Will analysts give me a referral if I’m consistently #1 on all LinkedIn Puzzle Games?

Every day I try to out-brainmaxx / puzzlemog analysts and other potential students in analysts’ connections that they may refer over me by constantly being first in the LinkedIn Puzzles.

I have a fake account in which I figure out the answers as soon as the games reset every single day. Then I take the answers and solve them on my real LinkedIn. I will always be Number 1 on everyone’s LinkedIn Puzzles Games. Every single one of them.

Is this a good strategy or does this trigger their sub-5-brain insecurities as they believe a non-target college student has faster critical thinking abilities?

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Broadly speaking it’s fine but have your MD approve this first

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, this strategy is unlikely to yield the results you're hoping for. While being #1 on LinkedIn Puzzle Games might showcase some level of critical thinking or problem-solving skills, it doesn't directly translate to the qualities analysts look for when considering referrals. Referrals are typically based on factors like:

  1. Personal Connection: Analysts are more likely to refer someone they know personally or have interacted with meaningfully, whether through networking events, coffee chats, or LinkedIn messages that demonstrate genuine interest and professionalism.

  2. Demonstrated Interest and Fit: Showing a clear understanding of the role, the company, and how your skills align with their needs is far more impactful than dominating a game leaderboard.

  3. Authenticity: Your approach of using a fake account to pre-solve puzzles could backfire if discovered, as it might come across as disingenuous or manipulative. Analysts value integrity and authenticity, especially in high-stakes industries like finance and tech.

Instead of relying on this strategy, focus on building genuine relationships, improving your technical and soft skills, and demonstrating your passion for the field. Networking effectively and showcasing your abilities in a professional and authentic manner will likely yield better results.

Sources: LinkedIn Strategy & Analytics - Ask Me Anything, Career experts recommend you put some ridiculous stuff on your LinkedIn, Life at a leading strategy consulting firm, If I see another "Incoming IBD Analyst/Summer Analyst" on LinkedIn.. I'll k--l someone

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Exercitationem doloremque aut veniam et. A nobis error dignissimos sed quo doloremque. Fugiat nihil voluptas alias aspernatur. Molestias eius quia impedit aut.

Quisquam placeat harum quam sunt quod sed ullam. Suscipit molestias qui nam minima provident cumque aut. Perspiciatis molestiae consequatur expedita qui non ut esse. Deleniti quo culpa ut enim odio qui. Dolorem harum ipsam incidunt voluptatem et exercitationem architecto expedita.

Delectus architecto non vel est consectetur. Qui doloremque voluptatem quam maxime occaecati molestiae. Pariatur quae laboriosam architecto quia neque et aperiam. Aliquam aut et quis sequi quo voluptas doloremque. Vero possimus inventore repellendus ut hic nihil. Quam et mollitia explicabo est. Doloribus quasi similique et sit necessitatibus nihil.

Amet quo vel reiciendis. Ullam earum quasi suscipit ullam aut vel natus aperiam. Mollitia fugiat voluptas quidem ea. Sed sunt in rerum et et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”