Networking can make the difference between landing a consulting offer and getting your resume rejected before interviews. 

It is highly competitive to get into management consulting. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people apply to top-tier consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. Historically, only about 1% of applicants end up getting offers.

 

While many candidates applying to consulting fear the dreaded case interview, which is known to be one of the most challenging and difficult types of interviews, getting an interview is actually the most competitive and selective step of the recruiting process.

 

What can you do to maximize your chances of landing consulting interviews?

 

Besides optimizing your consulting resume, networking can help make your application stand out from the crowd.

 

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on the best ways to network to get consulting interviews. We’ll go over the most effective strategies that make the best use of your limited time and provide actionable steps that you can follow.

In parallel to networking, you should also be preparing for case interviews. Networking to get a consulting interview is useless unless you know how to crush every single one of your case interviews.

If you’re looking to transform your resume into one that will land you multiple consulting interviews, check out our consulting resume review and editing services.

 

The Benefits of Networking to Break into Consulting

 

Imagine that you are a consulting recruiter and you come across two candidates’ resumes.

 

The first candidate’s resume is decent. The second candidate’s resume is also decent, but not quite as strong as the first one. However, three of your colleagues have sent you separate emails recommending that you interview the second candidate.

 

If you only have one interview spot left, who would you interview?

 

Most recruiters would choose to interview the second candidate even though their resume is not as strong as the first candidate’s resume. Why? Referrals are a very strong signal to recruiters that you would be a great fit for the firm.

 

Now, imagine that you are reviewing two other candidates’ applications. Both resumes are equally strong.

 

The first candidate’s cover letter provides three strong reasons why they are interested in working at the firm, but is fairly generic.

 

The second candidate’s cover letter only gives one reason why they are interested in the firm. However, they wrote about the conversations they have had with a few consultants and how these conversations have made them excited about working at the firm.

 

If you only have one interview spot left, who would you want to interview?

 

Most recruiters would choose to interview the second candidate because they are much more credible when they say they are interested in working at the firm.

 

Rather than having a generic cover letter that lists reasons why they are interested in the firm, the second candidate took the time to talk to multiple consultants and incorporate what they have learned about the firm into their cover letter.

 

Keep these two benefits of networking in mind as you develop your networking strategy.

 

Your primary goal in networking is to get people to refer you or recommend you to the consulting firm that you are applying for. Your second goal in networking is to make your cover letter stand out by demonstrating genuine interest in the firm based on real conversations you have had with consultants.

 

Effective Networking Strategies to Break into Consulting

 

By now, you know how much of a difference networking can make when it comes to getting a consulting interview.

 

An important thing to keep in mind when networking is that not everyone is going to be willing to help. You could speak to five different consultants and perhaps none of them are willing to refer you or recommend you to the firm.

 

Nothing in networking is guaranteed. Therefore, to network effectively, you should try to meet as many people as you can. Think of networking as planting seeds. The more seeds you plant, the more likely one seed will grow and flourish.

 

In networking, the more people you meet, the more chances you have of someone referring or recommending you to the firm.

 

Also, know that not all connections are equally valuable. Consultants that you already know will be much more willing to help than a connection you made from cold-emailing. Therefore, when networking, you should prioritize how you spend your time.

 

The most effective networking strategies listed from most effective to least effective are:

• Reaching out to consultants you already know

 

• Attending consulting networking events

 

• Having friends and colleagues introduce you to consultants

 

• Cold contacting consultants

 

In the following sections, we’ll go over exactly what to do for each of these strategies.

 

Reaching Out to Consultants You Already Know

 

Reaching out to consultants that you already know is by far the most effective networking strategy. Since these consultants already know you, they will be more likely to help you out.

 

If you are friends or close acquaintances with a consultant, you can directly ask if they would be willing to refer you or recommend you to the firm. You should send them a polite email such as the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Hope you are doing well!

 

I wanted to let you know that I’m planning to apply to [consulting firm]. I’m really interested in a career in management consulting and [consulting firm] is one of my top-choices. I’d be excited and thrilled to be able to work there.

