where will I have a higher chance to receive a job offer from McKinsey. Brussels or Moscow offices?

Hi there,

I'm confused as to why this is a question? (Respectfully). HR said you should apply to Moscow. A Partner asked you to apply to Moscow.

In what world have you received any information from the firm indicating that Brussels is where they want you. Your odds are higher in Moscow, plain and simple!

Try to avoid wishful thinking and hearing what you want to hear :)

That said, your odds are non-zero for Brussels. If that's where you truly want to be, and you would be miserable in Russia, then don't do it! Just understand that you're playing an odds game.

Best of luck to you!

(edited)

Hey there,

That is a tricky one and there are pros and cons for both, however, given that they wanted to proceed with your application in Belgium tells you that they are open to hiring you.

Once that step is done, in theory, the process and criteria should be the same for both offices. Add to that, that as a research analyst you often work on international projects anyway, with the engagement language being English.

I'd definitely pursue the Belgian route for now if that is what you want.

Check out more on the interviews below:

1. Case: https://www.preplounge.com/en/mckinsey-interview
2. PEI: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-pei

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

Hello there, 

I think it also depends on where you feel more comfortable and where you want to build your career. I imagine you will have a harder time integrating and moving up the ladder in the Brussels office than you would have in Moscow.

However, if - given you are a knowledge analyst - you will be working primarily in English with non-Belgian teams and supervisors, you should be fine.

If your priority, for personal reasons, is Brussels, do try and go for it.

Good luck

Stephan

Hi there,

It is difficult to say, but possibly Moscow would have been easier. The reason is that there would have been likely less competition between Russian speaking candidates, given that was a requirement there. 

As mentioned by Stephan, there is also a post-hiring possible issue – given you don’t know the local language, it may be more difficult for you to grow/network in the Brussels office.

In any case, it is difficult to judge, so if you had solid reasons for Brussels your choice could make sense.

In case you need help with the preparation please let me know, I helped a candidate to get an offer for the same exact position a few months ago (the process was also led by the Brussels office) and I know the questions they asked.

Best,

Francesco

It's quite obvious that they prefer someone who is willing to be located in Russia. So of course if they have a candidate that seems to be at par with you on everything else… that's the candidate who gets the job.

That doesn't mean they are not willing to consider Brussels as a location - otherwise they wouldn't be movinve forward with the process. Although there's always the chance that when they make the offer… they make it to Moscow, and you have to take it or leave it.

Moscow

They have literally told you that you are a good fit for the Moscow office, what more of an indication do you need? 

If you decide to re-apply to Moscow office please be extremely clear about what has changed that made you take this decision as you already said no to them for ABC reasons like you have mentioned. They are likely to be a little hesitant now given this.

Alternatively just stick to Belgium and see how you do. You may have a higher shot at Moscow but if you don't want to be there it really does not matter how high a chance you have.

Udayan

I think you know the answer already. They wouldn't refer you to Moscow if they didnt think you had a better chance. If you only want to be placed in Belgium, then apply to other firms and have more options going for yourself.