A Comprehensive Guide to Networking

Many people believe that the interview is the most challenging portion of the hiring process.
However, landing an interview can prove more complicated than the process itself—of every
10,000 applicants, only 1,000, or 1% of applicants, are selected for an interview. This is where
networking comes in.
Consulting is a relationship-building business, and networking is all about developing
connections to support and propel you in your career. In connecting with consultants who work
for the firm you’re interested in, for example, you can effectively get your foot in the door.
Networking ultimately maximizes your probability of landing an interview and later a job.
This guide will walk you through 2 types of networking: interpersonal networking (e.g.,
meeting people through groups or organizations), and networking at designated events.
Interpersonal Networking
Interpersonal networking refers to connecting with people you already know or establishing
relationships with people in the industry who inspire you and can support you in some way.
The following methods can help you land an interview, sending you on your way to becoming a
consultant at your choice firm:
o Networking with Close Friends and Family
Creating and tapping into a fabric of personal contacts who can provide support,
feedback, and resources to you throughout your application and interview processes is the
most effective way to get your foot in the management consulting door.
Preexistent connections at a firm can be an enormous asset—the first step is to determine
who your potential contacts are. You don’t necessarily need to have a family member in
the industry to get your foot in the door; even 2nd- and 3rd-degree contacts are valuable
starting points.
If a close friend or family member is not directly involved with the firm you’re interested
in, but they have a dense professional network, you can ask them whether they have
contacts that might serve you in your quest to land an interview.
Use this checklist to make the most of your networks:
 Determine whether anyone in your immediate network might be of assistance to
you. It is the most apparent avenue but is worth mentioning. If a family member,
close friend, or even an old acquaintance has worked at a firm you’re interested
in, this might be the perfect opportunity to make your connection.
 If your immediate network is unable to directly connect you to a firm, ask them if
they know of anybody in consulting. Having a mutual connection with a potential
contact can be of great value to you as you network.
 Ask your friends if they have any friends or family in consulting that they might
connect you to. These can be members of their family, professional network, or
people they’ve come to know otherwise.
 Once you’ve determined all potential connections from your personal network,
make a checklist of people you plan to reach out to, including their e-mail
addresses and LinkedIn profiles.
  Begin e-mailing or LinkedIn messaging your contacts.
Remember: When you reach out to your new contact, mention the name of the person
who connected you. This clarifies how you got their information and will be a motivating
point for the person to respond to you.
Remember to attach your resume to the message so that your connection can know
more about your work history and career goals.
Finally, be mindful of somebody’s risk in connecting or referring you. If your
performance is poor, your contact could suffer damage to their reputation. Before making
any requests, ensure that your intentions are clear and that you prepare to meet and
exceed expectations.
Use the following templates as you craft your messages:
E-Mail Templates:
o Asking for a Coffee Chat:
Hi [contact’s name],
My name is [your name]. I got your e-mail from [mutual contact]. [Explain your
connection to that person in one brief sentence]. I am currently a junior at
[college], and as I start to think about my career, I find myself drawn to
Management Consulting. Your career path is particularly inspiring to me,
especially [something specific about their career].
I’m looking to gain more insight into the early stages of a career in Management
Consulting. I hope to obtain advice from a professional like yourself who has
navigated this process. I would love to grab coffee with you sometime to hear
your thoughts.
I’ve attached my resume so you might better understand my experience and
trajectory. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your name]
o Asking for a Phone Call:
Hi [contact’s name],
My name is [your name]. [Mutual contact] suggested that I send you an email.
[Briefly describe the nature of your connection]. I am a rising junior at [college]
trying to get my career in Management Consulting off the ground. I’m looking for
advice on tackling the application and interview processes, and I believe you
might provide some valuable insight into this process.
If you have the time sometime in the next two weeks, I’d love to set up a 15-minute
phone call to ask some questions and hear your thoughts and suggestions. Let me
know if this is something you’d be willing to do, and we can set up a time.
