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MBB Hiring

Hi,

Was wondering if anyone had any insights into MBB hiring in UK for experienced hires for general and digital roles?

I have been hearing a lot of mixed messages across multiple media platforms about hiring freezes/benching/layoffs and not really sure how credible or trustworthy these sources are and whether this is specific to certain locations. Should I be concerned?

I notice BCG in London is still hiring for individuals with tech backgrounds, but McKinsey isn't.

Thanks in advance. 

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
edited on Nov 30, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

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

  • First of all, as you seem to have done, please take into consideration the credibility of the sources when hearing about hiring trends in consulting. Reaching out to the recruiting team or current consultants can provide more accurate insights.
  • Moreover, I am currently helping coachees in their preparation for MBB in the UK, also for experienced hires. Thus, even if hiring might have slown down, from my experience, there is no full hiring freeze at the moment which means there is a chance for you to get invited and receive an offer.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Dennis
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi,

I'm still hearing about candidates (incl. experienced hires) currently interviewing with McK in London as well.

Being concerned doesn't really change the situation. If you want to enter MBB consulting, you should apply. Under the current economic climate there is no telling when the situation will change considerably. So trying to time your application based on that might not be a viable route. 

The worst case is you get rejected and then have a 12-18 month ban period before you can re-apply. In the meantime the economy will likely end up looking differently so you really don't have that much to lose.

Best

on Nov 30, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi!

Yes, there's a lot of gossip. Some of it is true thought, but because hiring priorities change rather quickly, what is true now might be irrelevant tomorrow. 

My advice is twofold:

1. Reach out to the recruiter to get fresh info. Send them your CV, tell them the position you'd be interested in and ask them whether they are now accepting applications or whether it would be best to apply at the start of the year. 

2. When you don't get responses, apply anyway. If what is happening in the recruitment market is outside your control, then there's no reason to worry about it. Just worry about what you can do. And you can apply. 

Lastly, make sure that you apply broadly. Diversification will incrementally improve your chances of getting an offer. Check out some more tips on this here:

Good luck!
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> CodeWave  

Ian
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

In the past month I've been “swarmed” by candidates interviewing with MBB UK.

Specifically, BCG Platinion/Digital appears to be hiring/interviewing again.

Please don't use “media platforms”.

There is never a “generic” situation. Rather, it depends on the exact firm, the exact role, the channel of recruiting, etc. Network, network, network to see what exactly applies for your situation.

(In general, hiring isn't great, but there are interviews happening)

Udayan
Coach
on Nov 29, 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

The situation is not great to be honest. If you look at the FT article from today you can see that EY has delayed start dates by up to a year given slow business. MBB has had similar issues and has been staggering start dates as well. 

On the plus side, there is general optimism that things will pick up in the latter half of 2024.

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Hi there,

Yes, they are hiring digital profiles in the UK. You can double check this via recruiters or internal referrals.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

on Dec 05, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

Hi there! Recruiting is very much a case-by-case game. So definitely do not shy away from applying. I still have McK coachees in UK although momentum slowed. Feel free to ping me for a free coffee chat to learn more for experienced hire applications. Warm regards, Freddy 

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