[Anonymous]

I had an interview at a Big 4 office a few years ago for a Senior position. It was a weird experience.

After two separate interviews with a Senior Manager and a Partner, I was shown around the office which looked more like a colorful high-tech adult daycare. It was strange to see the employees sitting in these glass room offices and conference rooms which resembled what reminded me of an exhibit at a zoo to be honest.

While walking around we approached the break area which was like a home kitchen style area. There was a tall male employee waiting there and I was introduced to him. His greeting was completely scripted and artificial which threw me off. Then as we continued the office tour I was introduced to another employee whose behavior seemed extremely scripted and artificial as well.

1. Were these people planned parts of the interview or was I randomly introduced to them?
2. Were they judging/assessing how I behave and interact with the employees?
3. How do you react/respond when meeting people during an office interview? Do you ask them specific questions about what they do or just shake hands, smile, and nod?

Well, I was offered the position, but ended up turning it down due to a cut salary offer. Thoughts?

[jessica8926]

1. Were these people planned parts of the interview or was I randomly introduced to them?
– I would say they were not planned, but probably get introduced to prospective employees a lot thus their scripted responses. If this was for an auditor position most people who are in the office are either not assigned to a client and just twiddling their thumbs or are not busy at all. Therefore, their attitudes toward you were probably uninterested and boredom. Not trying to downplay big 4, I had two years there and recommend anyone who wants to be in accounting start in public.
2. Were they judging/assessing how I behave and interact with the employees?
– No, partners and managers will make that assessment on their own based on interactions with you. If they wanted to know how you did with others they would most likely do a group interview scenario or offer you a trial period of work.
3. How do you react/respond when meeting people during an office interview? Do you ask them specific questions about what they do or just shake hands, smile, and nod?
– If your interviewer is with you I would tend to shy away from specific questions because its more of a formality that they are showing you around than an opportunity to ask questions. i would just do the normal chit chat and “nice to meet you” departure.

P.S. I saw you took REG a few days ago, hope it went well!

AUD - 69, 77
REG - 74, 81
FAR - 75!
BEC - 71, 82

IL candidate!

Finally done (5/24/16)!! Yahooooooo!

[Anonymous]

Double thanks @jessica8926 🙂

Your response is basically what I thought, but I am always curious about the training employees receive at the Big 4 since it is an international organization.

I have always pictured secret agent level training where higher level auditors are more like detectives and have specialized training to detect lies through subtle interrogation, cross interrogation, and reading facial/body expressions, etc.

Interviewing at some of these positions I have seen them use advanced interviewing tactics as well which makes me believe that employees tend to receive a higher level of training. It even seems that it could be possible I was being observed through camera lenses at the office so others in charge of hiring could view my behavior and interactions.

That is why I'm curious if the employees I came across and was introduced to during my interview were not in fact participating in a “training exercise” themselves. I feel like they were instructed to be where they were in the office and were trained to project a certain image and dialogue to those who were invited to tour the office.

This was located at a fairly large office in South Florida, so not sure if size/location might have anything to do with it.

Just my thoughts, curious for more thoughts and input!

[Author]

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