MBB hiring in Germany & Nordics

Question

Hi,

Is the MBB in Germany (Munich, Hamburg) or Nordics (Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo) currently hiring or would I be better off leaving my application for next year after the market hopefully picks up again? I am a non-MBA Big 4 manager (Strategy) trying to move to Consultant-level.

In case I apply many times and do not get acepted, these applications show on my record. Hence I am cautious applying now if the application is doomed to be rejected due to tough market conditions. Do the rejections affect future likelihood of an interview?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, there was basically never a situation when consulting firms in Europe (and outside of Europe as well) were not hiring at all, and I currently also work with interviewees in those regions. Therefore, I would advise you not to worry about that.
Moreover, nobody can seriously answer the question whether the hiring situation next year will be better or worse than now. As such, I would highly advise you to depend your decision to apply solely based on whether you are ready for the interviews.
Lastly, reapplying after a rejection in the past is neither negative nor positive, with a slight tilt towards positive, so that shouldn’t be something to worry about either.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your applications, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi,

I had a coachee earlier this year in discussions for MBB Nordics. The best people to give you an answer would be HR from these specific offices as they oversee the pipeline.

The bigger point I'd like to make is - apply when you are ready. I made the switch from T2 to MBB as well, and as an interviewer at BCG i've seen too many lateral candidates fail the interview because they simply were not ready.

Rejections due not affect future likelihood, however in practical terms there is only so many times you'd likely reapply given it takes 12-24 months of blacklist/re-application ban. Plus, the more senior you get, the harder it gets to switch IMO.

Answer 3

Hi there,

Hiring

Yes, they do hire albeit at a slower pace with much higher rejection rates than in previous years. Check out the article I wrote for consulting.de for more information: https://www.consulting.de/artikel/wie-sie-sich-als-bewerbender-im-beratungssektor-abheben-strategien-und-beispiele/

Hiring ban

Once you are rejected, you would usually be banned 12-18 months for a re-application. The chances to be re-invited after that period are pretty much the same as for your first application if you

demonstrate significant improvements on your CV, e.g., more work experience, academic performance etc. If you apply with the exact same CV, it will likely not work.
score a referral from someone in the organization.

All the best,

Florian