 

The application deadline is on [date] and I was wondering if you would feel comfortable helping me by giving a referral? As you know, the application process is quite competitive and I would really like to get the opportunity to interview at your firm.

 

Thanks for your time and consideration.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

Be prepared to send them your polished resume. They’ll forward your resume to the recruiter along with a few sentences explaining how they know you and why you would be a great fit for the firm.

 

If you do not feel comfortable asking for a referral immediately, reach out to them and schedule a catch up call. Explain that you are really interested in consulting and are interested in learning more about their experiences working at the firm.

 

You should send them an email like the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Hope you are doing well!

 

I wanted to let you know that I’m planning to apply to [consulting firm]. I’m really interested in a career in management consulting and [consulting firm] is one of my top-choices. 

 

I was wondering if you have any free time this week or next week for a 20-minute call? I would love to learn about your experiences working at the firm and any advice you may have on the application process. Your knowledge and insights would greatly help.

 

I know you are likely very busy, so I appreciate your time and consideration.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

After the call, send a follow up email asking if they would be comfortable helping you out by referring or recommending you to a recruiter.

 

Hi [Name],

 

Thanks so much for making the time to chat with me. The information you gave was tremendously helpful and I really appreciate it.

 

The application deadline is on [date] and I was wondering if you would feel comfortable helping me by giving a referral? As you know, the application process is quite competitive and I would really like to get the opportunity to interview at your firm.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

If you can successfully get a consultant that you already know to give you a referral, you will have done a better networking job than 90% of candidates!

 

Attending Consulting Networking Events

 

Most people don’t have a consultant that they can reach out to and ask for a referral. If this is you, don’t worry. There are still ways to get a referral or recommendation from a consultant, but it will take a bit more work.

 

If you are a student that is recruiting for consulting from a top university or business school, most consulting firms will host networking events where you can meet and talk to consultants. We highly recommend that you attend every event that you can.

 

Since consultants at these networking events have traveled there for the sole purpose of helping their firm recruit, they will be much more likely to refer and recommend people that they have met.

 

It is probably too forward to directly ask these consultants for a referral or recommendation, so we recommend that you focus on making a positive and memorable impression.

 

If they like you enough, they’ll put in good words for you. If you meet enough consultants and make enough positive impressions, chances are that at least one of them will end up referring or recommending you.

 

There are three different types of networking events. Listed in order of priority, these events are:

• Coffee chats

 

• Invite-only lunches or dinners

 

• Information sessions
  
  

 

Coffee Chats

 

Consulting firms may host coffee chats to give students an opportunity to ask questions in a smaller and less formal setting. These coffee chats are usually one-on-one or done in small groups.

 

Coffee chats are more informational than evaluative. During these chats, you want to ask questions that have answers that can’t be easily found online. Asking questions that have answers that can be found on Google shows a lack of preparation and may leave a negative impression.

 

You can use this opportunity to learn more about the consulting firm. However, we recommend asking questions focused on the consultant’s experience working in consulting. The more you can get the consultant to talk about themself, the more likely they are to have a positive impression of you.

 

To do this effectively, you’ll need to be an attentive listener that is genuinely interested in what they have to say. Questions that you can ask include:

• What has been your favorite project so far?

 

• If you could redo your first year in consulting, what would you have done differently?

 

• What do you like and dislike the most about your job?

 

• How did you become interested in a career in consulting?

 

• What are you thinking of doing after consulting?

 

At the end of the coffee chat, make sure to ask the consultant for their business card or email address so that you can send a thank you email.

 

You should send a non-generic thank you email such as the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Thanks so much for your time today. I really enjoyed the conversation that we had. Thank you for sharing your experiences on [specific topics that were discussed].

 

What you have shared has made me even more excited about consulting. I will definitely be applying to [consulting firm] and hope to have the opportunity to work there.

 

Wishing you save travels back to [location].

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

Invite-only Lunches or Dinners

 

Some consulting firms, such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, invite high-potential candidates to join them for a nice lunch or dinner.

