Moving applications between offices/ regions for McKinsey

Question

Hello,

I recently applied for an experienced hire business analyst role at one of McKinsey’s US offices. I got past the resume screening and solve assessment and did the recruiter screening. I felt some concern on the recruiter’s end about visa sponsorship, which does restrict my ability to start work (if hired) within the timeline they have. I am still awaiting the decision from the recruiter, but do you think it’s a good idea to write to them now and suggest that if visa is a concern, could they move my application to another region, for example I put in one of the Middle East offices as second priority.

I am hesitant to wait till the recruiter reaches back out because in case it is a rejection, I wonder if that would limit whether they can move my application to another office.

Any guidance would be helpful!

Answer 1

I probably wouldn't do that proactively.

At this stage, your application is already progressing through a specific office, and it's better to let that process play out rather than introducing another variable.

If the recruiter comes back and says visa timing is the main issue, that's the right moment to have the conversation. You can then explain that you're also interested in the Middle East and would be happy to be considered there if appropriate.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Middle East recruiting process is relatively integrated across offices, so if there's a genuine fit, recruiters can often advise on the best path forward.

For now, I'd avoid suggesting a transfer before you know whether visa sponsorship is actually the reason for concern. It may not be, and you don't want to create the impression that you're no longer committed to the US office.

So my advice would be: wait for the recruiter's feedback, and if the obstacle turns out to be visa-related, then have an open discussion about whether another office or region would make sense.

Answer 2

Hi,

I would hold off on raising a transfer yourself for now. While the US process is still live, bringing up another region could signal a lack of commitment before you even know if the visa is the real issue.

On the fear behind your question: a no from the US office would not stop the Middle East office from looking at you. These are separate processes, made against each office's own needs, and a rejection tied to visa timing carries no negative signal into another region.

If you do want to mention it, you can simply tell the recruiter you would be open to your second-choice region should sponsorship or timing be easier there.

Hope it helps and good luck with the process!

Federico

Answer 3

Hi,

Finish the process with your current office. Even though these are global firms, the reality is that they operate on a regional basis, and are thinking of their own needs all the time.

If they think you are good, but have a visa issue, they can advise on what to do (either wait, or potentially transfer you to another office).

On the latter - I have seen those cases before, where a candidate passed all the interviews but there were no headcount in a smaller office and they got referred to another office instead by HR.

All the best!

Answer 4

Hi there,

I would not proactively reach out for now but rather let the process play out as you want to show full commitment to your respective region of application.

In case it is a reject, you always have the ability to apply for the Middle Eastern office regardless.

What you can still do, however, is reach out to your recruiter and check in where they stand within the process. While you are having a discussion, you can carefully check in on the VISA topic and see if this is indeed something on their mind.

Best,
Sebastian