Job referral

Hi Mohamed - 

I'm no coach on this platform, nor do I receive any commission from my advocacy for suggesting that coaching may be of great value to you. 

If you haven't already, I'd look for budget-friendly coaches on this platform that you believe best fit your needs. Hopefully, you received some measure of feedback from the hiring teams that sent you the rejection notice.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Be realistic about the firms you are applying to. A coach I'm working with now approached my application strategy with that first in mind. Always stretch yourself and shoot your shot, but be ready for rejections and have other firms/companies in mind. Sometimes your dream firm is just one experience away from you working with another firm or company that will help you gain the experience and referrals you need.

2. Invest in the resources on this platform. 1-month of a premium membership might just make the difference. It has accelerated my learning tremendously.

3. Look for budget-friendly coaches that can take the feedback you've received and work with you for as many sessions as you need.

4. Take time to prepare again. Don't jump right back into applications. Be as patient as possible (you don't want to miss opportunities or cycles), but give yourself time to strengthen your weaknesses and strengthen your strengths. I would prioritize the first.

5. Find great colleagues and alumni to support you in this process. I used to ask myself, "Why don't coaches on this platform just write me a referral? I have great experience, I work hard, I'm smart, and I deserve it if I pay for coaching." Wrong. Haha. Very very wrong. We need to tap into our networks, we need to be strategic about the relationships we give our time and energy to, and we need to be genuine about the friends and mentors we're sharing our life with.

6. Love yourself and love the process. You can get there. Keep your head up, believe in yourself, keep trying, and don't settle just because you were rejected. People get rejected everyday. It just so happens that you were rejected this time. One day you'll look back when you made it and realize, "I did it, and now I can help others get there to."

I'm not a coach. But, this platform has made a difference and it's worth investing in.

your friend,
Daniel

I'm happy to case you and share what I've learned if you ever need it. 

Here's a blog post from PrepLounge by a decorated coach that my provide some perspective regarding what you've shared here. Don't' pay much attention to the title, focus on the advice:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-job-in-consulting-during-an-economic-downturn

Hi Mohamed!

I believe no coach will be able to directly refer you, as it is not allowed for an active consultant to sell private coaching services (at least not in MBB). 
I know you have already edited your CV multiple times, but feel free to send it to me and I will evaluate if the problem is there (free of charge). 
Daniel’s response is a very good one, I would pay attention to it. Your context may make difficult to follow it exactly, and that is where a coach may be helpful, to understand your specific needs in terms of both internal aspects as external circumstances.

Feel free to book a 20min free call to discuss your situation and we can see if coaching is actually what may help you, or if a different approach is needed.

Best,

Mari

Hi there,

No one will give you a referral without knowing you. The large majority of consultants take this seriously.

To obtain a referral you will have to network.

But instead, I suggest that you get a realistic evaluation by a coach. A referral is not necessary for +90% of people getting into consulting and is often overrated. It is not clear that even with a referral you would be able to get the interview - assuming that you've tried multiple firms multiple times.

Hey there 😊

Totally feel you—breaking into consulting can be tough, especially when you've been trying multiple times and not hearing back. A referral can definitely help get your foot in the door, but it’s also key to make sure your CV really brings out the impact and structure firms are looking for. If you’d like, I’m happy to take a quick look at your CV or help you with a short message for reaching out to potential referrers 💪🏼✨

You’ve already shown persistence, which is half the battle—don’t give up now!

Best,
Alessa 🌼

Hi Mohamed,

I know how frustrating the application process can be, especially when you’re not getting past the initial screenings. A referral can definitely help, but making sure your CV is optimized for consulting is just as important.

If you’d like, I’m happy to take a look at your CV and help refine it to increase your chances of getting noticed. Feel free to send it over, and I can provide some feedback to make it as strong as possible for an Associate Consultant role.

Also, if you haven’t already, try networking with current consultants at your target firms—sometimes an informational chat can lead to a referral. Let me know how I can help!

Best,

Evelina

Hi Mohamed,

Referrals can only do so much. If the resume is not polished or suitable, the referral will not make a difference. In the spirit of 80/20, I would first ask a coach to review your resume.

All the best,
Florian