Referrals for undergraduate campus roles

Hi there,

They are definitely important as well for undergrads. I only applied via referral while at university and got 6 invitations out of 6 applications – I don’t think that would have been possible without referrals.

For a step-by-step process on how to get referrals, you can check the following link:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hey-everyonehope-all-is-well-3176

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

as pointed out by the other coaches, it is always helpful. Please also bear in mind that this is, have been, and always will be a people's business.

By starting to network (and I dont like that term since it implies for many people just transactional explotation of other human beings for your own gain, or mutual exploitation) or rather to DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS, you may not only find someone for a referral but, best case, a mentor before you even join the company. And even if you not join the company, this relationship can develop into a very fruitful mentoring relationship that will push you both professionally and personally.

Best,
Denis

Hey there,

Referrals are always beneficial for your application. The earlier you start to grow your network, the better.

I'd even argue that as a junior they matter more because most more senior applicants will likely have 1 or several referrals already. Differentiate yourself from your peers!

Cheers,

Florian

Hi there, 

it definetely makes sense and will make a difference! Not only in the situation you're in rn, but it will be useful also for your future career. 

Hope it helps! Don't hesitate to write me if you have any questions left!

Cheers,

GB

Hi there,

A referral is just a door opener such that the recruiting team will look through your application more thoroughly - also for undergraduate roles. Depending on the seniority, tenure and advocacy of the person referring you, you have a better chance of getting a first round interview. The more senior the person referring you is, the better. The longer the tenure of that person with the firm is, the better.

The reason is that such voices carry more weight than referrals coming from super junior or brand new people. They typically know the HR folks better and have been involved in recruiting activities for a while so it is usually assumed that they have a good grasp of what types of candidates with which sets of qualifications the firm needs. However, any referral is ultimately better than no referral. Also for candidates who come from target schools.

Ideally, you get a referral from someone from the same office (or same country) you are applying to. But again, a referral from someone within the same firm but different office or country organization is still better than no referral.

A direct rejection after the CV screening stage can still happen - even with a referral. In that case the recruiting team usually provides some feedback to the person having given the referral. So you should follow up with them to better understand the rationale in case that happens. On the flipside, you can still get an interview invite when you just apply online without a referral - the probability is just lower - particularly when your CV is not “stellar” on a standalone basis.

And as always, factors such as economic conditions and headcount/budget planning of the individual firm also matter significantly in these decisions - but they are not within your control.

Best

Hi there,

There definitely aren't rules here! Referral are absolutely helpful no matter where/how you're recruiting.

Definitely network :)

Hi,

Absolutely, especially if you are applying to the most competitive offices like NY, London, Boston, etc

Best

It will still make a difference as recruiters will typically screen through CVs in batches by campus where they will pay more attention to candidates who have had a meaningful referral. The only difference at McKinsey would be that the consultant referring you has no incentive (i.e., cash bonus) to do so.

Actually, referrals are useful for pretty much anybody.

And they tend to matter particularly in a bad market because they work as a signaling mechanism for candidates that are high-potential.

Sharing with you two articles on how to get referrals (through coffee chats and LinkedIn networking):

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

Best,
Cristian

Hello!

Not at all, they also help in the process for undergrads. When I was a professor in the MiM in Instituto de Empresa, indeed, this was one of the most-wanted thing from adjunt professors. Not only from the students, but also form the school itself :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara