Almost every day, I get a question that sounds a little bit like this, "Big 4 Guru, what questions will I be asked in an interview with the Big 4 Accounting Firms?"
In the book above, I go into detail over 15 questions that I have seen the Big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. I also cover tons of examples of the questions you should ask them which is an important piece.
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Before my interview with PwC, I spoke with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city where I lived. He remarked, "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the position in half."
Is this the office you want to work for?
The recruiting structure of most Big 4's is on a regional basis and the recruiter has a territory they are responsible for.
Is this firm your first choice?
It turns out that my interviewer was only responsible for hiring for a handful of small regional offices and not the NYC office. If I said I was considering the NY office, he would have been unable to hire me. At best, I could have only hoped that he would forward my resume to another recruiter and start the whole interviewing process again. In conclusion, know where you want to work and make sure you are in front of the right interviewer. As a general rule, the best place to say you want to work, is in the city where you are in University. Typically, the recruiter is responsible for a city and has connections to get you in. Then, once you are an intern or starting full time and have the offers secured, you can ask to be moved to another office.
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4, regional companies, or small firms, keep this to yourself. While you are there, you are only interested in their firm. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by appearing impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed.
Tell me about yourself.
This is usually the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a confident response to this question as it is usually right out of the gates. Write a response that takes you 30 seconds to repeat and memorize. This will be your elevator pitch. Use the format below:
What year are you in University
What campus leadership roles are you currently in
What is your year in University
Before my interview with PwC, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the NYC office as well as an office in a smaller city, near my parent's house. "Good for you" he said, "if you are interested in cutting your chance of getting the job in half."
YOU NEED TO BE PERSONABLE Here's an example:
Make sure the person you are interviewing with gets the right story from you, and they have jurisdiction over you choice of office. In conclusion, the recruiter is responsible for the city where he/she lives. So if you want to work somewhere else, get the offer locally first.
My preference is to work for PwC in the Hartford office after graduation. I have learned so much about PwC from the on campus events I've attended and speaking with (insert name of intern or staff), who was a past intern/staff. I am excited to be here today.
If you are associated with that person, in their eyes, you are more likely to fit in with their company and culture. Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that individual and significantly ups your chances. If it is a partner, it can work against you so try for a lower level person.
In the book above, I go into detail over 15 questions that I have seen the Big 4 ask, as well as the responses you should be giving. I also cover tons of examples of the questions you should ask them which is an important piece.
Here are a few examples of questions Big 4 Accounting Firms ask:
Before my interview with PwC, I spoke with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the New York City office as well as an office in a smaller city where I lived. He remarked, "That's good for you" he said, "if you want to cut your chance of getting the position in half."
Is this the office you want to work for?
The recruiting structure of most Big 4's is on a regional basis and the recruiter has a territory they are responsible for.
Is this firm your first choice?
It turns out that my interviewer was only responsible for hiring for a handful of small regional offices and not the NYC office. If I said I was considering the NY office, he would have been unable to hire me. At best, I could have only hoped that he would forward my resume to another recruiter and start the whole interviewing process again. In conclusion, know where you want to work and make sure you are in front of the right interviewer. As a general rule, the best place to say you want to work, is in the city where you are in University. Typically, the recruiter is responsible for a city and has connections to get you in. Then, once you are an intern or starting full time and have the offers secured, you can ask to be moved to another office.
If you are actively pursuing other Big 4, regional companies, or small firms, keep this to yourself. While you are there, you are only interested in their firm. You may be tempted to bait the interviewer by appearing impressive that you have interviewed with some of the others, but they are more likely to take this as a sign that you are not committed.
Tell me about yourself.
This is usually the first question they ask. It is a good idea to have a confident response to this question as it is usually right out of the gates. Write a response that takes you 30 seconds to repeat and memorize. This will be your elevator pitch. Use the format below:
What year are you in University
What campus leadership roles are you currently in
What is your year in University
Before my interview with PwC, I was discussing with a Big 4 alumnus that I was considering both the NYC office as well as an office in a smaller city, near my parent's house. "Good for you" he said, "if you are interested in cutting your chance of getting the job in half."
YOU NEED TO BE PERSONABLE Here's an example:
Make sure the person you are interviewing with gets the right story from you, and they have jurisdiction over you choice of office. In conclusion, the recruiter is responsible for the city where he/she lives. So if you want to work somewhere else, get the offer locally first.
My preference is to work for PwC in the Hartford office after graduation. I have learned so much about PwC from the on campus events I've attended and speaking with (insert name of intern or staff), who was a past intern/staff. I am excited to be here today.
If you are associated with that person, in their eyes, you are more likely to fit in with their company and culture. Mentioning someone else who already worked at the company associates you with that individual and significantly ups your chances. If it is a partner, it can work against you so try for a lower level person.
About the Author:
Before you begin the interview process with the Big 4 accounting firms, small firms, and private companies, make sure you've checked out my best selling book which has been the best selling book since '08 and helped thousands of students get hired with the Big 4 accounting firms, small firms, and private companies: http://www.big4guru.com/big-4-hiring-guide/
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