, it will increase the chances to get an interview. If you d ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
437
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Jul 21, 2023 on Jul 21, 2023
Last Activity

McKinsey referral - no specific position

referrals
Most recent answer on Jun 10, 2023
The best answer (on Jun 08, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 08, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: But what if I find a position I want to apply, should I ask this partner to refer me again? I assume you mean if you find a position posted in a few months on their site given currently they don’t have open ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
427
Views
43
Total Upvotes
on Jun 10, 2023 on Jun 10, 2023
Last Activity

Could someone please explain to me how BCG ME referrals work?

BCG Middle East referrals
Most recent answer on Feb 02, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 01, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 01, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Well done on securing the referrals. In terms of your questions: 1) In particular, I want to know what happens after I get the referral. If it works, do I just get an invitation to the interview? If you pass t ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
977
Views
78
Total Upvotes
on Feb 02, 2023 on Feb 02, 2023
Last Activity

Reapplying with BCG

BCG BCG reapply Consulting Resume Cover letter reapply Referral referrals
Most recent answer on Jan 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 29, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 29, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hi Emery, 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, it's not necessary to mention that you have previously passed the screening pha ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
953
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Jan 31, 2023 on Jan 31, 2023
Last Activity

Partner call

MBB referrals
Most recent answer on Jan 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 31, 2023) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 31, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Well done securing the call with the MBB partner! In terms of your question: Q: How do I ask the partner for a referral without putting them on uncomfortable position? You should prepare three main things befo ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
673
Views
37
Total Upvotes
on Jan 31, 2023 on Jan 31, 2023
Last Activity

How to use a referral?

Referral referrals
Most recent answer on Jan 28, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 26, 2023) is from:
Hagen
Expert
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
Hagen
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 26, 2023
#1 Bain coach | >95% success rate | interviewer for 8+ years | mentor and coach for 7+ years
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: Depending on the company and region, there might or might not be specific referral sys ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
423
Views
48
Total Upvotes
on Jan 28, 2023 on Jan 28, 2023
Last Activity

Help with finding a role in Strategy Consulting

amsterdam France London needhelp Netherlands paris Paris interviews Referral referrals strategyconsulting
Most recent answer on Oct 30, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 30, 2022) is from:
Emily
Expert
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
Emily
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 30, 2022
Ex McKinsey EM & interviewer (5 yrs) USA & UK| Coached / interviewed 300 +|Free 15 min intro| Stanford MBA|Non-trad
It sounds like you're well placed to get a role! You don't need to worry about not having the ‘right’ experience - for the entry level roles there isn't such a thing. The companies are looking for raw horsepower of inte ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
575
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Oct 30, 2022 on Oct 30, 2022
Last Activity

Bain Referral Timing

Bain Bain & Company Referral referrals
Most recent answer on Oct 23, 2022
The best answer (on Oct 17, 2022) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 17, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, Q: I was wondering if my contact did the process correctly. If not, how would I best go about raising this with HR, so that the referral gets considered in the screening process? Normally you are referred befo ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
759
Views
31
Total Upvotes
on Oct 23, 2022 on Oct 23, 2022
Last Activity

Referral

McKinsey recruiting referrals
Most recent answer on Jun 24, 2022
The best answer (on Jun 19, 2022) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 19, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, You should get a referral from someone working in the firm. If the person is not working there anymore (people may leave before 24 months for a number of reasons), I would not recommend asking for a referral. ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
814
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Jun 24, 2022 on Jun 24, 2022
Last Activity

Does referee's seniority matter? (consultant vs. junior partner)

referrals
Most recent answer on Sep 27, 2021
The best answer (on Sep 26, 2021) is from:
Pedro
Expert
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Pedro
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 26, 2021
30% off in April 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA
Best recommendations are from senior consultants and managers, i.e., people who know the job and who actually know you. So if you have a recommendation from someone who meets this criteria, you have what you need. A par ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
1.0 k
Views
107
Total Upvotes
on Sep 27, 2021 on Sep 27, 2021
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 34 results

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