Do you have to have a referral BEFORE submitting the application?

Question

Once someone says "sure we'll give you a referral", do you have to put the information in yourself or is it on their end? And do you have to do that before clicking submit?

Would also appreciate advice on how to reconcile this with a rolling deadline.

I am applying to MBB, Big 4 and Tier 2 consulting firms.

Answer 1

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

First of all, yes, you have to secure referrals before applying, as they would not be valid otherwise.
Moreover, the referral processes differ across consulting firms (direct hyperlink, information to the recruiting team aso.), so I would highly advise you to clarify it with your referrers.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

Yes, either you will receive a direct link to apply when the person makes the referral, or they tell HR before you apply (handled differently by firms and offices).

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

Hi there,

1) Do you have to have a referral BEFORE submitting the application?

Ideally yes, as if you are referred after the application, they might have already screened and rejected you before the person reaches out, in which case most likely they won’t reverse the decision. Additionally, in most firms, the person referring you won’t get any referral bonus if you are referred after you have applied, so they will have fewer incentives to help.

2) Once someone says "sure we'll give you a referral", do you have to put the information in yourself or is it on their end? And do you have to do that before clicking submit?

The process might vary depending on the country and in general there are three options. You might have to:

Add the name of the person who is referring you in the application form, or
Send your CV to that person, who will then forward it to HR, or
Use a specific link that HR will share with you after the person referring you talks with HR

The person referring you should be able to indicate which case applies to your target firm.

Good luck!

Francesco

Answer 4

Yes, before submitting, you'll get a referral link (or any other process... the key thing is that the referral needs to be in the system BEFORE you apply).

Answer 5

Referrals first

A referral is a channel to apply to a firm. You must first get the referral. That person will submit and internal application for you. Depending on the firm, that would be all or you will get a link to submit your materials.

Answer 6

Hi there! It really sounds like you are doing everything you can in terms of networking - all great ideas and measur... (read entire answer)

Hi there! It really sounds like you are doing everything you can in terms of networking - all great ideas and measures, so I am expecting it to get you quite far. The only oth... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

Hi there, No - a new application will be treated without previous failure in mind. I also failed my first McKinsey in... (read entire answer)

Hi there, No - a new application will be treated without previous failure in mind. I also failed my first McKinsey internship application, then received the full-time offer the... (read entire answer)

Answer 8

Hi there, You can definitely ask the same person. It would not have a negative impact. What counts if you re-apply af... (read entire answer)

Hi there, You can definitely ask the same person. It would not have a negative impact. What counts if you re-apply after a while is that you demonstrate significant improvements... (read entire answer)