Applying to McKinsey Riyadh as a non-Saudi (Norwegian citizen, fluent Arabic): Visa logistics and in-person interview requirements?

Hi there,

I would be able to share a few answers to your questions as I spent four years working with McKinsey Riyadh office.

1. Interviews are usually conducted virtually, so no travel is required during the recruitment process. If you are enrolled in an MBA program, and the firm is conducting on campus recruiting, the interviewers would travel to your location to conduct series of interviews over 2-3 days.

2. McKinsey takes care of the work authorization process, it usually is lengthy and would require attesting a few documents in your country of residence, but they would take care of that through one of their immigration agents.

3.  There are lots of McKinsey employees in Riyadh office that are hired directly from Europe, some of them are not Arabic speakers.

4. Having a good education and being a European citizen with Arabic language skills would be a good plus. You would need to explain clearly why you are interested in the region and what motivates you to join McKinsey specifically.

Happy to chat more if helpful.

Regards,

Sherif

Happy to provide a perspective on this as close to a third of my candidates are applying in ME.

1. Visa / travel: If selected for interview, do non-Saudi candidates residing abroad usually travel to Riyadh, or are interviews conducted virtually?
   1. Almost always the interviews are done remotely. However, you are an exception, since most candidates apply from the region.
2. Work authorization: In case of offer, how does McKinsey handle work visa sponsorship for non-GCC citizens who speak Arabic?
   1. Again, almost always, this is the typical process.
3. Office fit: Are there examples of non-Saudi, Arabic-speaking candidates (e.g., from Europe) hired directly into Riyadh?
   1. In fact, I can think of non-Arabic speakers that were hired directly in ME, typically from European business schools, or in some cases as transfers from other consulting offices in Europe
4. Practical tip: Any advice for emphasizing cultural and linguistic fit when the educational background is entirely European?
   1. I think the fact that you're speaking Arabic is a great great plus that sets you apart from almost all other foreign candidates. So I wouldn't worry about this as much. 

I would emphasize two other points

1. Make sure that you network and try and get referrals. These will increase your chances of you passing screening, which is the main thing to worry about at this point. You might want to use this guide:

• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

2. Make sure you apply broadly in the region to diversify and manage the risk of your applications. This article provides a framework for this:

• Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Great to hear that you're applying to KSA! Very exciting. 
To dive straight into your specific questions:

1. Typically it will be zoom interviews 
2. All consulting firms in this region heavily support getting your visa so you will have no concern there. Firms have a team that focuses on this
3. From my network of MBB / Tier 2 in KSA there are most definitely Europeans hired directly into Riyadh offices, however I think you're unique in the fact that you're Arabic speaking which is amazing! Caveat - there are quite a few dual passport holders (European/North African for example) who are European Arabic speakers - in any case, this is not uncommon :)
4. As a North American, who studied/worked in Europe prior to joining a Middle East MBB - I think a few things to keep in mind: customs and hierarchy is very much a thing here, so be mindful of levels of your client (don't skip levels when asking the client for things). For women, the abaya is very common to wear (though not mandatory, given that she is wearing conservative clothing. Though if working in a government client it will be required). 
In terms of linguistics, I am not an Arabic speaker but I am aware of how many different types/dialects of Arabic there are in the world. So depending on your Arabic, it may be different than Saudi Arabic, and you may switch to English often, which isn't bad. If you can carry pleasantries in Arabic and Business in Arabic that is still very desirable.

Hope that helps!

Hello!

for Riyadh, first-round interviews are often virtual for international candidates, but final rounds can require travel. McKinsey does sponsor work visas for non-GCC hires, so being non-Saudi isn’t a barrier. There are definitely examples of Arabic-speaking Europeans being hired there. To emphasize fit, highlight your language skills, any regional experience, and cultural awareness, even if your education was in Europe. Recruiters really value clear examples of how you can navigate both business and local contexts.

best,
Alessa :)

1. Interviews are usually remote

2. They take care of work authorization

3. Yes, a lot of them. Most don't speak arabic, so you have an advantage

4. Mentioning you speak Arabic will be enough to spark the conversation if they want to know more about it