 

These firms identify high potential candidates by looking through the resume book and by asking current employees for names of promising individuals. Receiving an invite to these events is a great sign that you have a high chance of receiving an interview.

 

However, just because you do not receive an invite does not mean that you will not get an interview. Many people that don’t receive invites for these exclusive events still receive consulting interviews and offers.

 

If you are invited to one of these events, you should still try to leave a positive and memorable impression. Hold an interesting conversation with the consultants that you meet and ask them questions to learn about their experiences working in consulting, their interests, and their career goals.

 

Ask for the business cards or email addresses of the people that you meet so that you can send a thank you email afterwards.

 

You should make your thank you email as specific and memorable as possible:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today over [lunch/dinner]. I really enjoyed the conversations that we had. Thank you for sharing your experiences on [specific topics that were discussed].

 

What you have shared has made me even more excited about consulting. I will definitely be applying to [consulting firm] and hope to have the opportunity to work there.

 

Wishing you save travels back to [location].

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

Information Sessions

 

Consulting firms typically host one large information session in which they bring 20 to 30 consultants to give a presentation. Afterwards, there will be time to mingle and ask these consultants questions.

 

You can find the dates of various information sessions through each consulting firm’s website, your school’s career services center, or through your school’s consulting club.

 

Given that hundreds of people attend these information sessions, finding opportunities to network with consultants at these events can be difficult.

 

What typically happens during these events is that 10 to 15 people will swarm around each consultant at the end of the presentation to chat and ask questions. It will be difficult to make a positive and memorable impression among the swarm of other candidates.

 

Therefore, the best strategy for networking during information sessions is to show up early before the event starts.

 

Since much fewer people tend to show up to these events early, there will be fewer people around. This gives you a better opportunity to chat and ask questions with a consultant one-on-one.

 

Make sure to ask for the business cards or email addresses of the people that you meet so that you can send thank you emails afterwards.

 

Your thank you emails may look something like the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few of my questions at the information session. I really appreciated that you shared your experiences on [specific topics that were discussed].

 

After attending the information session, I am even more excited about a career in consulting. I will definitely be applying to [consulting firm] and hope to have the opportunity to work there.

 

Wishing you save travels back to [location].

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

Having Friends and Colleagues Introduce You to Consultants

 

The next best networking strategy is to have friends or colleagues introduce you to consultants that work at the firm that you are applying for.

 

If you are applying to consulting as a student, you should prioritize being introduced to consultants that are involved in the recruiting process.

 

If you are applying as an experienced hire, you should target consultants at the manager or partner level. They will have more influence and power in helping you get an interview.

 

Since this is a warm introduction rather than a cold email, these consultants will be much more likely to respond to you and make time for you. However, don’t expect them to be willing to refer you or recommend you right away.

 

Once you are put in contact with these consultants, ask to set up a 20 to 30 minute phone call. If they live nearby, ask them if you could have a coffee chat with them. Tell them that you are highly interested in consulting and are interested in learning more about their experiences.

 

Your email may look like the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Thanks for making time to chat with me about consulting. I really appreciate it!

 

Would you be free for a 20-minute call or coffee chat sometime this week or next week? 

 

I would love to learn about your experience working in consulting and any advice you may have on the application and interview process.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

Afterwards, thank them for their time and ask if they would be willing to pass your resume to a recruiter. This is essentially a referral. If your resume is passed onto a recruiter, this ensures that the recruiter will take a closer look at your resume.

 

Your follow up email may look something like the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me. I really appreciated that you shared your experiences and perspectives on [specific topics that were discussed].

 

I will definitely be applying to [consulting firm] and hope to have the opportunity to work there. I was wondering if you would be willing to pass my resume onto a recruiter that oversees the application process?

 

Thank you again for your time and help.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

Cold Contacting Consultants

 

Whenever possible, you should try to ask your friends, colleagues, or acquaintances to introduce you to consultants that you would like to network with. You are much more likely to get a response this way.

 

However, if this is not possible, you have no other choice than to try cold contacting consultants.

