[Anonymous]

So how much weight does a recommendation to a Big 4 have? My boss told me I should go Big 4 so she called some of her contacts. I couldn’t attend the career fair because of personal matters. I didn’t even apply for any of the Big 4. The Big 4 recruiter at my school called me to meet her on campus (not an official interview). She told me I have an on-site interview in November! I’m a little uneasy since they’re not making me go through the traditional channels. Idk if they’re just doing a favor for my old boss or if I have a serious chance. My GPA isn’t the best (3.22).

Which leads me to my question… Does a recommendation hold enough weight to get me in? I heard the on-site interview is more about personality and behavioral questions. Do I have a real shot here? The other weird part is that the start date would be in January 2014 instead of September 2014. Does that improve my chances since they’re mainly recruiting for next fall?

Thanks everyone!

[UCMCPA]

I've always said.. It's not what you know, it's who you know.

I'll use myself as an example. I live in KC, and wanted to leave the area. I contacted a professor at my school and asked if they had any contacts out of state; and they did, I was given the contact information from someone in a Big 4 in TX who graduated from my school 15+ years ago. They just so happened to stay in contact with my professors, I really lucked out. Anyways, the individual gave me some resume pointers, submitted my resume to an office in another city, and I was given a phone interview, then flown down for an on-site interview, and received the job 50 minutes after leaving my interview.

I would say that someones word can make or break someones career.

FAR - 84
AUD - 94
REG - 86
BEC - 86

[UCMCPA]

I've always said.. It's not what you know, it's who you know.

I'll use myself as an example. I live in KC, and wanted to leave the area. I contacted a professor at my school and asked if they had any contacts out of state; and they did, I was given the contact information from someone in a Big 4 in TX who graduated from my school 15+ years ago. They just so happened to stay in contact with my professors, I really lucked out. Anyways, the individual gave me some resume pointers, submitted my resume to an office in another city, and I was given a phone interview, then flown down for an on-site interview, and received the job 50 minutes after leaving my interview.

I would say that someones word can make or break someones career.

FAR - 84
AUD - 94
REG - 86
BEC - 86

[Anonymous]

I personally think the recommendation did its job in getting you straight to the on-site (typically 2nd round) interview.

From then on, it's all you. Your GPA probably does not matter anymore. What matters now is will the partner interviewing you like you? Does he/she feel like he can rely on you?

If your boss knows the partner that's interviewing you, even better! But do keep in mind that they will not hesitate to turn you down if you do not do well on the interviews.

[Anonymous]

I personally think the recommendation did its job in getting you straight to the on-site (typically 2nd round) interview.

From then on, it's all you. Your GPA probably does not matter anymore. What matters now is will the partner interviewing you like you? Does he/she feel like he can rely on you?

If your boss knows the partner that's interviewing you, even better! But do keep in mind that they will not hesitate to turn you down if you do not do well on the interviews.

[kmaahs]

Your contact got you an interview. You are on your own from here. If your credentials weren't up to snuff you would not be getting the interview. You belong there, and have the same shot anyone else has.

Focus on your strengths, not your shortcomings. Prepare for the interview and be ready with some good tough situations you dealt with and how you handled them. More than anything, remaking calm and confident.

Good luck

C.P.A.

[kmaahs]

Your contact got you an interview. You are on your own from here. If your credentials weren't up to snuff you would not be getting the interview. You belong there, and have the same shot anyone else has.

Focus on your strengths, not your shortcomings. Prepare for the interview and be ready with some good tough situations you dealt with and how you handled them. More than anything, remaking calm and confident.

Good luck

C.P.A.

[mavsbustin3s]

A recommendation from your current boss is definitely a huge advantage for you, especially if your boss is well respected by her big 4 contacts. From what I've seen in similar situations, interviewers will approach on-site interviews a little differently as well. They already know you are qualified for the job, and base the interview even more so on if they like you and think you will be a good fit with the team.

At this point, your GPA doesn't matter, especially since you've passed the CPA exam. It's hard to tell if starting in January will be an advantage. It just depends on your service line, industry, and the needs of the team at the time.

Just be personable and confident at your on-site interview and you should be fine. From the information you've provided, it sounds like you're in a great position.

BEC - 85
REG - 77
AUD - 73, 83
FAR - 68, 89

[mavsbustin3s]

A recommendation from your current boss is definitely a huge advantage for you, especially if your boss is well respected by her big 4 contacts. From what I've seen in similar situations, interviewers will approach on-site interviews a little differently as well. They already know you are qualified for the job, and base the interview even more so on if they like you and think you will be a good fit with the team.

At this point, your GPA doesn't matter, especially since you've passed the CPA exam. It's hard to tell if starting in January will be an advantage. It just depends on your service line, industry, and the needs of the team at the time.

Just be personable and confident at your on-site interview and you should be fine. From the information you've provided, it sounds like you're in a great position.

BEC - 85
REG - 77
AUD - 73, 83
FAR - 68, 89

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I've read each of your comments like 5 times haha I tend to be too hard on myself. All my friends agree that on-site interview are more about personality than anything else. Of course, there will be behavioral type questions but I'm not too worried about those. I'm going to buy a book about those just to prepare haha

I just an e-mail yesterday about the pre-interview dinner. I know it varies…but around what time can I expect the dinner?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I've read each of your comments like 5 times haha I tend to be too hard on myself. All my friends agree that on-site interview are more about personality than anything else. Of course, there will be behavioral type questions but I'm not too worried about those. I'm going to buy a book about those just to prepare haha

I just an e-mail yesterday about the pre-interview dinner. I know it varies…but around what time can I expect the dinner?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

5:30-7

[Anonymous]

5:30-7

[Author]

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