Questions about networking

Hi Daisy,

Good question! First of all, great of you to start networking and already getting offers for referrals. Definitely the way to go!

Your referees have a strong interest that you’re prepared well in case you get invited to an interview. Hence, I would discuss with them directly the level of your case preparation. 

There’s basically 2 options:

1. Defer the referral until you get more practice. Might take the momentum out of your networking approach but otherwise a safe option.
2. Get the referral now and in case of interest from HR discuss with them directly a timeline that works best for you. This option has the advantage that you’re working towards a more tangible goal.

In my case, I was invited by McKinsey and asked for 8 weeks extra time. No problem at all since recruiting is on a rolling basis and it makes no difference to consulting firms when they interview you. Hence, I would recommend option #2.

However, best is to discuss with your contacts directly. That‘s what alumni are there for!

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Hi Daisy,

First of all, nice work! You're networking and preparing at the same time which is exactly how to do it. Additionally, it sounds like you're networking effectively - well done!

My strong advice is to strike while the iron is hot. Life is about timing - if they are interested in you now and will refer you, you need to followup in a timely manner. If you said you will send them the CV+Cover Letter next week, do so. Otherwise, you will appear to them as lazy/dis-organized, etc.

Ultimately, the process does take a while so you likely have a few weeks at a minimum to get ready. Additionally, you can always delay the interview itself - when they reach out to schedule you can ask for 1-2 months to fully prepare.

Well done and good luck!

Hi Daisy,

you are doing a great job getting both the networking and the case preparation right here :)

I would also recommend you to take the referral straight away, as the follow up and handling through HR will take some time, and you have additional flexibility when scheduling the interview.

However, you were talking about ‘Alumni’ - if you mean people who already left the company you are applying to, I would advise you to get a referral from an active consultant within the company (difference) who actually knows you and is not just an accidental LinkedIn connection (big difference) to make the referral more real and effective.

Best

Stephan

You should take the opportunities as they come. So if someone want to refer you, you should accept it. Don't risk postponing / turning down and then not having one when you need it.

The fact is that you can defer your first interview, so when they reach out regarding scheduling, ask for a timeline that suits you. It won't be a problem.