I’ve attached my resume so you might better understand my experience and
trajectory. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
 [Your name]
LinkedIn Templates:
o Asking for a Coffee Chat:
Hi [contact’s name],
I discovered your LinkedIn profile through a mutual connection of ours, [mutual
contact]. I am a rising junior at [ college] trying to get my career in Management
Consulting off the ground. I am currently navigating the application process and
seeking insight into creating a standout application.
I am inspired by your career trajectory, especially [something specific from their
profile]. I would love to get coffee with you sometime in the next two weeks to ask
specific questions and get your suggestions.
If this is something you’re willing to do, please let me know, and we can set up a
time. I’ve attached my resume so you might better understand my experience and
trajectory. Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your name]
o Asking for a Phone Call:
Hi [contact’s name],
I discovered your LinkedIn profile through a mutual connection of ours, [mutual
contact]. I am a rising junior at [college] trying to get my career in Management
Consulting off the ground. I am currently navigating the application process and
seeking insight into creating a standout application.
I am inspired by your career trajectory, especially [something specific from their
profile]. If you have the time during the next two weeks for a 15-20-minute phone
call, I would love to ask some specific questions and hear your suggestions.
Let me know what date and time work best for you. I’ve attached my resume so
you might better understand my experience and trajectory. Thank you for your
time.
Best,
[Your name]
*Don’t forget to attach your resume!
Don’t panic if someone doesn’t respond to your e-mail or message right away. Remember,
consultants are busy and their schedules likely differ from your own. Many professionals
receive dozens of correspondences daily, so there’s a chance yours got lost in the mix. You
can always use the following template to follow up with your contact:
o Follow Up Message:
Hi [contact’s name],
I just wanted to follow up with you about grabbing coffee/setting up a 15-20-minute
phone call to discuss the application process. I would still value any insight into getting a
career in Management Consulting off the ground.
 If you are too busy to do this, I understand. Let me know what works best for you. I look
forward to hearing back from you.
Best,
[Your name]
• Networking Through Groups and Organizations
Many groups and organizations exist to connect likeminded people and prepare them for
a specific career path. Such is the case for consulting societies and alumni organizations,
for example. These assemblies provide an excellent resource for networking; if you’re in
the market for a new job, they are replete with connections and resources that can point
you in the right direction.
o Tap into your High School Network – This tip is especially relevant if you
attended a private or small high school. Due to the more modest nature of a high
school class size, fellow high school alumni are more likely to respond to any
message you might send because the connection is more personal.
Use the following template to reach out to an alumnus from your high school:
Hi [contact’s name],
I am a fellow alumnus of [high school] and a rising junior at [college]. I am
interested in the [position] position at [company] for 2021, and I am hoping to
get your thoughts on a few questions I have. I am specifically hoping to
understand the types of projects interns get to work on, their roles in these
projects, and how the office choice affects the projects interns work on
(Remember to personalize your requests depending on what you want to know).
Would it be possible to set up a quick 15-20-minute phone call sometime in the
next two weeks to hear your insights and suggestions?
Thank you for your time,
[Your name]

o Use Your Alumni Network – For those of you who have already graduated from a
university, your alumni network can serve as a powerful networking tool as you
search for a job. You spent four years and thousands of dollars at your alma
mater. Why not continue to utilize its resources long after graduation? Alumni
networks provide lifelong benefits to its members. In your process of securing an
interview with a top firm, they could be of great advantage.
If you haven’t yet, update your contact information and resume on your alumni
association’s website. Ensure that your information is up to date so that potential
connections will be up to speed on your career goals and direction.
How to Leverage Your Alumni Network:
 First and foremost, become a member of your university’s alumni
association. Subscribe to e-mail lists and update your information on the
alumni associations website so that you’re both up to date on happenings
and also prepared to reach out and connect with alumni.
  Connect with your alumni association’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages. In
doing so, you can find people who work in your field of interest or
potential connections who can aid you. Make sure your profile on each
platform is fully developed.
 Take advantage of alumni events. Some events will be tailored to career-
related themes such as speed networking events or career panels. Others
might be tailored to your specific career path. These events provide
exclusive opportunities to meet people who can become employers,
colleagues, or personal references.
