[Jake_1]

I should be getting a CPA license in a few weeks. I have a year of public experience at smaller firms. I’m not in school and don’t plan on going back. My gpa is average. My school is not highly recognized, but is AACSB accredited.

How do I get into Big 4?

[Anonymous]

Ask around – i'm sure you are connected to at least one person who has a friend at a big 4.

When I was looking at submitting my resume, turns out one of my good friends is best friends with a manager at a big 4. We indirectly already had a relationship and were able to talk things through – I held off on actually applying until I get my CPA but she said to send her my resume whenever i'm ready and she'll pass it along. She even gave me tips on spicing it up a bit too.

You can apply on the company website, but you'll get quicker results and open more doors from networking.

LinkedIn also lets you see how your indirectly connected to other people as well – great resource.

[yoboy]

Email recruiters. I am hoping you know how to guess a recruiter's email address. LinkedIn is always there too. Try to add an interests and activities column to your resume. You never know who your resume picker could be!

[fuzyfro89]

Experienced hires are tough. They need a lot, but generally try to get one through a referral from an employee when possible. If you don't have a friend, make one. Start reaching out to people on Linkedin or through your school's career center. Most people will make time for you, especially managers who have recruiting as one of their performance metrics, outside of busy season.

Of course, you can also apply online, but your chances are lower since they will prefer to interview people that are even remotely connected to someone.

[Anonymous]

Applying online works- I got an offer at one Big 4 through online application. The whole process took 4 days from application to offer.

Having a connection, especially at the Manager level or above, definitely helps. I didn't even need to interview at my wife's firm. They said they would just give me a job (she's a manager and they were chasing me after they heard a competitor made an offer).

Either way, the key is to really work on your resume. If you spent less than 20 hrs on it, you probably aren't doing it right. Have at least two experienced business persons review it. Quantify your successes when possible and make sure your resume adequately covers the scope of the position you're applying to. Also keep in mind that you'll probably need to tweak it for different positions.

[Anonymous]

I did an internship at B4 and will be starting full time this fall. I think what helped me out was having a unique resume, but to be honest, I didn't go to a highly recognized college either. I met a guy who had a best friend that was a partner. He had me get in touch with the partner and then I ‘coincidentally' ended up interviewing with that partner and now will be working in his industry. Also a few alum from my school work in that office (definitely use your resources- my school is not large and they are enthusiastic to help others get there too).

If you really don't know anybody, the best thing to do is to get in touch with recruiters via linkedin, or otherwise.

Good luck!

[Author]

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