[Meg267]

Last Friday I applied for a position at a small local firm. About an hour later, I received an email from one of the partners asking for a transcript. I responded back about 2 hours later with my transcript, a longer resume, and a cover letter attached. I noted in the email that I graduated over four years ago and in that time I’ve gained experience working in the private industry.

Anyway, I haven’t heard anything back. How long should I wait before I reach back out to him? I’d love to get an interview, but I’m so impatient and wish I’d he’d email back. Should I follow back up with him?

[M123]

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. I would give it close to a week – so maybe wed or thur? But I would try calling then – rather than just emailing – even find out who their admin is and try to become buds and find out what the best way to contact him would be. Then you're on an email radar and call radar and you show interest.

A partner is getting spam emails all day long from recruiters, vendors, candidates, in addition to their “day job”. So the trick is to find some way to elevate above that noise. Heck – I'd even ask them out to coffee – how often does that happen ?

[Meg267]

Thanks for responding! I was thinking about asking him out to coffee as well. I like the idea of calling instead of sending an email! I'll give it another day or so and then call. Thanks!

[Pete]

You should follow-up, every several weeks (a few people have told me this). Unless you're a very smooth phone operator, I would send follow-up emails. If this is a small firm, you'll have to get through some administrative assistant, who will either tell you that he/she will forward your information/request to the partner (ie. black hole-she won't actually do anything with it) or direct you to the partner's voicemail. Additionally, if you manage to get the partner on the phone, it puts him/her “on the spot” and most people don't like to be in this position. You'll get a “we're considering candidates” response probably.

If you ask to grab coffee with the partner, offer to buy it for him/her. Unfortunately though, since you already applied for the job, it's much less likely to happen. The partner already knows that you're more interested in the position than advice, which puts him/her in an awkward situation; he's not going to want to reject you for the position, over coffee. You're best bet is to keep following up for this job, every 2 weeks. In the future, don't mention the job/posting and ask the partner to have a brief phone conversation, where you can gather advice/network.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Anonymous]

They're being an asshole and making you wait, then a week or two weeks later when you say you are still interested in the job they will lowball you on the salary/compensation offer.

This is especially true if you are not currently working for another employer. They will assume you are in a needy position and try to save on costs. That's how the smaller firms are.

I would honestly stay away from the smaller firms as much as possible. The firms with 20 people or less tend to be very savage (but not always necessarily).

[Pete]

I agree with Brickell above. In my experience at VERY SMALL FIRMS, you'll likely work LONGER HOURS than the larger firms, with less marketable experience (smaller firms do mostly simple tax returns), and much lower pay/benefits. Additionally, these firms are VERY VOLATILE, especially after tax season. Understand that it's very common for these smaller firms to hire people for tax season, then lay them off, right after. They time their layoffs, so that they don't have an increase in unemployment claims.

My friend and I have both had a similar experience at small firms (under 15 people). You can still pursue the job, but understand there are some risks associated with very small firms. Learn about the unemployment laws in your state, so you can decide weather to pursue it or not.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Meg267]

We have literally only three firms in town, two of decent size and this small one. No Big 4s anywhere close. So I applied to all three firms. This is the first time I've heard anything and was shocked when the partner reached out directly via email. Besides wanting my transcript, he asked for a salary range that I was looking for. I didn't give him a range, I said it would depend on benefits. I bet you both are right, that he was going to try and low-ball for salary. I've been in the private industry for 4+ years, but am looking to go public. I'd love to make the jump now so that I can get in before busy season, but I haven't heard from the other two firms at all.

[jeff]

I wouldn't email back unless you have a solid reason for doing so – like another offer.

Otherwise, you'll appear in a weak negotiating position i.e. needy.

I also wouldn't ask them out for coffee … that could end in disaster … awkward small talk, etc.

Keep the environment controlled – like in an email or interview.

Do some research and have a salary range if it comes up again … back it up with something from Robert Half.

If you are looking for $70k and the range is $80-95k … you'll look like a bargain. They could have been thinking $65k and you want to anchor them with a range.

[Anonymous]

You can still give it a shot and get the experience if you wanted. The thing is most of the bigger firms and companies don't place a lot of value in smaller public accounting firm experience.

Most in-demand accounting-related job descriptions will require you to have public accounting experience from a mid-size or Big 4 firm.

You can definitely still get good experience working at a smaller firm, but it may not be as promising or of much value afterward when you want to apply to those upper management type positions in the future, UNLESS you know someone in the company you eventually want to move to or are a CPA. If you don't have a referral or know anyone to get your foot in the door, chances are your resume will likely be overlooked or placed at the bottom of the stack.

I haven't lasted longer than 1-2 years myself working in those type of firms. It may be a different story if I was already licensed, but I have seen more than enough of the office politics and sketchy work environment to care to pursue those type of positions again. Also if you haven't already completed the exam you may definitely want to reconsider. I went into a firm like that a few years back with already having two sections passed. They gave no consideration and I eventually lost credit. Some firms will do stuff like that so they can keep you there at low cost and so you can't leave once you finish the exam.

Not all smaller firms are like this though, but you never really know.

A good indicator of a good working environment can be the ratio of CPAs working there. The more CPAs the better.

[Meg267]

@Jeff — Thanks for responding! that makes so much sense!

@Brickell — That's good thinking to check out the ratio of CPAs working there. I have my CPA license, but it seems like I'm still struggling, as no one is calling for interviews or anything.

I work for a publically traded company, it's a good job. I just want to get public experience and I'm worried that I'm going to have trouble getting in, so I'm debating taking whatever I can get. Which really isn't the answer either. I'm in a sticky situation.

I'll just wait and see if the partner reaches out for an interview.

[Meg267]

You guys were so right! I waited it out, and today I received an email from the Admin Assistant asking me to come in and interview on Monday! I have to check my calendar when I get back to work in the morning to see which time slot works for me, but I'll be interviewing for the position at the small firm on Monday!

[Lentilcounter]

Congrats

BEC = 72 (6/08/16)
FAR = ?
REG = ?
AUD = ?

[Ana]

now just practice to nail the interview. good luck!

[Author]

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