McKinsey Dubai - BA application no response

Question

Hi everyone,

I applied to McKinsey Dubai for a BA position back in November (end) and received an email saying they would review my application on the 19th of January.

I still haven’t heard back from them, should I take it as a rejection? Are they still hiring in Dubai?

Context: I studied at a target school in the UK and have a referral from an associate partner. I don’t know if I should contact him because it’s been over 2 months now since he referred me. I tried contacting HR but no response.

Answer 1

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

Most probably, McKinsey Dubai is just still reviewing your application. The email you received indicated that they would review your application with a lead time of 6-7 weeks by January 19th, and it has not even been one week over that date.
If you haven't heard back from them after 2 weeks have passed, I would advise you to reach out to the recruiter or your referral and inquire about the status of your application.
It's also worth noting that McKinsey in Dubai is still hiring, and you should not assume that your lack of response means that you have been rejected.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

It's all a bit of a mess now at the start of the year. The economic situation also doesn't help.

Contact the AP and tell them your situation. They might reach out on your behalf to clarify things.

Best,

Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there,

I would definitely contact that AP and ask about the status of your application.

While we are seeing a global slowdown, Dubai and the Middle East generally are still hiring at the moment.

Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 4

Hi,

I'm also experiencing the same - I have applied to McK Dubai through a referral back in November as well completed the Solve test by then.

I did not hear back from them and trying to follow up with HR - they just stated that my application is still being reviewed. But I am assuming that they are not hiring urgently to be honest.

Any update on your end?

Answer 5

Don't worry I'm in the same boat as well.

Gave the game in early December, and am positive I did well. Most people who were rejected got the mail quite early, i.e, 1-2 weeks. This doesn't seem to be the case here.

The email mentioned a timeline from 19th Jan to 6th Feb for application review, so we still have 2 weeks.

Keep calm and start preparing cases and PEI assuming you'll get the interview call.

Most likely you'll get it. On the off chance you don't, it will still be helpful in your future interviews.

All the best, hope you get the interview mail.

Answer 6

If they've missed their deadline to respond, the appropriate response is to reach out to them.

Answer 7

Hi there,

Get used to HR providing target dates and not sticking to them :P

This is not a rejection. Be patient here as it has only been a week. I would followup in 1-2 weeks.

I wouldn't reach out to the Partner until manhy weeks have passed with no response.

Answer 8

Hi there,

Sorry to hear but not at all surprised in the current climate.

Did you check with your contact i.e., AP? He or she should be able to find out where your application is currently at. By that I mean the particular office out of the 3 you indicated when applying. They sometimes get ‘stuck’ and can get unstuck with a bit of internal pushing (did it myself a few times).

Best of luck!

Moritz