[Anonymous]

A couple of months ago, I started a thread “why can’t I get a job”, in which I stated my qualities as well as failures to get a job. I received suggestions and advice from a lot of ppl (no negative feedback), including big4 and bill.

I’ve applied over 40 accounting firms, including big 4, non-big 4 but national firms, and local small and mid-size firms. I got 4 interviews and went 3 of 4. I utilized the resources on this website and listened to those suggestions. Of course, I prepared much. Finally I got an offer from PwC in tax.

I can’t help recalling all those applications and rejections. I feel that I am super lucky to land a job in a No.1 firm before graduation. In that thread, my attitude was very negative that I complained about my experiences in the interviews and how unlucky I was rejected. But as I applied more, I actually expected more rejections because at least, I had feedback from those firms. At the end of the day, it really was the story of “keep trying”.

Friends and other ppl start to ask me about how to get in Big 4. Regardless of it is big 4 or non-big 4, it is the same strategy: being prepared.

It is not because I have fancy GPA and shinning experience so I will have a job.

It is not because I have a strong network and a good communicating skill so I will have a job.

It certainly is not because I am lucky so I will have a job.

I believe the key is to be prepared. I wasn’t prepared so I got rejections by several firms. But when I was prepared, I heard from PwC and FDIC (I didn’t participate FDIC’s interview).

I wish you all the best. No matter you are a student or a career guy, you will have what you deserve and seize the opportunity when you are really prepared.

[Tncincy]

Congrats on your new job…you're on your way. This helps the rest of us (that didn't know) to be prepared and not rely on being smart, high gpa's, connections, or being lucky. Very heart felt…(maybe I'm in my feelings today) anyway congrats.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Nami]

@cycgundam : I have a difficult time to get a job even I passed the exam. Majority of firm did not invite me for an interview. What do you mean by “prepared” in order to get a job offer from Big 4 ? Do you apply it online without connection ?

If you can give me more details, I would be appreciated. Thank you!

Illinois CPA 02/15

[Mayo]

Congrats and you're welcome 😛

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[viperr647]

LOL @mayo, taking credit for something he/she didn't contribute to?

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/why-cant-i-get-a-job

[Mayo]

Hey, the OP shot out general kudos. I'll take 'em where I can get 'em 😉

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

@Nami:

I am lucky to be accepted by big 4 (no use of connection). It's just my luck. To be honest, I don't see myself as an above-average candidate.

“Prepared” simply means that you have the perfect resume, the skills for your interviews, network, communicating skill, fun personality, team work spirit, full tools to search jobs, and other qualities. Trust me, some candidates just miss something, which excludes them from further consideration.

I don't know if my profile could help. Here are some qualities I have:

-3.5 GPA.

-All 4 CPA exams passed.

-IRS tax experience (less than 1 year), including leadership experience, individual income tax experience, and corporate tax experience.

-Tax volunteer service.

-A few business club activities (no board title acquired).

Here are some things that I did to get a job:

-Indeed.com (searching by “title: tax”, I got a lot of tax job information everyday).

-Google search with the key words “CPA, LLP” and “New York”. I got a lot of local CPA companies info by doing this. From these companies, I discovered a lot of opportunities that didn't show on Indeed.com.

-More business associate activities. I actually had someone who was willing to refer me.

-Job search on vacancies in state, local, and federal agencies. I actually got an interview from FDIC for the position-bank compliance agent.

-Get a list of top 20 accounting firms and apply all the available jobs in those firms. For example, I applied about 20 jobs in BDO and got 2 interviews.

I don't know your situation. You can share your story. I will tell just keep trying. Good things do happen.

[Author]

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