[Hope1234]

I applied through campus recruiting services.
It shouldn’t be any problem with my résumé, since I had a few of professionals looked at my résumé. I don’t think it is an issue of my GPA as I have 3.75.
Can someone please offer any comments on what is going on here?

[Hmmmmm]

What was the position and what work experience do you have?

[Hope1234]

Entry level position.
I had a couple of years experience in private corporation and working on my MBA degree.

[Missy]

Is it for public accounting and do you already have 150 credits?

Interviewing is so subjective, they get say 50 applications for each position they have to fill and while you look just right on paper pretty much so does every other applicant. So then they have to start weeding out people based on arbitrary criteria to get the 5-10 best candidates that they'll bring in to talk to.

Chin up and keep at it.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Mike J]

It could be a million things.

Edit: I forgot you answered the CPA question in the title.

The winning candidate(s) know someone in the company.

Maybe you said something that rubbed the interviewer the wrong way. Perhaps they didn't like an answer you gave.

I've read in different posts here that CPA firms don't look as kindly on experience with private versus public accounting.

Perhaps, there were better candidates. As harsh as that may seem, maybe more people simply met whatever criteria the company set.

This is to say that I've been there. I swore that I had a job LOCKED UP only to find out that I didn't get it.

You'll get something.

[shawn in VA]

Your credentials look strong on paper. Maybe you don't interview well?

Unfortunately even in this day and age there is racism, and sexism. I had an interview once (I am man) with a partner (also a man) and he told me “I am glad your a guy b/c I cannot stand women in public accounting”

This came from a partner that was like 70 years old. Anyways, I got an offer but rejected it…money was too low.

[Hope1234]

I actually have a CPA license.
I wasn't invited to first round interview. In other words, I didn't have a chance to talk to any interviewer.

[Anonymous]

It could be anything. If you are able to include any leadership type positions on your resume, it would help to make you stand out and could make all the difference. Perhaps you are in a competitive area and high academics isn't necessarily what the employer is seeking. Many employers want to see well-rounded candidates with leadership potential.

[kev959]

Having interviewed many candidates for positions over the years I can tell you it usually does NOT come down to credentials on paper. Basically, if the hiring manager likes you, personality wise, that's the BIG one. Can the manager picture you with team?

Plus there are interview answers all over the place that turn off the manager immediately. I've heard candidates tell me: their goal is to take my job (FAIL), “tell me about yourself”…they say: I like snowboarding, blah, blah, blah, blah…(FAIL) I do not care, candidates have asked me to tell them about our company (What you didn't research us online?)= another FAIL!!

my 2 cents!

[M123]

Since you didn't get to interview stage, yes it can be rough out there as it is so there could be many reasons.

Another “could be” is they don't want someone who is still in their MBA program (you said MBA candidate). Likewise if you have experience, even a little, it may put you out of their price range for college hires. A lot of possibilities.

I'd keep trying that route but also try applying through the experienced route of the firms you like. Try to get some of the recruiters of the firms on LinkedIn and send them a message. A short but sweet note saying you're ready to help them achieve their goals.

[BBHYX]

Did you attend networking events? How many interview slots were there? It may just be that there were limited openings and other candidates were more qualified or had networked with the recruiter and thus stood out more. Leadership/involvement/being well rounded on the resume is very important.

Also, I kind of think it's possible you were overqualified, depending on what type of job you were applying for. So I went to a heavily recruited undergrad program and applied for internships my junior year via campus recruiting. Had a really high GPA (3.9), good leadership, etc. I got interviews/offers from all the Big4, but surprisingly didn't even get a first round interview for some of the mid-tiers. I spoke to another student who was a year above me, also had similar high grades and resume, and the same thing happened to her. I think the mid-tiers assumed we'd go to Big4 and did not want to waste an interview slot on us, when they could interview other candidates more likely to result in hires (smart of them, if that was the case). Maybe the job you were applying for was more geared towards those who were fresh graduates w/o experience/CPA?

[ultrarunner]

@Hope1234, I feel you, buddy. I didn't get the first round interview either. I think some firms prefer fresh graduates without any experience. I have (too) many years of experience. Let's keep trying. Thanks everyone for giving the advice.

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[Missy]

Truthfully I wouldn't even be concerned about it until you've applied at 6-8 places and not landed a first round interview, it is what it is.

They were comparing you on paper to a couple dozen others on paper, most of which had very similar credentials. Why they choose to speak to one over another nobody will ever know.

Also did they flat out tell you they are not interested in speaking with you, or has it been a while and you've not heard a word? Its common to apply then get a call months later.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[cantpassagain1]

I agree with M123, you being still in school is a tough one for them to overcome. When I was in my Macc program and looking for a full time position with a clear start date everyone wanted me. When I was in undergrad looking, not yet in the Macc but about to start, no one wanted me (I got one interview).

Its honestly a shame how much weight they place into liking someones personality. I was told by professors and partners that GPA and resume were big, so I finished top of my class. Only got one B4 offer. Notice also how no firms (big or small) ask any technical questions. They are most worried about working the long hours with someone they dont like. In undergrad I was super conscientious of sounding competent during an interview until I realized this fact. I never thought of it cause I can get along with anyone, especially in the workplace. When I shifted my focus I ended up with 5 offers.

In grad school I was interviewing with a B4 (ill leave it unnamed, still bitter about it) that my professors wanted every good student to get with (two of the professors worked with them and two worked with another B4). A lot of the good students, and even some poor ones got with them. I was actually very good friends with a lot of the people my age that were working there. I was doing great during the interview with the senior manager, he kept saying that he wanted to take me in at his office. I would have just brushed his remarks off as just trying to make me feel good but the interview was going better than the previous B4 I had which I got an offer from. Ended up never getting a call, followed up numerous times. I wouldnt beat yourself up over not getting with a B4. It honestly could have been as stupid as the HR person skrewed up and never called you in for the office visit/superday (happened to me too, still got the job).

[CPA2BEE]

Sadly, if you are applying for a job in public accounting, experience in private industry doesn't do much for you in landing a job. I'm not sure if the MBA holds much value in public or not either.

Being that you have your CPA license, you should be able land something in public. Don't get discouraged, every firm is different and you could've been simply overqualified for the entry-level position at said firm. Keep applying and you'll get picked up somewhere.

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[A]

“Its honestly a shame how much weight they place into liking someones personality…”

In public accounting, you will spend an average of 45-60 hours a week with your co-workers. That good personality/cultural fit is *extremely* important in their selection process – and should be a factor in who you choose to work for, too.

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[Author]

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