I plan to apply for entry level graduate roles at the MBB firms later this year. I was wondering if any of you would be able to offer specific information pertaining to the UK and the 2023 intake on what steps a referral would allow me to bypass?
I'm also curious about what level do the people I ask for a reference have to be and if they have to work at the UK office? Also, is there a cap on the maximum amount of people I can get a reference for each of the MBB?
Thank you
Hi there,
In short:
- No bypassing, just a guarantee that the CV gets reviewed
- Level - the more senior the better
- Ideally they referral should come from the office you're targeting
- Only go for one quality referral
Hi there,
In general, a referral does not let you bypass any steps.
Rather, a refer improves your chances of getting an interview in the first place.
You should really only get 1 referral per firm, otherwise it can get messy.
Hello!
A referral doesn´t let you bypass anything unfortunately.
How it works is that it ensures that your CV gets reviewed by HR (and, the moment u indeed are referred, there are certain guarantees that is a CV that is going to catch their eye).
From then on, you are on your own, just like anyone else.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
A referral's primary aim is to help you get into the interview process, it is not used to skip any part of the process. Everyone has to go through the formal process of recruitment regardless of who recommends them.
In general it is recommended you get a referral from a Partner at the firm. Partner referrals in most cases will result in interviews for the desired role (unless you do not qualify for reasons such as being rejected in the recent past etc.)
No cap on referrals but getting many referrals is not as helpful as getting referrals from the right individual(s)
Best,
Udayan
Hi there,
this is a good question.
Referrals DO help make sure your CV will be checked, someone will for sure see it, but all candidates are treated equally, even if you have a referral but your CV doesn't fit, you won't get far. Having said that, I would recommend to ensure having the winning CV and cover letter for the interview.
I wish you all the best,
Lucie
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