 Volunteer to get involved with event planning, alumni coordination, and
other miscellaneous initiatives. If you have the time to do it, volunteering
can generate meaningful connections with people further along in their
careers, and these are the people who can assist you on your journey.
Remember that top firms look to recruit from target schools. If you are an
alumnus of a non-target school, you may face more obstacles as you begin your
career in Management Consulting. Finding alumni from your university working
in the industry can give insight into how to stand out and compete with candidates
from top-choice universities.
LinkedIn/e-mail template for alumni from non-target college:
Hi [contact’s name],
I am a fellow alumnus of [college], interested in the [position] role with
[company]. I know that [college] is not a target school and was very
impressed to see your career journey despite that obstacle.
I am reaching out in hopes of scheduling a quick 15-minute phone call
with you to ask you a few questions. Specifically, I’d like to know what I
should highlight on my resume and cover letter to stand out as a
candidate, whether you can recommend networking opportunities, and if
the office of choice might play a role in my application.
Would it be possible to schedule a phone call during the next two weeks to
discuss these points?
I’ve attached my resume for background on my own career trajectory.
Thank you for your time,
[Your name]
LinkedIn/e-mail template for alumni from target college:
Hi [name],
I’m a fellow [college name] alumnus and discovered your profile/e-mail
address through the [college name] alumni association LinkedIn page. As
I prepare to begin my career in Management Consulting, I can’t help but
admire your career trajectory. I know that [college] is not a target school
and was very impressed to see what you’ve accomplished despite that
obstacle.
 I wonder if you might be willing to set up a 15-minute phone call to
answer some questions I have. Specifically, I’d like to know [your
questions].
I’ve attached my resume for background on my own career trajectory.
Thank you for your time,
[Your name]
Again, remember that consultants are busy, and there’s a chance that they might
not get back to you right away. It is acceptable to follow up a week or two after
you send your message. Use the template from the previous section to craft your
follow-up message.
o Tap into Clubs or Organizations – Clubs and organizations at your university or
elsewhere—especially those designated for consulting—are sure to connect you
with individuals who might support you on your career path. The most obvious
option would be to join a consulting club at your university. Almost every
university offers one, providing a fantastic opportunity to not only network within
but also hone in on related career-building skills.
Besides direct networking opportunities, consulting clubs can provide speaker
series, cover letter guidance, and even interview preparation resources. Some
offer mentoring programs for students looking to get their foot into the door.
You can turn to your consulting club for industry tips and connect with fellow
club members or alumni for insight into landing an interview. Pay attention to the
club’s corporate sponsor and employer lists included in the alumni network—
these are excellent people to reach out to for advice, insight, and direct connection
to firms. Use the templates from the previous section to craft your message for
these contacts.
Even if a club you were involved with is not necessarily related to consulting, you
can still leverage your connections there as a networking tool for your career
process. If you know somebody within the club who has a link to consulting or
could simply provide professional guidance, reach out to them.
Template for a Non-Consulting Connection:
Dear [contact’s name],
My name is [your name], and I’m a rising junior at [college] looking to
get into Management Consulting. You and I were both involved in
[organization or experience in common]. I’m reaching out because I know
you have a well-developed professional network with potential links to
Management Consultants, and you may be able to point me in the right
direction.
I’m wondering if you have any connections in the industry that might
guide me as I navigate the earliest steps in my career. I’d love to learn
more about how to stand out during the interview process.
Are you willing to set up a quick 15-minute phone call to discuss what you
know about this industry?
 I’ve attached my resume for background on my own career trajectory.
Thank you for your time,
[Your name]
• Networking with Strangers
Sure, it can be intimidating to reach out to strangers with questions about your career.
There’s a chance they might not get back to you, or that the interaction might be
awkward. These experiences could leave you feeling frustrated, as though you’re falling
behind.
Not all interactions with strangers have to be cumbersome and ineffective, however. With
enough confidence and practice, there’s a chance you will turn these strangers into useful
contacts that can help you navigate the world of management consulting.
o In Person – If you meet a stranger, whether at a networking event or by chance,
you can speak to them in a way that proves you’re interested and a viable
candidate for the job. The more practiced you become at holding conversations
with strangers, the more useful this tool will become.
