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Strategy& Middle East 

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New answer on Feb 09, 2020
5 Answers
1.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 06, 2020

I have 10+ years in consulting for TMT sector. Worked across global clients with strong thought leadership.

I completed my interview process with Strategy& Middle East office during May 2019 - Nov 2019. Was invited to Dubai for 2 face-to-face partner discussions. Had a 3rd partner discussion in Nov 2019.

Had been following up for the final result with the HR. Received a call from HR today, she mentioned that my performance throughtout the interviews were very good - across cases, communication, and confidence. And partners had good discussion with me.

However, at present they are not hiring at expert level and focusing on generalist profiles. Thus they would not be rolling out an offer at the moment. She mentioned that they used to have an expert track but that's no longer active, and would get back to me if they have expert openings in the future and I woudl stay in touch.

Basis my interview discussions which is aligned to the feedack received I was expecting a postive outcome. However, just a bit surprised as they could have screened my profile earlier and then started the interview discussion. Is this a common trend. ??

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Luca
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 09, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached

Hello,

It's not common but especially for companies as Strategy&, it could happen if the specific practice slows down. If they have many projects in pipeline they start the process and they send the offer just if they win the projects.

Anyway, it can happen that they will recontact you in the future. Did you consider to apply for other companies in the meanwhile? If you were able to perform well with Strategy&, you have big chances also with other firms.

Best,
Luca

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 08, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,
unfortunately for the most senior positions, it is not only a matter of good performance and fit with the partners but also on the staffing issues in the office and you cannot do anything for it. I recommend to write them back in a few months by mentioning the feedback received and - eventually - by building a relationship with one of the interviewer in order to get a referral.

Best,
Antonello

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Anonymous updated the answer on Feb 08, 2020

Hey A,

I faced something similar to you few years ago.

I applied for their manager position in October 2017 and successfully passed all rounds in November, December 2017 and then… September 2018! with three partners at Strategy& Dubai.

In October 2018 (1 year after my application) they finally gave me a very generous offer (220k all-in).

However, at that moment, my personal situation and objectives have already changed and I have rejected the offer.

I need to say that I don’t like their recruiting process (very chaotic, unprofessional and simply too long – 12 months to take the decision ?) as well as their “Inshallah” culture – very unreliable.

There are other firms like Kearney, BCG, Roland Berger, Oliver Wymann, etc. which have a better culture, pay equally good and have strong TMT practices.

Therefore, I would recommend you to apply via referrals there.

I know partners and managers in these firms – if you needany help, just drop me a line.

Good luck,

André

(edited)

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 07, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

this is not common in the industry, but Strategy& Middle East is notorious for long waiting time and inconsistency in the recruiting process.

What probably happened is that the company didn’t sell the projects they expected to sell, thus don’t need at the moment additional experienced resources – for this reason they did not followup before.

I would recommend to approach via referral other consulting companies if the industry is interesting for you. Your background is good for the region, many companies are growing a lot in the Middle East and you have already shown to have the potential to land an offer.

Best,

Francesco

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Anonymous A on Feb 07, 2020

Hi Francesco, thanks for your inputs. Yeah I am seeking to approach other consulting firms via referral. Will it be possible for you to help. Regards

(edited)

Francesco on Feb 07, 2020

Hi Anonymous, sure, please feel free to send me a private message. Best

Vlad
Expert
replied on Feb 06, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

No this is not common. Probably related to local staffing. Don't upset too much and apply to other companies.

But also it's a good red flag for you. Maybe there is something in your stories that made them think that way. Revisit your stories and assess them critically

Best

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