Referral Process at McKinsey

Hi there,

Based on my experience as a former McKinsey consultant having referred successful candidates, I can share the following insights:

1. HR always screen CVs including those from referrals.
2. Referals can be done for any role at the firm and candidates who are referred are usually favoured by HR. 
3. The more senior the person referring you is, the better it reflects on your overall candidate profile. 
4. Usually you will receive a link directly into your email to apply after your contact refers you from their firm’s portal and HR reviews your CV.

Referrals are a great way to get your foot in the door into McKinsey. I am happy to shed more light or answer anymore questions.

Best,

Yousef

Hi there,

1) I was wondering how the internal referral process works at McKinsey and if it is different if you are an Associate, Engagement Manager, or a ex-McKinsey consultant.

The process might vary depending on the country. In general, 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

When I applied, my case was #2.

The person referring you should advise on which is the case for your target office.

Normally, you can be referred only by a current consultant, although I know of a case where someone was referred by a former director who talked informally with HR. The process should not vary depending on the person's internal ranking; however, the higher the position, the stronger the referral.

2) Also does it mean that the HR staff still has to review the resume? 

Yes, they will still review it. A referral doesn’t guarantee selection, although it increases the chances of moving forward.

Good luck!

Francesco

Hi there,

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

• First of all, the process may vary slightly depending on the country you are applying to. Generally, you will need to apply via a specific link provided by the referring person. To know for sure, I would advise you to simply ask the referring person in your specific situation.
• Moreover, regardless of whether there is a referral or not, all applicants go through the usual screen process of the recruiting department.

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

Best,

Hagen

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Hi there,

The process

It differs a bit across regions but on a high level it's always the same.

Someone wants to refer you so they let HR know. HR now asks you to apply either via a link or through your contact. The latter often does not work anymore due to data protection laws (needs to go through an official channel where you allow them to store your data).

Does HR still screen the resume?

HR will always screen your resume. 

A referral is not a guaranteed pass at resume screening but guarantees that someone will take a close look and in certain cases, it can increase your chances to pass the screening (during low demand and if your profile does not fit perfectly).

The more senior the referrer, the better.

All the best,

Florian

Hi there!

Actually, it differs from office to office.

In bigger offices, there's an actual ‘referral system’ where the person who refers you submits your profile and then you receive an automated link to submit your application. 

In smaller offices, they just forward your CV to HR. 

And yes, in all cases, HR still reviews your CV, CL and results from the screening test. A referral is not a guaranteed interviewer invite, though it's an important component. 

You might find these two guides helpful on how to get referrals:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals
• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Best,
Cristian

Same process for everyone. A consultant (or other rank) will provide a referral. I don't know the “specific process” but to be honest it doesn't really matter - they are the ones that need to know the bureaucratic process, not the candidates.

And yes, HR (and consultants) will still review your resume before deciding on giving you or not the chance to interview.