To start, work on your public speaking skills. This is where the infamous elevator
pitch comes in handy. The elevator pitch is the golden opportunity to present your
qualifications and abilities in the time it would take to ride in an elevator to your
floor. Your elevator pitch should be approximately 30-40 seconds and should
effectively encompass your experience, interests, skills, and questions to make a
reliable connection with a stranger.
Consider the following when creating your elevator pitch:
 Prepare – First, consider who your audience will be. You will tailor your
pitch depending on whom you’re speaking to by referencing specific
experiences or interests that align with theirs.
 Introduce Yourself – Begin your pitch with who you are and what you
do. Describe yourself, where you attend school, and any relevant activities
or professional experience you have thus far. Highlight where you’d like
to go in your career.
 List Your Offerings – Describe situations where you have made
significant contributions or solved issues in professional settings. Describe
the unique skills you have that distinguish you from other candidates. Be
thoughtful about what makes you distinctive and for what you want to be
remembered.
 State your Questions and Intentions – In networking, you certainly have
a motive for speaking to this stranger. Tell them what it is that inspires
them about their career. List any specific questions you have, and ask
them if they would 1) be willing to have a discussion with you about
Management Consulting or 2) serve as a contact as you navigate
recruitment.
 Practice – After you’ve drafted and reviewed your elevator pitch, practice
using eye contact and speaking with confidence to perfect your delivery.
In preparing and practicing, your conversation will flow organically.
o Using LinkedIn – Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn was created
specifically for professionals, making it a robust networking tool. First and
foremost, you can use LinkedIn to study people’s career paths as you consider
your forward trajectory in consulting. You can pinpoint potential connections
who’ve navigated the recruitment process and successfully built their careers in
consulting.
When you find a contact, you can reach out to them on LinkedIn’s messaging
feature. As mentioned, the most effective way to connect to people on LinkedIn is
to find those from the same city as you or those who attended the same university.
Having something in common creates a higher chance they will respond.
Before you reach out to anybody on LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up-to-
date with relevant information about your career history and intentions. Ensure
your photo is professional, your headline is concise, and your biography defines
your unique motivations.
Consider using LinkedIn Groups to connect with exciting people, news, and
trends in the industry. If somebody posts about their own experiences or shares a
resource, you can check their profile to see whether their career trajectory aligns
with your goals. If so, send them a message.
When messaging people, remember to start early. Because consultants are very
busy, they might take a week or two to get back to you. Keep your messages short
and concise, but prove that you are genuinely interested in the field. If you’re
lucky, there’s a chance you’ll get a response and foster a connection.
Template for Messaging a Stranger on LinkedIn:
Dear [name],
I came across your profile on LinkedIn and would love to connect with
you. Your career journey is one that I find highly impressive and one that I
would like to mirror in the future.
I’m currently a junior at [college name] and as I start to think about my
career, I find myself drawn to Management Consulting. I wonder if you’d
be willing to set up a 15-minute phone call to provide advice on the best
way to go about the application process.
I’ve attached my resume for background on my own trajectory.
I would love the chance to connect and look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
[Your Name]

o Cold E-mailing – Many business professionals enjoy sharing advice, especially

when somebody is enthusiastic about their work and eager to soak up information.
If you’ve found somebody whose career path inspires you, they might be able to
provide powerful insight into your own. It’s a good idea to reach out. Even if
you’ve never met them, if you can acquire their e-mail from a university database
or an employer’s website, you have your in.
The cold e-mail is not as daunting as it seems. It can be a very effective way to
connect with people you otherwise wouldn’t as you navigate the application and
interview processes.
There are several tactics and techniques you can utilize in this process to increase
the likelihood of receiving a response:
1. Greet your target and introduce yourself.
2. Tell them how you got their e-mail.
3. Tell them what you are currently working towards—this sets the
foundation for the direct request you will later make.
