A referral does not necessarily need to come from a partner.

Most referral programs allow various employees to refer candidates, though eligibility and influence differ by firm and role.

A consultant who has worked with you may offer a more meaningful recommendation than a partner who barely knows your background. A credible contact who knows your work is often better placed to make an introduction than a partner you barely know.

Choose someone who knows your work or can genuinely assess your suitability instead of chasing a partner solely for their title. The consulting referral guide can help you approach that conversation without implying a senior referral guarantees an interview.

My strongest contact is a consultant, not a partner.