[Anonymous]

Ninjas,

I am new to the boards but I have found myself in a GREAT situation and I am unsure of the proper way to handle it. If there is a section on proper etiquette related problems I have not been able to find it, but I think a section dedicated to proper interview, job acceptance / declination, dress, lunch and dinner etiquette would be great. Anyway, here is my situation…

I had a Meet the Firms event at the end of last month and ended up with office interviews with 5 separate accounting firms. I have recently completed interviews with a Big 4 firm and received a verbal offer. Now, obviously I am overly excited about the offer and there’s a 95% chance that I am going to accept. However, I have my second interview with another large firm Thursday with dinner the night before and etc. Then I also have 3 interviews throughout the month. I am interested in the firm I am interviewing with this week and don’t plan to cancel the interview. The other firms I would like to cancel interviews with.

So…

1. What would be the proper etiquette for cancelling interviews with the other 3 firms? I do not want to burn bridges with the firms but I currently work full-time so I would rather save the leave time than use the interviews solely for practice.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

[mla1169]

I wouldn't cancel a thing until a written offer is in hand, but then a short and sweet email thanking them for the consideration however you've already accepted another offer and don't want to waste their valuable time. Congratulations!

FAR- 77
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BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Exactly what mla said.

I wouldn't decline a thing until you (and they) have signed the dotted line.

When the time comes, keep your declination message short and polite. You're not turning down a prom date. There's no reason to explain yourself. Just extend your thanks for consideration.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the input. I wasn't sure if email communication would be considered proper etiquette or if a phone call would be the better option. All firms involved are doing dinners the evening beforehand so I hope cancellation would not be considered rude since obviously they will want to spend time with candidates more interested in the positions.

[acamp]

I couldn't help myself and wrote a rejection-like email (similar to those I received from some firms LOL):

“It was nice to meet you and I want thank you for extending the opportunity to interview with your firm. However, I have since decided to pursue other interests.

Best regards, “

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California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

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[SomedayCPA2015]

acamp I did that same thing. The interview process is just as much us interviewing them, and if I did not see myself fitting in with a firm, why waste any time? It turned out fine for me, and did not even have a verbal offer prior to doing so. Good luck ARCPA!

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[Author]

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