[Peanut]

Since the end of November I have been trying to get into a Big 4. I was referred by a friend, of a friend type of deal. They contacted me once in December asking me to complete my “online profile.” When I didn’t hear back for over a month I started to lose hope, and started to contact recruiters in my area. BUT they just contacted me for a phone interview that will take place in a couple of weeks! If I get my foot in the door, I can nail an interview—in person. I’ve never really done a phone interview. I’m very personable, but this is a little nerve wracking! Any advice my fellow CPA family has is much appreciated!!!

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[mla1169]

you go peanut!!! woohoo!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Few Qs if you dont mind; trying to find the appropriate position I should have a friend refer me to.

Do you have prior public accounting experience – or would this be your first?

What firm & job title is the interview for?

[Marivy22]

Way to go!!!

My suggestions….

1. Since they usually call using the speaker phone (they will make notes during the interview) make sure that you are in a quiet place, no echo, and with good reception (if using your cell phone).

2. Relax during your interview, phone interviews can be either intense or very superficial; they are trying to get a feel of you before bringing you to the office for a half day interview process.

Done 😉
Class of 2012!!!!
Lots of prayers and hard work....

[Peanut]

Thanks guys!

@c0llister, I only have 1 year of experience at a large company in NYC. My GPA is a 3.8. I have no public accounting experience. The firm is EY. I'm not sure of the title of the position, I was just generally applying to see where they could fit me in. Since I am so young, and have little experience I'll take anything, ya know? Although, I really wouldn't want to go into tax 🙁 hence…my scores below.. LOL

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[jenuno01]

way to go @Peanut! I had to do a phone interview for my current job as well, it was my first time having a phone interview so I was a bit nervous. One of my college professors suggested what seemed a very silly thing to do at the time: do the interview in front of a mirror…Although I thought it was dumb, I took the advice and stood in front of a full-body mirror during the phone call… and I was amazed at how much confidence that gave me.. idk why but seeing my facial expressions gave me a sense of security… I also walked around the room during the call…Oh AND I dressed up for it LOL…It just made me feel in full interview mode GOOD LUCK

Class of 2012

[Anonymous]

STAND UP during the interview it helps project your voice better and you want to sound personable on the other line.

Be able to talk about the experiences on your resume (standard)

I'd say the easily the biggest thing that can make or break your interview are the questions you have. You'll probably be doing your interview with someone in HR so plan your questions accordingly (ie. don't ask techinical questions about the audit process or what kind of software is used for workpapers but focus more on TEAM and work environment questions your interviewer will probably love and be dying to answer).

I've been in public for a couple of months now and let me tell you its not all its cracked up to be so far! HOURS SUCK!

REG on FRIDAY for me!~ AHHH

GOOD LUCK

[yankeeaccountant]

Woohoo Peanut!!!

Nice to get good news. Always puts a little kick in your step for sure. I agree with Chef, stand up while you are speaking, it will help project what you are saying. And Marivy had some great suggestions. I wish I could add, but I am spent, I got nothing……but congrats for ya!!

[RA.CPA]

I had a phone interview in September with E&Y and it was the first one for a “real” job and it didnt help that it was an audit partner that called me (as opposed to the regular bottom up style). I would recommend you have their website up in front of you and your resume to look at too. From what I remember he asked me something and whether I had seen it on their website or not. I cant remember what it was I just remember freaking out because although I scanned their web I hadn't seen it… needless to say i didnt get a second one… But I am now happily employed by a midtier accounting company so it all worked out 🙂

FAR - 81 (1/2012)
REG - 5/29/2012
AUD - 2012
BEC - 2012

[Peanut]

These are all great tips, you guys are awesome! Okay, so I should stand-up, walk around, have a full length mirror, dress up, sound confident, awesome! Ha. I'm going to make sure I write out a ton of questions on a piece of paper, have my resume out, EY's website up. Alright, this sounds do-able. Thanks guys 🙂

@RA.CPA, you never heard back??

@Yankee, I'm surprised to see you on here, you're like me–we both usually hide out for a few days after an exam-lol. Hope all went well!

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[misanthrope87]

Congrats Peanut!! I HATE public accounting firms and would never go into a big 4. Just wanna do my 2 years and GTFO. But if you can stand it, more power to you!

B 2/12 87
A 11/11 90
R 8/11 86
F 5/12 88

[RA.CPA]

@ Peanut – I got an email back two weeks later that I did not make it to the second round… Although I was a little sad, I mostly aimed for midtier anyways so i wasnt too bummed.

FAR - 81 (1/2012)
REG - 5/29/2012
AUD - 2012
BEC - 2012

[Peanut]

Yeah I know I'm not going to love it. I'm prepared. But it looks very good on your resume. Also, when I hunt for jobs I always see in the qualifications section that they look for “Big 4 experience.” If anything, the misery will be a door opener and a learning experience.

AUD 81 (X4) Previous scores 59, 72, 72
REG 80 (X3) Previous scores 59, 60
FAR 75 (X2) Previous score 67
BEC 79 (X2) Previous score 58

[yankeeaccountant]

@Peanut,

I know! I came out of the cave early 😉

Sims were an enigma. I am feeling worse about them today. But, going to shake it off and get on REG. I really do think the sims are the wild card. I hardly looked at sims for FAR and BEC and passed, but I have gone over them religiously for Audit and REG and haven't passed …….so here's hoping!!

Best of luck with the interview. BTW, I just got an offer from the client that I have been working with since July. I am really excited about the prospects. Start date will be 3/1, very exciting opportunity. I just have to work out the details. Let's look at the good news we've received recently as a “notice” the tides are changing. Hopefully, this is a “genesis” of sorts since we will be closing the door on these exams finally!!! keep us posted!!!

[xwingdingx]

@peanut Congrats! EY (NYC) actually recruited me 2 years ago via linkedin and i had a phone interview with them. The recruiter basically just asked me about my experience and what I'm looking for (including salary) so they can figure out which role I'd fit best. If they are interested, they will follow up with an in person interview- that's the one you should be heavily prepped for. Good luck!

AUD 6/24/11- 76
BEC 11/23/11 - 79
FAR 11/26/12 - 76
REG 1/14/12 - 82

[pacific1]

Good luck Peanut!!! You would be an asset for any company!

[Author]

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