reapplying to MBB firms

Question

hello all

i applied to one of MBB firm middle east as md graduate AC and did not get through the Cv screening. when i asked why, the recruiter told me because they are not taking from my university at the time being. i then asked her if its only for middle east offices or all the firm offices; her reply was its only in the middle east offices.

my questions are: 1. can i reapply for the same MBB firm at any other office saying europe or us as working professional (cause i started working and i fixed my CV in a more appropriate way) AC after 3 months??

2. is the cv screening for working professional different from the md graduate for same AC position?

3. is the cv screening for middle east the same as for europe and US?

thank you

Answer 1

Hello, sorry to hear you dint pass the 1st intend but it doesn't mean the journey is over :-) it is not easy to crack in, actually from statistical point of view : it is more difficult to get into MBB than get to Harvard! But, on the other hand consulting firms have been growing their business strongly and the number of new hires has been rising significantly every year

To answer your questions:
1. You can reapply to any other office, including the one you did before (even better if you have some working experience that can gain weight vs. the university you studied at). Just from my experience, BCG also doesn't hire from my university but with more experience and achievements the university is less important.
2. Yes, if you have more working experience, MBB screens how your expertise fits the requirement they currently have (e.g. industry experience) and look for a clear signs and proves that you possess the core consulting skills that MBB is looking for (leadership, ability make an impact, drive, problem-solving, etc.)
3. The criteria's that MBB is looking for are the same around the world

If you have some working experience I would recommend focusing on making sure to prepare a winning CV and cover letter with fit stories and achievements clearly showing you are the right candidate.

If you need help with any of those, please feel free to reach out.
Wishing you all the best,
Lucie

Answer 2

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear!

1. Yes you can, but not after 3 months. You'll have to wait for the ban period to pass

2. Yes

3. Yes, in the same that they hold you to mostly the same standards. Of course, different brands, universities, etc. will carry different weight

To improve your chances next time you need to:

Gain additional experience (leadership roles, consulting projects, etc.)
Improve your resume (have it reviewed by an expert!)
Network extensively

Answer 3

Hello!

Sorry to hear about that. To your questions:

Yes, but longer time than 3 months
Yes, totally
No, the CV standards and things recruiters are looking for are the same in all regions (except things such as we don´t hire from Uni X, that can be a local policy)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

1. No, not after three months. You'll have to wait until the ban period ends.

2. In practice, not much different, because with 1 year experience, you will still be mostly evaluated by your academins, although a good brand / position in your resume can help a bit, particularly if it's a better quality marker than your university or academic performance

3. The policies on priority universities are local. So you may have better luck applying to a different office.