Applying for roles in the Middle East

Hi there,

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

• First of all, and contrary to what other coaches have said, no one can seriously answer the question of how high the hiring demand will be this year. However, I wonder if it really matters if you only want to apply in this region.
• Moreover, while it may be technically possible to use a referral from a consultant in another region, I would highly advise you to secure a strong referral from a consultant in your target office, which is a fairly easy task.

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 for your upcoming applications, pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hey there, 

Regarding referrals: A consultant in the firm you want to work for can refer you to the recruiting team, and typically they don't necessarily need to be in that exact office but they could be. The more senior the person referring you, the better for you, and generally it would be better if they were in that office too

And yes, I would say Middle East are actively recruiting, but not sure if I'd say hiring like crazy :-) ... I haven't seen any indication that recruiting patterns have changed so far, but can't know if this will remain the same, increase or not for the rest of the year - as this depends on many factors including economic conditions, staff complement, client work and other client considerations, etc. 

All the best

Hey!

As of early 2025, MBB continues to hire in the Middle East, though the pace has moderated due to global economic factors => Opportunities remain available, but the selection process has become more competitive.

Regarding referrals, having one can significantly enhance your application. While a referral from a partner or senior consultant in the Middle East office may carry more weight, referrals from professionals in other regions are also beneficial. The key is to have someone within the firm who can vouch for your capabilities.

To maximize your chances I would recommend from my experience at MBB: 

• Network Strategically: Connect with current consultants or alumni from your university who are working in the Middle East. This can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
• Tailor Your Application: Highlight any international experience, language skills, and adaptability to different cultural contexts, as these are highly valued in the Middle East consulting market.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on application deadlines and recruitment cycles, as consulting firms often have specific periods when they actively seek new hires. 

Good luck! Alessa 

Hi there,

2024 was crazy.

2025? Too early to say.

Remember, it's your job to network effectively to get a pulse on everythign (and to get a touch point to optimize your chances).

Referral anywhere works, but the closer to your region/office and the higher up the better.

Here are some resources to help:

How to Get a Consulting Internship - Tips and Tricks

Master Your Job Hunt with Proven Strategies 

Hi, 

I have worked for most consulting firms in the Middle East (McKinsey, Bain, OW, ATK).  In general terms, I would expect hiring this year to be slower than previous years given slowdown in KSA in particular, and also lot of lateral transfers from other global offices in 2024.  That being said, a strong application, with clear and strong links to the region will always stand-out. 

In terms of referrals, any office is fine, and in some cases (e.g. from London, NYC) may even position you more strongly. 

Hi there,

The crazy hiring spree in the Middle East is already over, unfortunately. It was the hot region in 2022 and 2023. 2024 actually saw quite a few silent layoffs across most firms and hiring is now very selective and slowed down.

It's possible but your chances are definitely higher in the US. 

Referrals: I'd try to get a local one. The market/region is all about network and who you know.

All the best,

Florian