Hi there,
I cold-messaged both via email and LinkedIn several MBB consultants for an informational chat. A couple days ago I had a phone call with a principal at an MBB firm after cold-emailing her (she is an alumnus at my current university). Although, from my perspective, I asked quite open-ended and well-thought questions which showed interest and answers can't be found very easily by a google search (mostly about personal experiences, differences (pros/cons) to previous jobs she had, focus by office etc.), she seemed quite bored even before we started talking and her answers were relatively short and without much elaboration. After stating that I would like to apply in the next couple weeks etc., she didn't volunteer to have me sent her my CV for a referral, but just said that I should feel free to reach out if further questions come up... Even taking into consideration time constraints MBB consultants have, this was a quite short phone call...
So, my question is: what would your advice be regarding asking "good" questions (=what should the content be?) and the general flow of the conversation? Generally, how high should the expectations for a person to refer me be after accepting a request for a phone call?
Also, at the same firm, I already had a conversation with a Consultant (who has only been at the firm for 3-4 years though) and he told me to send him my CV (implying that he is willing to give me a referral), which I did. Given that he is in a relatively low position and a referral would not have as much weight as principal/partner (although the conversation went quite well), should I continue reaching out to principals/partners or rather leverage my current connection to the consultant and apply via this referral?
Hi, so, regarding the pitch, I actually try to appear as somebody who just wants to have an informal and friendly chat in order to get a better overview of how it is to work at that particular firm, rather than somebody who wants to sell himself. Therefore, I avoid giving formal pitches right from the start, but rather try to indirectly refer to my strengths and genuine interest during the conversation at appropriate moments. Many will disagree here, but I feel awkward (and I suppose the other person as well) if I try to sell myself too obviously. Also, could you please give an example of how to „indirectly“ ask for referrals at the end? Up to now I didn‘t mention a referral at all, assuming that the person knows the reason why I’m contacting him/her and would therefore volunteer if he/she thinks I would be a good fit.
(edited)