Hiring trends in Middle East Region for MBB

Question

What are the current hiring trends for MBB consulting firms and some boutique consulting firms in the Middle East, and what are the chances of getting hired this year? Your insights will be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

BCG - 2.75%

Bain - 3.76%

McK - 8.56%

Jokes/facetiousness aside, it's important to realize a couple of things:

Right now hiring is low and it is harder than is was during the boom times (covid)
Right now hiring is still happening
Odds in any period of time for a given firm/MBB are in the single digits
No matter what, the only thing that matters is you
Do you hav a “choice”? No! Apply, apply, apply
Maximize your odds by submitting applications to as many firms as possible (I applied to 30+)
Maximize your odds by networking as much as possible (aiming for referrals where possible)
Maximize your odds by focusing early and diligently on case interview prep

TLDR: Middle East is still hiring, with lower odds than before, but it's up to you to be at the top of the pack

Here's some reading to help you get those interviews! (Note, internship advice still applies to fulltime recruiting):

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-get-a-consulting-internship-tips-and-tricks

https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/application-tracker

Answer 2

Hi there,

Hiring is lower than usual, but people are still interviewing, loads are still getting offers.

The only confirmed case of a hiring freeze I'm aware of is for Bain Dubai office - and I know this from one of the interviewers there. I don't know of any other cases.

Regardless, this is outside of your control. What's within your control, is your preparation and having an amazing application strategy. I wrote a free guide on this here:

Maximising your chances of getting a consulting job during an economic downturn

Best,

Cristian

Answer 3

They are still recruiting. Chances were higher in the past.

I don't understand why this matters. You don't get 10% of a job offer. You either get a job offer or you don't.

It is also not the same to join MBB early in your career vs. later on.

Meaning that this question is not actionable. As long as they are hiring you only have two options: either you apply (and may get the job) or you don't (and don't get the job).