[kmaahs]

So I’ve got a second round interview with a Big 4, and naturally, I’m looking to nail it.

Quick rundown of my position:

MSA-graduated april 2013 3.79gpa

BS-non acc, may 2010 2.7 gpa (i dont advertise this degree much)

CPA exam is passed.

No accounting internships or experience save for VITA

Lots of hospitality work (restaurant) with management roles

I’m just looking for any advice with regards on how to sell myself, quality questions to ask, weaknesses/strengths or advice from people with some firsthand experience.

I’ve done lots of research on the firm and prepared some materials already, but I am really just looking to tie up any loose ends that I might miss. This is the biggest interview of my life to date, and my only shot at Big 4 at this stage in my career.

It would be huge of to land this job and I want all the input, advice, or fresh ideas I can get my hands on.

C.P.A.

[Anonymous]

The way to sell yourself is to figure out what about you makes you perfect for them. I know that's very “duh”, but it's the basic essence of it.

Why has hospitality management prepared you for this job? Experience working with varied clientèle, teamwork, perhaps involvement in the accounting side of the business, etc. etc.

How does the non-accounting degree uniquely mold you to have experience/knowledge/etc that will help you in this position?

What about VITA makes you qualified for this?

Ask questions like that of yourself for everything that's on your resume, and for anything that's not. What are your best skills, traits, and habits, and how can you “sell” those as great accounting roles? What are your worst skills, traits, and habits, and how can you mitigate their effect on your work?

I don't know much about Big 4, so that's general interview advice. But if you look around Big 4 threads, there's someone on here whose name I can't remember who is actually a recruiter for Big 4 and often has good advice to share on this topic.

Congrats on the second interview, and good luck. 🙂

[Anonymous]

The way to sell yourself is to figure out what about you makes you perfect for them. I know that's very “duh”, but it's the basic essence of it.

Why has hospitality management prepared you for this job? Experience working with varied clientèle, teamwork, perhaps involvement in the accounting side of the business, etc. etc.

How does the non-accounting degree uniquely mold you to have experience/knowledge/etc that will help you in this position?

What about VITA makes you qualified for this?

Ask questions like that of yourself for everything that's on your resume, and for anything that's not. What are your best skills, traits, and habits, and how can you “sell” those as great accounting roles? What are your worst skills, traits, and habits, and how can you mitigate their effect on your work?

I don't know much about Big 4, so that's general interview advice. But if you look around Big 4 threads, there's someone on here whose name I can't remember who is actually a recruiter for Big 4 and often has good advice to share on this topic.

Congrats on the second interview, and good luck. 🙂

[kmaahs]

Thanks for the tailored advice, Lilla!

Anyone else have anything interesting to add?

C.P.A.

[kmaahs]

Thanks for the tailored advice, Lilla!

Anyone else have anything interesting to add?

C.P.A.

[Anonymous]

Firms in my area LOVED the candidates with hospitality experience last year. They really used their people/social skills to land the jobs. Be yourself, don't overthink or stress about your interview performance, and use those people skills!

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Firms in my area LOVED the candidates with hospitality experience last year. They really used their people/social skills to land the jobs. Be yourself, don't overthink or stress about your interview performance, and use those people skills!

Good Luck!

[Author]

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