[jerryfish1030]

Hi. I recently passed the CPA examination, and one of the Big4 firms set up interview for full-time position in assurance with me.

I am one of the rare people that I did intern at a different Big4 firm in tax practice, and I didn’t get full-time offer (I didn’t understand tax so well. I also was not good motivated at the internship I think, which was 2 years ago) my GPA is also 3.3, major GPA is 3.4. I am Japanese – English bilingual, and I am interviewing with Japanese Practice.

After the Intern, I really wanted to study again about the accounting, and take accounting courses at graduate school. Now I am ready with my CPA, but My GPA is not above 3.5. I heard that many candidates have very strong GPAs, and I just do not quite understand the reason that one of the firms gives me the chance to meet with me. However, since they give me a chance, I would like to maximize my potential to be hired.

My question is that what do you think that they are going to look in me. I am still feeling shame that I didn’t get full time offer from my internship, but are they going to care about it? During the phone interview, they asked me about whether I received the offer from my internship, and I said “Unfortunately, No. I think it is because blah blah blah.” and the interviewer said that the reason she asked is because there have been some candidates who signed the full-time contract and try to get interview with another accounting firms. BTW, the firm i interviewed with is E&Y.

ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME. Please tell me what you think about this situation.

FAR(89) BEC(83) REG (82) AUD (83)

[potatogun]

Get over not getting an offer. Look at it always as a learning opportunity. Don't try and explain why always; spin the positive things you learned.

Your GPA doesn't matter after you have an interview. You are on a level playing field with pretty much everyone who is interviewing for the same start class.

In the interviews you have to show them why hire YOU versus some other “equally” qualified person who doesn't really know anything, but is worth training and putting in front of clients.

Don't worry about your knowledge, you want to worry about your drive to learn.

Big4 interviews are behavioral; they aren't about technical knowledge. You must showcase that you are both willing to work like crazy in a stressful team environment, but must also be a independent and dependable go getter.

You need to chat up the interviewers basically. You need to show that you can be a social person. Talk about their kids, their career, what sports they like, life experiences that are appropriate. Make them laugh, find connections.

Be a person. Not an accounting textbook. Be likable and show interest in the firm (initiatives, charity, travel opportunities, industries of clients, etc).

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[squeekinby]

Jerryfish-

The best advise I can give you is to show as much personality as possible, be positive and likable. Once you get to the interview stage, they are really just looking to see if you will fit in socially and be willing to work hard.

Do be prepared to defend your GPA. I went into a Big4 interview with GPAs almost identical to yours. I interviewed with 5 different people at the firm and every one of them brought up my GPA and asked why it wasn't higher. I was honest and told them that during periods of my schooling I was working full-time while taking a full course load, and as a result had to accept some B's instead of A's. In the end it didn't hurt me (I got the job!), but prepared to have it brought up.

Congrats on getting the interview and good luck!

[Author]

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