I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Macquarie Group (London, England) in May 2025
Interview
I went through a 3-month recruitment process for a permanent role at Macquarie Group. This included a phone screening, multiple interviews, psychometric assessments, and a final in-person interview. I was verbally offered the role which I accepted in good faith, and I was told the written contract was pending internal finalisation.
Following my acceptance, I was asked to:
Provide references
Complete a security clearance
Attend the office for a company photo
—all signs of pre-employment onboarding.
Over the next month, I followed up regularly while pausing other job opportunities. I was reassured that the delay was due to “internal restructuring.” Then, suddenly a month after accepting the offer and in the process of completing clearance, I was informed via phone that the role had been withdrawn. I still have not received this in writing, despite multiple polite requests.
When I asked for a modest goodwill payment to reflect the time and opportunity cost of a lengthy process that clearly indicated a confirmed role, I was told no contract existed until signed, and therefore no responsibility would be acknowledged.
This was a highly disappointing and careless candidate experience from a global firm. While individual team members were polite, the lack of transparency, accountability, and professional closure has had a serious impact on my job search and financial stability. I would caution others applying to Macquarie to be aware that even verbal offers, onboarding steps, and long recruitment processes may be reversed without explanation or resolution.