Only MBB have open positions in Middle East now

Hi Luka,

The best thing you can do is to:

• Hone your CV: make sure it covers all your achievements, is clear, bullet-pointed have a look here https://www.preplounge.com/en/cv-templates
• Begin your case prep: Not sure where you are in the journey, but begin here - explore have a look and then book a cold case with a coach to see where you stand (what do you need to improve on etc.)
• Expand your network: Start reaching out to 1. your old classmates from your school (since you've been working for 3 years, I'm assuming you're still connected to your old classmates) who have gone into consulting (T2, MBB etc.) - ask their experiences in those offices, how was the recruiting process, how are their roles going, ask for referrals etc. 2. People you find on Linkedin in different consulting firms (MBB, T2, Boutique etc.): Try all ranges from graduates to partners - you just want to find out their experiences, you want to build connections and over time, you can ask for a referral.
• Start applying: It's best to go with a referral first, but if not, once your CV is ready and you feel ready to do an interview with 2 weeks notice, start sending it out.

 Good luck and happy to chat :)

It's rather tough at the moment and we're also in an off-cycle period for recruiting. 

My advice would be that regardless of what the website says, you should make an active effort to get in touch with the actual recruiter from each firm. Try to get on a 10-15 minute call, briefly present you background and ask them what roles they have avaialble and if they don't, when they think you should reach out for a follow-up. 

You're likely to emerge with a lot of knowledge about the state of the recruiting situation from these conversations as well as with some clear leads. 

If you're having trouble getting to the actual recruiters, try then to have virtual coffee chats with consultants from those firms and if the conversation goes well, ask them politely to put you in touch with the recruiter.

I explain in a bit more detail in here how to go about these conversations:

• Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian

Hey Luka😊

Totally hear you – building interview momentum first is a smart strategy! 💡 But don’t worry if MBB is the only option right now in the Middle East — here’s how you can still move forward confidently:

🔹 Apply to MBB anyway – You’re already prepping and 3 years of experience is a solid foundation. MBB has structured interviews, so even if it’s your first one, you can prepare well and perform strongly! 💪

🔹 Do mock cases – Use platforms like Preplounge to simulate real interviews and get that “first-interview” feeling out of the way 🎯

🔹 Reach out to boutique firms directly – Some don’t post open roles publicly but hire opportunistically through referrals or email inquiries 💼

🔹 Practice fit + story – Especially for experienced hires, your personal story and transition pitch matters a lot. Nail that and you'll boost your chances even more!

You're doing great – just keep the momentum going 🚀

Best, Alessa

Positions in consulting firms are nearly 'always open' - especially for experienced hires. Consulting firms are always hiring and looking out for good talent.

The best way to get to apply is by networking and getting a referral. Usually in this process you will come to know if the company is truly accepting applications or there is a hiring freeze.

In the Middle-East there is a mixed bag - on one hand even firms with open published positions are shying from accepting applications, and on the other hand unknown & unlisted companies are accepting applications. It is a bit of a messy black box at the moment (or so in general!)

Happy to discuss your application and prep strategy with you further - feel free to message me!

If your goal is to join MBB, then apply and prepare for MBB.

And if you’re serious about that goal, you’ll need to do more than follow the same books and YouTube videos everyone else is watching. That won’t make you stand out.

Also—don’t just apply. Most applicants never even make it to the screening test. So invest in your application strategy. Network. Get referrals. Craft a world-class resume and cover letter. That’s how you maximize your odds.

Best,

Alberto

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Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: StayPro - Consumer Growth Strategy

Hi Luka,

- Apply to MBB now anyway, many candidates break in without prior interviews, especially if your profile is sharp and focused
- Use PrepLounge to simulate real interviews and build momentum if you can’t “practice” with Tier 2 firms
- Customize your application per office and firm, and highlight maturity and transferable skills from your 3 years of experience

You don’t need a perfect sequence of practice runs, solid prep and targeted applications can still get you through. 

Happy to review your CV or application if helpful.