Hi there!

About a quarter of my candidates apply for roles in the ME, so happy to provide a perspective. 

But I recommend that you do some networking directly with consultants who work in the region and within the target industries you want (btw, great that you have clarity over what industries you want to work in). 

They will give you an in-depth understanding of these specific practice areas in the region and if the chat goes well, they might even give you a referral (which will then increase the probability of you passing screening).

Here's a guide on how to identify these contacts and then conduct the chat with them: 

• Expert Guide: How To Get Referrals Via LinkedIn?

Then, I'd suggest you reach out to the ME recruiters for your target firms and ask them what roles you could apply for that fulfil your criteria. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

You are approaching it the right way - I would also reach out to relevant people on LinkedIn and in your extended network for introductions.

However, keep in mind that, if you would like to start 2 years from now, your networking efforts are still too early. 50% of the people you will talk to today will no longer work at the respective firms when you are ready to apply. Everyone will politely ask you to reach out again in a year from now if they even react.

Ideally, I would start networking 6 months before I want to get hired.

All the best,

Florian

I would suggest that you wouldn't go anonymous when asking this question. Some people may be willing to respond in private, but not in public.