[Anonymous]

Hey everyone, I just have a quick question regarding interviews.

Recently, I was interviewed by a public accounting firm for an entry level staff accountant position last wednesday. At the same day after the interview, I sent them a thank you letter through email. Then, the partner who interviewed me replied by saying that they would let me know by the end of last week.

But now, it is already the 2nd week, so I sent them a follow up email to see what was going on, and expressed my strong interest to join the firm and my goal was to learn from them about accounting and taxation in the real world. I also said it was my dream to become a professional accountant by joining a public accounting firm, all I am looking for is an opportunity. Afterwards, the same partner replied me by saying thank you for my keen interest, and they were still in the process of reviewing candidates, also they would let me know forsure once they have finalized their decision.

Hence, I am wondering if it is a good idea to express too much interest for a job? I mean during the interview, I didn’t even ask for a high compensation, and I said I cared more about what I could learn in the job. I think I might have overdone it in my follow up email, so they might think I am desparate or needy, sigh.

What do u guys think? Is there still a chance for me to get this job?

Thanks!

[jeff]

🙂

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[kandisjoy]

Yes, there is a chance. Just don't bug them again. If they said they would get back to you, they will.

I can't see Jeff's post for some reason, I'm guessing it's blocked by my work.

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[undeniabletwins2]

RE : the video,

I wld change my phone number asap.

@CPA-ROOKIE,

Based on my experience being working in the public sector for 15 years is that at the interview stage you usually wait for 2 weeks and if u dont hear back then u send them your first email or call HR.

There is a lot of red tape in doing these interviews and goes through different levels of management so your waiting time can be up to 3 months or more and you still get the job plus a second follow up interview.

If you knew someone on the inside maybe in HR you cld ask them if they heard anything or had any idea what was going on but if not you have to wait and continuing applying for other jobs and maybe get more interviews and “dont put your eggs in one basket” in case you dont get this one.

Wish you the best of luck on your job search.

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[jeff]

The last place I worked before I quit and did another71 full time took a month before HR called me and said the job was mine.

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[Anonymous]

My only experience was with a local Atlanta firm that came to Georgia State U to interview candidates. The lady doing the interview seemed extremely debit like….very boring and uninteresting in a generic human way. I had a hard time believing that she was the face of the firm. If she were buck naked, I would have a hard time making it through a dinner with her (even if the food was good).

I asked how many people they were interviewing at State and she said 200. Then I asked how many Universities/Colleges they were visiting and I want to say that she said 12 or 13. I then asked her how many people they were hiring…..1…(one)…(uno)…

Definitely give them time…I figure it is this way. If they want you, they will be back with you. If they don't, they will not and no amount of interest or bugging of the employer will do the trick. I think a lot of those thank you letters, follow up calls, etc. etc. etc. are a thing of the past and were never really effective at getting anyone a job. I think most of those were put into place in order to stroke the egos of the “Professional” HR staff members. Now that much of the HR hiring function is done by outsourcing or managers themselves, I think it is a waste of time.

[Anonymous]

If you show too much interest, that reeks of desperation and that turns off employers.

If you show too little interest, that says you may be playing a game and that turns off employers.

Basically speaking, employers are trying to do what it takes to disqualify.

[Anonymous]

@CPA_Rookie,

You should keep applying other places till you get an offer. It is too risky to put all eggs in one basket.

[Anonymous]

I helped do recruiting for my public accounting firm, and I can tell you that desperation is a huge turn off, and we can smell it a mile away.

Did you come off a little strong? probably. Does that mean you definately wont get the job? of course not. The hiring partner is still going to weigh you against your competition, and his/her reaction to your follow up emails will be a personal preference about if it turns him/her off or not.

By the way, offering to work for a lower salary is not a good thing. Do your research, and ask for whatever the going rate is in your area. This is really important, because if you undersell yourself it tells the recruiter not only that you undervalue your services and ability to contribute to the firm, but that you havent done your research about the public accounting industry and maybe dont understand the position well enough either.

Also as a general interviewing tip, keep in mind that this is a two way street. Go in thinking to yourself “I have alot to contribute to this firm, I have alot to offer, and there is alot the firm has to offer me”. Let the partner know that you have very strong technical accounting skills, and your academic education has given you strong business and economic skills as well. Tell them that you learn fast, and always seek to be an expert in whatever field you choose. Highlight examples in your personal life where you strive for personal excellence. Maybe you have a blackbelt, or are a really good guitar player. Anything that shows how you've pushed yourself to master a skill. Accounting is another technical skill that you are working hard to master.

In an interview, stressing how much you want to learn is good, but dont let the partner feel like you dont know anything and are relying on them to teach you everything. Keep in mind you arent starting from zero, you have all your years of education to rely on too. Show that you understand what htis position entails, and highlight all the ways you've prepared yourself for this position. (education, extra curricular leadership, etc)

Your goal in an interview should be to convince the firm/company that this is a good fit for BOTH of you. Even if it is a little more one sided, and maybe you do need them more than they need you, dont let them know that!

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, thx a lot for the comment.

The firm I interviewed at is a very small accounting firm, they didn't even have a HR division. The partner and the manager interviewed me directly. Also, the only reason I sent them a follow up email after a week was becuz the partner said to me that he would let me know by the end of last week.

Btw, wuts the salary ranges nowadays for entry level staff accountant in a small public accounting firm? The firm I went to has less than 10 ppl in total and only 3 partners, so is 28-32K a year a little too low or is it reasonable based on the firm info I provided?

Thanks =)

[misanthrope87]

@CPARookie

Dude, I don't know where you live, but that is disgustingly low for an audit job. Even if the firm is small. Don't devalue yourself in front of the employer by asking for such a rate. They will think you are poor quality.

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[Anonymous]

I live in CA and I was wondering how you find accounting jobs in accounting firms. I want to work in public accounting but I don't have a lot of experience. I haven't seen a single job posting on Indeed or anywhere. I have applied to big 4 jobs but they never answer back even though I have passed most of the CPA exam.

[jelly]

There's also circumstances that are beyond the partners' control, mainly that the firm might be voluntarily or involuntarily shedding clients, which is going to impact budgeting for another position as well as the amount of work that is available for you.

Couldn't pass again!

[Mayo]

Entry level audit salary is around $45 – 50k, depending on where you live.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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