[kmaahs]

So I worked my butt off all summer and passed the CPA exam 4/4 just in time for fall recruiting.

My theory was that such a move would make me a strong candidate for entry level positions and more or less counter the fact that I have no internships under my belt as I did my MSA program rather fast and had only one shot, last year, to land one, which did not materialize.

Well I talked with 10 firms, 3 of which big 4, the rest were regional or smaller firms. (i spoke with 1 big 4 at a different event and the recruiter told me she had no winter openings and probably no need for a tax guy come fall either due to good internship retention so I didnt burn time waiting in their line)

I’ve got 1 interview with E&Y (yay!) but have been rejected by 6 of the remaining 9 as of today. (3 firms have yet to make a decision.) I’m pumped for my E&Y interview and will be preparing all day today for my 9am interview tomorrow, but reality is slapping me in the face that I may not get a shot at public right now. I suspect my desire for a winter start date has something to do with it as fewer opportunities exist. I told every firm that didn’t have a winter start date that I would entertain later start dates, but I think they don’t want to risk wasting their time with me and having another firm give me my desired start date later in the process.

Ok now for my questions…

I went to my undergrad’s career fair first, and my MSA school is having one tomorrow. There will only be maybe 1-3 firms that I haven’t already talked to. Should I only talk to them or should I also talk to firms that have rejected me through the other career fair for a second shot?

Fast forward…. Say I don’t get a job in public after all is said and done with the few interviews I might get. What next? Who would I want to talk to or what type of jobs should I look for? I do have some minimum wage requirements (i.e. a $12 an hour AP position won’t pay my bills) and I really want to work under a CPA to move forwards with my license-sure process. Apart from small 1-2 cpa firms, where should I look?

Any advice is appreciated! I’m feeling kinda bummed because I really worked hard all summer telling myself that the CPA exam would open doors and I’m not really experiencing that so much…

C.P.A.

[Mayo]

“I have no idea how you aren't landing interviews like crazy.”

Yah me neither. That's just crazy. Are you sure there's not a small typo somewhere that may be causing your resume to be ignored?

Because other than that, it just seems insane to me that you're not getting more attention.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[kmaahs]

I have a suspicion that my desire for a winter start date is hurting me…

Both Deloitte and PwC both told me flat out that they didn't have any winter opportunities.

I think what is getting me is that I am being ignored because many FT positions are being filled by past interns. The recruiter at Deloitte flat out told me that in a perfect world they would not ave FT hires, as interns would account for all their hires.

I'ts a bummer, but I'm trying to be realistic and get a plan B on paper in case things don't work out the way I had planned…

C.P.A.

[kmaahs]

I have a suspicion that my desire for a winter start date is hurting me…

Both Deloitte and PwC both told me flat out that they didn't have any winter opportunities.

I think what is getting me is that I am being ignored because many FT positions are being filled by past interns. The recruiter at Deloitte flat out told me that in a perfect world they would not ave FT hires, as interns would account for all their hires.

I'ts a bummer, but I'm trying to be realistic and get a plan B on paper in case things don't work out the way I had planned…

C.P.A.

[Mayo]

Ahhh I see. I thought you were applying for internship positions.

That makes sense. Most FT positions are meant to be filled by past interns. Te only time they are not is if:

a.) Some interns did not accept a FT offer

b.) Hiring needs unexpectedly changed.

I think my advice still stands in terms of talking to all the other firms. FT positions can crop up unexpectedly, and you really want to put yourself in a position where if that happens you'll be considered.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Ahhh I see. I thought you were applying for internship positions.

That makes sense. Most FT positions are meant to be filled by past interns. Te only time they are not is if:

a.) Some interns did not accept a FT offer

b.) Hiring needs unexpectedly changed.

I think my advice still stands in terms of talking to all the other firms. FT positions can crop up unexpectedly, and you really want to put yourself in a position where if that happens you'll be considered.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[acamp]

“I have a suspicion that my desire for a winter start date is hurting me…

Both Deloitte and PwC both told me flat out that they didn't have any winter opportunities.”

I'd rather take a position ANY time than that $12/hour hypothetical AP job mentioned earlier LOL.

I would become a little softer on your start date, definitely talk to the other Big4 at this other recruiting thing. I don't know how emphatic you were on the winter start with them last time, but I wouldn't even mention it this time around. That is more of a after offer thing to talk about. Bulk of start dates are not Winter, so bringing it up, almost disqualifies from most hiring schedules. Even if you weren't forceful about it, “eh, this one wanted to start in December or something, meh, round file”

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

“I have a suspicion that my desire for a winter start date is hurting me…

Both Deloitte and PwC both told me flat out that they didn't have any winter opportunities.”

I'd rather take a position ANY time than that $12/hour hypothetical AP job mentioned earlier LOL.

I would become a little softer on your start date, definitely talk to the other Big4 at this other recruiting thing. I don't know how emphatic you were on the winter start with them last time, but I wouldn't even mention it this time around. That is more of a after offer thing to talk about. Bulk of start dates are not Winter, so bringing it up, almost disqualifies from most hiring schedules. Even if you weren't forceful about it, “eh, this one wanted to start in December or something, meh, round file”

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Natalia.Autenrieth]

Hi – I concur with using the fair as another opportunity to make connections. You are in a marathon, not a sprint – just because you don't get offers this time around does not mean that those connections are meaningless in the long run.

EY interview is a great start, and I am sure you will be maximizing it.

As far as Plan B goes, you may not need a permanent position if Plan A does not work out. Consider contracting for the tax season with an eye on the next round of recruiting. Small CPA firms, or even sole proprietors, may welcome your help for their busiest time – it may not be the glam offices on the 47th floor with a view, and not the front-page clients, but it buys you some solid experience, time, and money. There is a perfect outcome here somewhere, even if not exactly the one you planned!

Good luck!

[Natalia.Autenrieth]

Hi – I concur with using the fair as another opportunity to make connections. You are in a marathon, not a sprint – just because you don't get offers this time around does not mean that those connections are meaningless in the long run.

EY interview is a great start, and I am sure you will be maximizing it.

As far as Plan B goes, you may not need a permanent position if Plan A does not work out. Consider contracting for the tax season with an eye on the next round of recruiting. Small CPA firms, or even sole proprietors, may welcome your help for their busiest time – it may not be the glam offices on the 47th floor with a view, and not the front-page clients, but it buys you some solid experience, time, and money. There is a perfect outcome here somewhere, even if not exactly the one you planned!

Good luck!

[Author]

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