Bain Middle East Application

I honestly wouldn't overthink the office selection too much.

For the Middle East, the recruiting team is largely shared across the offices, so it's not as if you're applying to two completely independent recruiting processes.

Which office has the "best" chances can also vary depending on hiring needs at that particular moment. An office that is hiring aggressively this year may be much more selective the next, and vice versa.

If the application allows it (it often does), I'd recommend indicating multiple office preferences rather than putting all your eggs in one basket. I believe you can usually rank up to three preferred offices.

Also, don't let the lack of a referral stop you from applying. Referrals can help, but they are far from a prerequisite for receiving an interview.

If you're genuinely happy to work in either Dubai or Doha, I'd communicate that flexibility. It generally gives recruiting more options when allocating candidates across offices.

Hi there,

First of all, sharing a guide here that I've put together in terms of how to do cold outreach for referrals in LinkedIn. Perhaps you find it useful and there are a few things that you can change in your approach:

• • Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

That aside, you don't absolutely need a referral. So it's still best to apply with one than not apply at all. Check whether there is anything else you can improve. Like your CV for example. 

Regarding which office will give you a better chance, it's hard to say. Think rather whether you can show stronger personal parallels with a specific one. For instance, if you're from Doha, it makes more sense to apply there, and the other way around. 

Best,
Cristian

Indeed, Middle East recruitement is pooled. Applying to Dubai or Doha will not change your chances of getting in, it is all the same process, same recruiting team, same interviewers. I used to interview candidates for all Middle East offices + Pakistan.

That being said, you should still put your preferred location first, because after you get an offer it helps making the case to go to Dubai.

Happy to chat about Dubai consulting & interviews - was based there for 5 years :)

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, no one can seriously answer the question as to whether or not one or the other Middle East office would invite you to the interviews - besides that in the Middle East the recruiting team is mostly shared across the offices, so this choice matters much less than simply getting a strong application in on time.
• Moreover, I would strongly advise you to consider working with an experienced coach like me to perfect your application files - both resume and cover letter.
• Lastly, when it comes to office choice, I would strongly advise you to consider in which city you'd like to spend your weekends the most, and whether you already have a social network.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

hey!

Between Dubai and Doha, Dubai is usually the slightly better bet when you don’t have a referral. It’s the larger office, it runs more cycles, and it has a broader mix of backgrounds, including Arab Americans from US nontargets. Doha hires fewer people and tends to be more selective about regional ties.

If you’re split, apply to Dubai. With no referral and a deadline next week, the safest move is simply getting the application in. You can always adjust office preferences later through recruiting.

Best, Alessa