HR asking for comp details after 2 weeks – Is an offer likely?

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some insight into the post-interview process at McKinsey (Middle East office).

I had my Final Round (R2) for an Associate position exactly two weeks ago. After a period of silence where several other candidates who interviewed the same week received rejections within 4 days, I finally heard back today.

However, it wasn't a "Yes" or "No" yet. HR called to ask for my current compensation details, including base salary, bonus structure, and specific benefits. and mentioned that my recruiter will reach out to me in the next week for next steps.
For context, I’m currently at another MBB firm, so I assume they are looking to benchmark.

Two questions for the community:

Offer Probability: In your experience, does a request for comp details at this stage almost certainly mean an offer is coming? It seems like a lot of internal paperwork for HR to do if they haven't cleared the bar.
DXB vs. Riyadh Comp: Does anyone have recent data on the Associate-level package for the Dubai vs. Riyadh offices? Specifically, is there a significant "Riyadh Premium" or difference in the bonus/allowance structure between the two locations?

Would love to hear from anyone who has navigated this recently or has been on the recruiting side at the firm!

Answer 1

Hi,

Given that HR is asking for your compensation details at this stage, it is very likely that an offer is coming. This kind of request typically happens late in the process, once you’ve cleared the bar

That said, it’s always better to manage expectations and wait for the official confirmation, just to avoid unnecessary disappointment. But overall, this is clearly a positive signal.

Regarding compensation differences between Dubai and Riyadh, I would rely on publicly available information, as I don’t have more up-to-date or specific insights to add here; others might be better placed to comment on recent packages.

Hope this helps!
Franco

Answer 2

Hi, this is generally a positive signal.

On your first question:
When HR asks for detailed compensation after final round, it usually means you are at least very close to the bar, if not already there. They don’t typically go into that level of detail unless they are seriously considering an offer.

It’s not a 100% guarantee, but realistically:

rejections usually come fast
this kind of follow-up tends to happen when they are aligning internally or preparing an offer / discussing package

However, given that you’re coming from another MBB, it also makes sense they want to benchmark properly.

On timing, the “next week for next steps” is also consistent with:

internal alignment
possibly location discussion (DXB vs Riyadh)
offer preparation

So overall, I’d take this as a good sign, not a neutral one.

On your second question (DXB vs Riyadh):

At Associate level, the base is broadly similar, but:

Riyadh often comes with a premium (to attract talent)
plus potentially higher allowances (housing, relocation, etc.)
and in some cases stronger total package depending on demand

Dubai is usually more “standardized,” while Riyadh can be more flexible depending on the situation.

That said, differences can vary case by case, especially for experienced hires like you.

At this stage, not much to do on your end except wait — but I’d definitely see this as encouraging.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your situation.

Re the first point - it's hard to tell for sure, but I would rather lean towards assuming they want to make you an offer. Otherwise, they would only be fishing around for information on how much their competitors pay (but I doubt that).

Re comp Dubai vs Riyadh, I wouldn't be able to share exact numbers. But you could try to speak with a few current consultants from those offices and get a better sense.

Cristian