applying through someone

When you apply to a bank for a summer internship, do you always have to apply through the online portal or can you apply through someone?
If you know someone very high up can you just pass on your application to them to pass onto Hr instead of having to submit it or is that a definite no?

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Best Response

Of course you can, most if not all decent-sized banks have referral systems in place. You will still need to file an electronic application, but this basically puts you ahead of all the people just handing in electronic applications. This is one of the main objectives of the whole networking process. Often times, people are given a significant sum of money if they refer somebody who gets hired and stays for a few months, so this is a well-established avenue in terms of recruitment at most firms.

 

I think you are right about the referral incentives because I met this guy once and straight after saying hello he said he will refer me.

 

From the BB I know it's common that people forward CVs to HR saying that they'd like to interview them. You'll usually still have to fill out everything and also do online math tests, etc. (i.e. if you screw those up even your contacts might have a difficult time to push you through). Provided you pass those hygiene factors, you're on top of the pile and should at least get an invitation for a phone interview. Yes, there are referral programs but I haven't heard of paid intern referrals yet but I'd be happy to be proven wrong on this.

 

You'll probably have to do it but if you don't perform he might get a chance to overrule those results. HR doesn't like applicants skipping the process and the senior person will probably not be keen to vouch for someone who can't pass the minimum tests. Unless you're the kid of some important client... Think about it: if you can't pass a phone interview, how high are your chances of surviving the remaining process?

 

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