How do referrals work at MBB Middle East?

Hi,

It's advisable to get the referral first, submit your application and reconfirm with your referral the application is well received. Working that way gives you 100% certainty the referral is well received.

Mattijs

Hi there,

Q: How do referrals work at MBB Middle East?

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

1. Add the name of the person who is referring you in the application form, or
2. Send your CV to that person, who will then forward it to HR, or
3. 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 and the timeline to follow.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hey there 🙂, in MBB Middle East, the ideal process is to secure a referral before submitting your application, as referrals are typically added internally by the consultant before you officially apply. However, if applications are open and you don’t want to delay, you can apply first and have the referrer notify HR afterward—it might not be as strong as a pre-submission referral, but it still helps.

If recruiting hasn’t opened yet, it’s best to connect with your contact in advance, so they’re ready to refer you once applications go live. A quick follow-up when apps open can ensure they submit the referral in time. Just make sure you communicate clearly with your referrer to align on the best timing.

Best, Alessa 😇

Hey there, 

how it usually works: You send your CV to the person you know. They have an internal system which they use to refer you, where they upload your information. Once HR has reviewed it, they will send you a link under which you still need to formally apply. 

In your case: I would send your CV to your referral and stay in contact with him or her. In case you do not get the link soon enough, manually apply and mention the person in your application. Then let him or her know so they can tell HR that you have already applied and they can mark your application appropriately.

Best, 
Sebastian  

First, make the connections.

Second, build rapport with them to secure referrals.

Finally, they will either submit your materials for you or provide a link to a special referrals portal where you can apply.

You can learn more about how referrals and the recruiting process work here: MBB Hiring Hacks – Behind the Curtain Secrets.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: StayPro - Consumer Growth Strategy

Hi there,

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

• First of all, as you rightly pointed out, waiting for the referrals after the applications could put you at risk, so of course you should not do that.
• Moreover, for almost all consulting firms, referrals must be registered before the applications anyway.

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 applications, pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

The referral should always come first, then you can apply.

Cheers,

Florian

For BCG, your contact or referee should submit your referral first in the system.

All the best!