4. It’s always a good idea to mention specifics about the person’s career.
You can talk about a position they’ve held or currently hold or reference
something that inspires you, such as a project they’ve participated in in the
past. This shows you’ve done your research and are not just copy and
pasting your e-mails.
5. Make your request. What are you looking for? How can this person be of
service to you? Be specific so that they can most effectively assist you.
6. Suggest the next step. You can ask them to set up a quick phone call, or if
they live in your area, to get together for a coffee chat. (Remember,
consultants are busy, and there’s a chance they will not have the time).
Use the following template to reach out to a consultant you do not know:
Cold E-mail Template:
Hi [name],
My name is [your name], and I am a rising senior at [college],
where I study [major]. I got your e-mail from [source] and I
wanted to reach out regarding your career trajectory. I see that
you’ve worked as [position] for [firm] for several years now,
and I feel you might be able to provide valuable insight.
I am currently navigating the application process for [firm],
and I’m looking for advice as I prepare for interviews. It would
be helpful to speak with you over the phone about the “do’s
and “don’ts” for your firm, specifically.
Please let me know if you’re free over the next two weeks for a
quick 15-minute phone call. I’d appreciate the chance to ask
questions and learn more about your experience.
I’ve attached my resume for background on my own career
trajectory.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
E-mail subject lines:
 Friend of [mutual acquaintance] who seeks your advice
 Aspiring consultant who seeks your advice
 Fellow [your college] alumni who seeks your advice
  [Name] recommended I connect with you
 Questions from an aspiring management consultant
In an ideal scenario, the person you’ve reached out to will agree to set
up a phone call. If that conversation goes well, you’ve just established
a reliable connection that can aid you as you navigate the beginning of
your career.
Once you’ve successfully landed a phone call or coffee chat with a potential
connection, you will have to prepare to make the most of the opportunity. The
ultimate goal in making this connection—aside from learning more about a firm and
getting questions answered—is nourishing a relationship that might ultimately
become a referral.
If you have a short appointment, whether it’s a phone call or a coffee chat, prepare in
the following ways:
• Do Your Research – Look up the person with whom you’re meeting. Find
their LinkedIn page, social media pages, published articles, and anything else
that might help you learn more. You want to be aware of whom you’re
meeting, their accomplishments, and their career history.
• Craft Your Questions – Think about what you hope to gain from this
interaction. Formulate your questions and write them down. These will help
guide the discussion into constructive avenues. Make sure you write these
questions on a piece of paper rather than on your phone or computer.
• Take Notes – You don’t want to forget anything the other party shares with
you. Write down what you gather from the conversation. These notes can
serve you as you navigate recruitment or connect further with this contact in
the future.
• Follow Up – Send a thank you e-mail as soon as the meeting is over.
• Nurture the Connection – Now that you’ve made a connection, you’ll want to
keep in touch long term. You can do so by occasionally commenting on a
LinkedIn post or sending them an e-mail as they reach career milestones.
Show interest in their work, listen to their advice, and reach out when appropriate.
Once they see that you are truly interested and are doing all they suggested, they will
become more invested in your success. When the time comes for a one, and if you’ve
nurtured the connection properly, they might be willing to write you a shining
referral.
Networking Events
Networking events are specifically created to connect industry professionals to prospective
candidates like yourself. When you are navigating recruiting, these events will be crucial for
meeting professionals, gaining insight into firms, and making a name for yourself as a candidate.
Consider the following as you attend networking events in the future:
• Cast Your Net – For one, attend as many networking events as possible. They provide a
grand opportunity to connect with potential employers and coworkers and learn more
about firms you might be interested in. The more you attend, the more chances you create
to expand your network and make a good impression on consultants.
• Do Your Research – Read up on interesting things you want to discuss that relate to the
firm. This includes relevant news articles in sources such as the economist or Wall Street
Journal, their publications, and any major news events focusing on their research or work.
This is your opportunity to gain insight from an insider. Avoid focusing on negative
stories!
• Dress to the Occasion – If the event is business casual, suit up. Wear something
professional to show you are presentable and professional.
