[Anonymous]

I would like to ask for some tips about my coming interviews with two Big4s. These interviews are “somewhat” different as compared to all the interviews I had in the past. In both cases, managers/partners (not HR) called and emailed me inquiring about my interest, and about an hour later I also received phone calls from their assistants telling me that both of my interviews are at the local restaurants – one for lunch, and another one is for dinner.

Anyone had any experience with these types of interviews? Could anyone who works/worked for Big4s or larger regional firms offer me an advice and some tips? What is this all about?

I guess I need answers to some trivial questions. What to wear? Should I be taking my resume with me?

[almostdone]

I haven't had one of those interviews. Regardless, I would definitely wear a suit and have your resume with you.

I don't know if it will be more casual, but many of my first Big 4 interviews (on campus and at the firm) had very tricky questions: “What is a situation where you felt your integrity was challenged?” “If someone isn't pulling their weight in a team, what would you do?” Situational questions are a pain.

Philadelphia CPA Review/Bisk
AUD 7/6/10: 84 | FAR 7/19/10: 91 | BEC 8/16/10: 80 | REG 08/25/10: 99

[potatogun]

Big4 interviews for full time new associates are usually accompanied by preinterview dinners and lunches. You might be an experienced hire? So the process could just be that the partners in question would rather have lunch with you than just do an office interview.

I would wear a suit. You can always take off the jacket. I would bring a resume, as it does not hurt.

As far as questions go I am sure you've read that Big4 interviews are pretty behavioral. Being at a lunch/dinner I would personally expect them to be along that lines if not more, but you never know because it can depend on the partner.

I would just be prepared to chat about casual manners to display that you're a real person they'd like to have in front of clients AND be able to ask some general recruiting type of questions as almostdone mentioned (being challenged, team environment, ethics, etc)

Be sure to have lots of questions about the firm for the partner and be sure to have the partner talk about his/her career and clients as much as possible!

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[joohj1187]

Definitely bring a resume & wear a suit, it never ever hurts to be overdressed. Also, try not to be too nervous (if that's possible, though I'm convinced I didn't get an internship because I froze up in front of a partner @ PWC) – you gotta try to make casual conversation, more than talking at length about technical stuff about whatever position you might be trying to fill.

Like the others said, ask questions, be engaged/engaging, and show that you're an interesting person with an independent mind, not a drone spouting the “right” answers to questions they might ask.

If the partner's a guy, it would not hurt to read up on whatever sport team is in the area/he might support…nothing builds rapport with other guys than talking about sports! Also read up on current events, show that you're a knowledgeable person!

FAR: 8/5/2010 - 89
AUD: 8/24/2010 - 92
REG: 10/11/2010 - 94!!
BEC: 11/30/2010

[Anonymous]

@almostdone- You wouldn't happen to be a Temple grad would you?

[Author]

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