Best Time to Apply to MBB as an Experienced Hire

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m exploring opportunities to reapply to MBB as an experienced hire, having prior consulting experience. I feel prepared for the interview process, but I’m wondering if the timing of my application matters.

When is the best time of the year to apply? Should I aim for certain periods like before Christmas, the New Year, summer, or does it not make much difference?
How is the market looking right now, particularly for experienced hires? Have application volumes picked up post-pandemic, and how does this vary by geography, specifically in the Middle East?

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi there,

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

First of all, if you already feel prepared for the upcoming application process, I do not see any need to further wait. While it might be a little easier to get an offer for the start of next year as annual hires are reset, contrary to what other coaches have said, this is more a matter of when you want to join than when you start the application process.
Moreover, hiring has certainly increased dramatically after the COVID-19 pandemic and has already slowed down in recent years. No one can seriously answer the question of what the consulting market (in the Middle East) looks like right now, but there has basically never been a situation where consulting firms in the Middle East (or elsewhere) were not hiring at all. So I wouldn't worry about it, especially since you are applying as an experienced hire who is typically hired on a rolling basis.

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 interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there,

When applying to MBB as an experienced hire, timing can matter, but it’s not the most critical factor. For experienced hires, most MBB firms recruit on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply year-round. However, applying earlier in the year can offer a slight advantage as hiring quotas tend to fill up as the year progresses.

As for the current market, hiring in the Middle East is somewhat limited due to the broader economic situation. While the demand in certain sectors like oil & gas and infrastructure remains, consulting firms have taken a more cautious approach, with reduced hiring volumes for experienced hires. It might be more strategic to apply for next year, when hiring is expected to pick up again as the market stabilizes economically.

To increase your chances, I would recommend to leverage your network. Reach out to current consultants at MBB, either through LinkedIn or mutual contacts, and ask if they’d be open to having a brief chat. Frame it as an opportunity to hear more about their experience at the firm, as you’re considering applying. can potentially lead to a referral, which can boost your application, especially if hiring is limited.

If you need any support with your application, don't hesitate to reach out!

All the best of luck,

Kairavee

Answer 3

Hi there,

I would wait until after Christmas if you are not pressed for time. Generally, it's better to apply earlier in a year as many firms have new recruiting targets for the year starting Jan 1.

Also, the general outlook looks better for 2025 than it is currently, unless we run into another war in the region :-(

All the best,

Florian

Answer 4

Your question 2 is market dependent, but generally this is not a good time to be applying for MBB at the moment. Only exceptions would be if you are coming in at a business analyst or lower level, where firms constantly need to have a fresh pipeline of juniors