 

On LinkedIn, use the search feature to find consultants that currently work at the firm that you are interested in. Try to find consultants that share something in common with you, such as:
 

• School

 

• Work experience

 

• Hometown

 

• Degree

 

If you are applying as a student, you should target consultants across a variety of different tenures. Partners have the most influence and power in getting you an interview, but they are also less likely to respond. Associates, consultants, and managers have less influence, but are more likely to respond.

 

If you are applying as an experienced hire, we recommend that you focus on targeting partners. Getting an interview as an experienced hire is very difficult, so you will need a partner to make a strong push for you.

 

Once you find someone, you can contact them through LinkedIn message or email. We recommend email because you are more likely to get a response. Not all consultants actively check their LinkedIn.

 

To get their email address, you can use hunter.io to find the email format the company uses. Most often, the email format is {first name}.{last name}@{company}.com. If you can’t find their email address, use LinkedIn to send them a message.

 

Your message should be two concise paragraphs at most. It may look something like the following:

 

Hi [Name],

 

I found your profile on LinkedIn and hope you don’t mind me reaching out to you.

 

I’m an MBA student at [school] and am very interested in a career in management consulting. [Consulting firm] is one of my top choice firms and I was wondering if I could chat with you about your experiences working there and any advice you have on the interview process.

 

Your knowledge and insights would be tremendously helpful for me as I navigate the application process. Please let me know if you would be open for a quick call sometime this week or next week.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I really appreciate it.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

If you don’t get a response, wait at least a full week before sending a follow-up email. You do not want to spam people’s inboxes because they’ll be even more unlikely to respond to you.

 

Using the cold contact strategy, you’ll likely need to send at least ten emails to get one reply back, so be patient.

 

Consulting Networking Tips

 

Follow these five networking tips to get the most out of your networking efforts.

 

1. Keep an excel sheet to track your outreaches

 

You should keep track of everyone that you reach out to. This helps prevent you from mixing up different people that you’ve met or forgetting people you have already met. These mistakes can be very embarrassing and will likely negatively impact other people’s perceptions of you.

 

Additionally, keeping track of your outreaches helps you identify who you should follow up with if you have not received a reply or response back yet.

 

2. Polish your resume

 

Your resume should be finalized and polished before you begin networking. Some consultants that you network with may ask for your resume to pass onto a recruiter. You want to be prepared for this and have your resume ready to go.

 

3. Send follow-up emails

 

Consultants are busy people. They work long hours to deliver great results for their clients. So, don’t be offended if someone does not immediately reply to your email or respond to your outreach.

 

Give at least one full week for consultants to respond before sending a gentle follow-up email:

 

Hi [Name],

 

I wanted to follow up on my previous email.

 

I understand that you are likely busy, but wanted to see if you had any pocket of free time this week or next week. I would love to learn about your experiences working in consulting.

 

Thanks again for your time and consideration.

 

Best,

[Your Name]

 

4. Prepare for impromptu interviews

 

Some consultants may ask you a few questions during your coffee chat or phone call with them. Be prepared to talk about your background, work experiences, interests, and career goals.

 

You should also prepare an answer to why you are interested in consulting and why you are interested in working at their particular consulting firm.

 

Preparing answers to these questions will make you sound genuine and intelligent, thereby increasing the likelihood of leaving a positive and memorable impression.

 

5. Don’t get discouraged

 

You may get a lot of rejections during the networking process, especially if you are relying on cold outreaches. Don’t take these rejections personally. Consultants are very busy people and they most likely just don’t have the time to help you.

 

Remember that it takes just one referral or recommendation to make a big difference for your application. Therefore, don’t get discouraged. Focus on networking with as many people as you can to improve your chances of getting an interview.

 

Learn Case Interviews 10x Faster

 

Here are the resources we recommend to learn the most robust, effective case interview strategies in the least time-consuming way:

 

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.

 

• Hacking the Case Interview Book (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.

 

• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

• Case Interview Coaching: Personalized, one-on-one coaching with former consulting interviewers

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course: Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer

• Resume Review & Editing: Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple interviews