Why are consulting (MBB) referrals so nuanced?

Porsche
lasagne

Go to company page Porsche

lasagne
Sep 2, 2020 10 Comments

Getting a tech referral is not super challenging. People are usually willing to refer you if you are an alum from the same university / have something in common, and they like your profile.

In consulting, at least MBB, referrals are rarely mentioned while networking and almost seem like taboo to talk about. Even if someone likes your resume or profile, they are willing to help only after you have passed the resume screen. Why is this the case? #consulting

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TOP 10 Comments
  • Amazon
    Abi12

    Go to company page Amazon

    Abi12
    Is there a formal referral system in place at MBB? Is it mentioned on the careers site?

    I didn't know it existed. According to my understanding, the referral system at MBB is your referrer sending your resumé to HR and asking them to consider you/interview you. No one's referral counts for much apart from Partners and above. So I think the lack of a formal referral system is why it's hard to get a referral.
    Sep 2, 2020 1
    • Porsche
      lasagne

      Go to company page Porsche

      lasagne
      OP
      That was my understanding too. But I've heard a couple people allude to "put your profile in the system" so not sure how true it is.
      Sep 3, 2020
  • PwC
    simpleboba

    Go to company page PwC

    simpleboba
    It’s cause in consulting, especially MBB - interviews are a lot more fair. Referrals from most levels don’t really mean much.
    Sep 3, 2020 1
  • Deloitte / Product
    zGCD26

    Go to company page Deloitte Product

    zGCD26
    Referral def happens at MBB. It's way more powerful than just getting HR to notice your refs resume. It's not a throw away action to get a 500 bonus, you're vouching for them and that can mean a lot. It's typically reserved for people you actually worked with.
    Sep 3, 2020 1
    • Porsche
      lasagne

      Go to company page Porsche

      lasagne
      OP
      That's what I've heard too, but I don't understand why it's such a big deal, as in why does your reputation matter so much when vouching for someone. Why can't you say "hey I think this is a good candidate, if you want to consider them." Like what happens in tech.
      I guess it is a deep-rooted culture thing.
      Sep 9, 2020
  • from friends i know - referrals don't really matter. it just helps get ur resume to HR but then its viewed as any other resume. probably different if your friend is a partner lol
    Sep 2, 2020 1
  • New / Finance
    liquidaset

    New Finance

    liquidaset
    What's your role at Porsche?
    Sep 2, 2020 1