One-Page Guide for Management Consulting Networking

Networking for management consulting is like dating. And you want to get to the third date to ensure your best chance of a referral.

1. First Date: The Application Preparation

  • Connect with a current employee on LinkedIn via the “Personalized invite” button

  • Schedule a 10-15 minute slot (e.g., coffee chat) to meet with them via Zoom or call

  • End the call by asking if they can review your application materials (e.g., cover letter) 

  • Send them a thank-you email and attach the material you want reviewed

  • Respond to their feedback, thanking them and attaching your résumé for reference

2. Second Date: The Interview Preparation

  • Keep your coffee chatee in the loop with your application process (e.g., I just applied!)

  • Update them when you hear the news (e.g., “I got the first-round interview!”)

  • Schedule a second coffee chat to talk through behavioral interview questions

  • Follow up to thank them for their time and ask any outstanding questions

  • Contact them after your interview to let them know how it went or seek guidance

3. Third Date: The Practice Case

  • Update them when you hear the news (e.g., “I got the second-round interview!”)

  • Schedule a third coffee chat to work through a case study interview with them

  • Seek constructive criticism to sharpen your casing skills and show you want to improve

  • Follow up to thank them and summarize their feedback to show that you listened

  • Reach out a final time after your case study interview to update them on how it went

Lastly, your third date need not –– dare I say, should not –– be the last time you talk with your coffee chatee. Moreover, even if you do not get the outcome you were hoping for –– keep them posted. Networking is about learning more about people, companies, and yourself. Viewing it as a one-off transaction is not the best mindset. Focus on meeting people who share similar backgrounds and interests, and form meaningful bonds with people with whom you ‘vibe.’ I still talk to people from across firms that I met through these chats, and these people have played meaningful roles in my life professionally and personally, for which I am extremely grateful.

I hope you find these resources helpful. Should you have any questions about or suggestions to improve this document, please contact me (email: sis35@cornell.edu; cell: (818)-404-8601).

Notes:

  • Never directly ask for a referral. Ask questions like, “Is there anything I can do to position my application for the best chance of success?”

  • When I was recruiting, I would end thank-you emails with “P.S. I have attached my résumé for reference.” This is super important because employees typically need your résumé to refer you.