I received an invitation to complete the McKinsey Solve Game on Aug 4th and completed it on Aug 9th. Since then, I haven’t heard back. I followed up with the recruiting coordinator last week, and she mentioned that the lead recruiter is currently reviewing my entire application and that they will be in touch asap. It has been a month now, and I am applying for the Riyadh office. Is this delay normal, and what are my chances at this stage?
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Yes, this is common for Riyadh and the Middle East in general. A month after the Solve Game is not a rejection. Recruiting typically batches around expectations on project loads, and they do extra checks e.g., for Arabic speaking (nice to have, but not a must), work authorization, and which practice can staff you first, so timelines slip after summer.
Send a very short nudge that adds signal rather than pressure. State your visa status, Arabic level (if applicable), two lines that link your experience to KSA public sector or PIF PortCo-related work, and your earliest start date, and mention you are open to Dubai or Doha if that speeds things up. If people in the firm can vouch for you, ask them to refer you, and keep parallel applications running with BCG, Bain, Strategy&, Kearney, Roland Berger, and OW.
Here is a concise note you can copy:
“Hi [Name], thanks again for the update. For your review: I am [Saudi national/transferable iqama/visa X], Arabic [level] and English fluent. My background includes [1 line on relevant delivery] and [1 line on KSA-relevant impact]. I am available from [date] and am also open to Dubai or Doha if helpful. Happy to provide anything else you need.”
If you want, I can tighten this note to your profile and run a MBB Middle East-style mock to get you ready once the invite lands.
hi!
Yes, long delays after the Solve Game are quite common, especially in Middle East offices where recruiting cycles can move slowly. A month of silence doesn’t necessarily signal rejection; it usually just means the office is still processing or waiting on staffing needs. Since the recruiter told you your application is under review, that’s a positive sign—it hasn’t been dropped.
At this stage your chances are still alive, but patience is key. A polite follow-up every couple of weeks is fine.
best, Alessa :)
It's a long wait, but not that uncommon. But, of course, keep following up with the recruiter.
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