• Prepare an Introduction – Prepare an introduction sentence tailored to the event you’re
attending. Choose which parts of yourself you’d like to share off the bat, whether they are
skills, experiences, or reasons you’re excited to be there.
“Hi, I am [name], and I am very excited to be here because…”
• Know Whom to Talk to – Networking events can be crowded. There are dozens, and
maybe even hundreds of other eager candidates hoping to get an interview, just like you
are, which is why you should know whom to talk to at a networking event.
First, find the consultant with the least amount of people around them. They might be
tucked off in a corner somewhere—that’s fine. If this consultant isn’t speaking to very
many people during the occasion, the chances are high that they will remember your
name as the event reaches a close.
However, don’t only talk to one person, as you want to increase chances that you’ll be
remembered and learn about the firm as much as possible. As the event continues, make
your way to other consultants. By the end, you will have made several connections with
other working professionals.
• Have Clear Objectives for the Event – If you do your research on the firm and set
concrete goals, you will be able to gain the insight you need on the firm itself. These
objectives could be:
o Understanding how the firm approaches recruitment and why it matters
o Meeting 3 or 4 people from the firm with whom you can have at least 10 minutes
of interesting conversation
o Meeting other candidates to keep in touch with
• Know What to Talk About – It seems a no-brainer to talk about consulting related
topics—exciting projects the firm has completed, trends in the industry, your experiences
as a prospective consultant. It helps to create an actionable list of questions you want
answered and do your best to get as many of them explained as possible throughout the
event.
Consider pairing these questions with discussion on shared hobbies or interests to
develop a personal connection with the consultant. This is not only a chance to learn
about a firm but also to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. The consultant could
remember you as “the guy who plays the clarinet” rather than “the guy with the blue tie.”
• Be Enthusiastic and Listen Attentively – Do not look bored or like you would rather be
somewhere else. Stay present with the people you are speaking to and prove you are
enthusiastic about the opportunity to network.
 Often, listening is more helpful than talking when it comes to building relationships at
networking events. After all, you’re speaking to a professional who has already been
where you are. Actively listen to the people you speak to as they have valuable insight to
provide.
• Know When and How to Exit the Conversation – A proper exit from the conversation will
leave a mark in the consultants’ minds. Nobody likes it when a conversation gets
uncomfortable. When both parties get what they need from the discussion, say your
“thank yous” and “goodbyes.” Have a good reason to exit the conversation before giving
them another firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile.
Here’s the most critical part—get their business card. You can use their contact
information later on as you navigate recruitment. Ask them, “Is there any way we can
stay in touch?”
• Follow Up Within 24 Hours – Now that you have their business card, you have a direct
contact with whom to follow up. Time is of the essence—send them an e-mail within 24
hours to thank them for the conversation and the information they shared with you.
If you follow up, you show you have initiative—you genuinely care about consulting and
are serious about getting involved. You now have somebody you can reach out to for an
informational interview or a coffee chat as you navigate, say, the interview process (if
they’re willing, of course).
Networking Event Follow-Up E-mail:
Dear [name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at [networking event]. Your insights into
[something you talked about] were fascinating and only increased my interest in
the field. (Get more specific on your conversation if possible, so that the
consultant might remember you).
Thank you so much for your insights, and I look forward to being in touch as I
navigate recruitment.
Best,
[Your Name]
It is also essential to consider what not to do at a consulting event:
• Don’t Bring a Resume – The best way to get into a consulting firm’s recruiting system is
to apply online. Your paper resume might get tossed away at the end of the event.
• Don’t Use your Phone – This is a big no-no. Turn off your phone and stay present at the
event.
• Don’t Be Shy – For some, this is easier said than done. Do your best to put yourself out
there with confidence, as your attitude will set you apart.
• Don’t Linger – The person you talk to needs to connect with several candidates throughout
the event, and you’ll want to speak to several consultants. Know when the right moment to
move on is, and do so respectfully and gracefully. Lingering or asking a question just for
its sake could taint the connection you’ve just made.
Now that you’ve prepared for interpersonal networking as well as networking events, you’re one
step closer to landing an interview with your firm of choice. Keep it up!