[Anonymous]

So, I am unemployed at this time..getting my masters in accounting.

Had some internship interviews with firms [including Big 4].

My grades were strong but I just failed at the interviews, I guess..

I’m hoping to get a full time audit position starting in Fall 2012 [when I finish the program].

From my user name, I’m guessing you can probably tell which one is my first choice 😉

However, putting that aside… I hope to pass Audit and Reg [took Audit today and am taking Reg on Feb 21] ASAP. Will passing these sections significantly increase my chances at top public accounting firms?

[jamesblunt69]

Not as much as being able to answer common interview questions could. Treat your interview prep like you treat your CPA prep. Know and memorize your answers to the most common interview questions. Proper preparation will give you confidence in your answers.

Tell me about yourself.

Why did you choose XYZ University?

Why do you want to work for Deloitte?

What attracted you to accounting?

What is your biggest weakness?

Tell me about a time you worked with a bad teammate.

Tell me about a time you took charge on a project.

Formulate your answers to match the job description posted. If they're looking for someone with “strong analytically skills/good working with teams/etc” try to formulate your answer to show them why you fill that requirement. The interviewer will be looking for reasons why you did or did not meet these bullet points.

Also have prepared some thoughtful and unique questions to ask them back. Asking about their career path always seems to work; also, asking a question about how something on the front-page of the WSJ effects their business line would be a big plus.

[Minimorty]

Passing the exam will give you a boost. Passing a couple of sections? Not so much.

Don't let yourself get psyched out in an interview. More often than not, the interviewer is not even listening to what you have to say. They just want to see how you handle the questions and get a sense for your overall personality. Making sure your personality fits with their team is far more important than the answers you provide to specific questions. Have fun with it and be personable. DO NOT BE A ROBOT and do not come off as too rehearsed. Memorizing answers to specific questions, I believe, is a BAD idea.

[jamesblunt69]

Maybe memorize was the wrong word, you definitely want to know the answers to common questions. I know plenty of people that think they can go in to interviews and wing their answers because “hey, who knows me better than me? RIGHT?”. You want to know more than the gist of what you want to say in response to these questions. This ensures that your answer is succinct and to the point and you can rest easy knowing they made you come off as a good choice for the job (you practice them that way).

Of course you dont want to sound like a robot. Even if you practice and know your answer back and forth you should be smooth enough to make it sound natural, pausing, using your hands for emphasis and reading their body language as you speak. If you can't do this right then you don't deserve the position.

[mla1169]

I agree 100% with James. Passing a few sections might possibly increase your chances of getting seen for an interview, but your interview itself is what matters most in landing the job

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips!

I'm working on improving my interviewing skills. I am such a shitty self-promoter though..working hard on it, it's just something that doesn't come naturally to me at all.

Also how do they want you to answer the “Why did you choose X University?”

Literally, everyone has asked me that!!

Also what are good questions to ask on interviews at the end?

Finally, what would make ‘good small talk' when someone from the firm takes you out for lunch?

[jamesblunt69]

I dunno, why did you choose your school? Good value? Parents went there? Your dreamt of being a (whatever your school's dumb mascot is) since you were a kid? Have a human answer and you should be good.

As for small-talk, food and where you live (the city you're interviewing in) are always things people like to chat about. Talk about your favorite food spots and attractions in your city. Young staff and seniors love talking about these things.

[Minimorty]

Hey James – since you are new to the site, perhaps you can fill us in on your status with the exam and what you do for a living…?

[katiekanton]

If we're interviewing James, I want to know four things:

1. Is that picture really you?

2. If so, what happened right before it was taken?

3. Is your life brilliant?

4. Do you often take off everything but your pants, line up all your accessories in a row on the ground, and jump in an arctic sea while it snows?

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[jamesblunt69]

I am currently a circus ringmaster who is 1/4th completed with my exam.

1. No, it isn't.

2. See above.

3. Yes, my love is pure as well.

4. Only when the price is right and the cameras are rolling.

[katiekanton]

….in slow motion.

AUD - 88
FAR - 90
REG - 85
BEC - 88

[Anonymous]

Thanks jamesblunt69! I appreciate the advice!

I got kind of nervous on all of my interviews last time and couldn't really give it my all..however, with each interview I had, I've been realizing the mistakes I have made. Some of it, I think, could have been bad luck but there are things I could have fixed.

[mla1169]

I think the reason they ask why you chose your school is that it is the first commitment you make for yourself as an adult. They are looking for people who are going to stay around a few years, so the real question is what would be the catalyst for you to make a decision that you will stick with?

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Veronica75]

Why don't you schedule some interviews with smaller firms just to practice? Wouldn't hurt. Have you interviewed for other jobs before now? I worked all through college in an accounting firm, law office, insurance agent's office, etc. All those interviews helped me when I got out of school. I say be yourself, be confident. Don't be rehearsed and fake for sure.

I often feel that if I can just get my foot in the door for the interview, I'll have a shot. That's why I need my CPA on my resume! 🙂 Good luck to you!

FAR - 79 (2x)
AUD - 81 (expired), 77!
REG - 74! omg (3x) 87!!!!!!! I'm done! OMG!
BEC - 81 (4x)

[Anonymous]

Also, I am now working as a licensed real estate salesperson. It was something I wasn't doing prior to the interviews. Hoping to be able to talk some of my experiences during interviews.

[makinthemagic]

The boost it will cause is because of your increased confidence and ability to tell the story of your CPA journey.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[Author]

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