[Dog pounder1977]

I honestly don’t know what to think. The partner of the firm seemed like he had his mind made up on what he wanted and it did not seem like it was me. I was “scheduled” to be there for 45-1 hr and it seemed like after I began talking about my background/career goals, he was ready to move on to the next. Or maybe I am just paranoid? But I kinda had the sense that I was “buying time” to make the interview longer by asking questions? But what REALLY made things awkward was the freaking business consulting manger used to work directly with the OWNER of my current employer? How awkward was that when the question “why do you want to leave your current employer” came up and I see the owner and his son nearly everyday?

I had to try and not say something that would make him run back and tell? Who knows, he may just call and do it anyway? Overall, I give my interview a 4/10 mainly due to lack of relevant experience with Quick Books. Seems like they wanted that more than ever. Also, the only question they seemed to ask was tell me about yourself and that was my opportunity to “pour my heart out” as to who I was, where I was headed, why I wanted to work here etc. They barely asked any questions. I felt nervous also mainly due to being the only black guy there and people giving me double take looks and such. I don’t know only time will tell.

Lastly at the end he handed me their card (accounting services manager/ partner) and said they had other people to interview and if I don’t hear anything in a week, then contact them. I took it as they were delaying their rejection. What do you all think?

One day I will face that exam.

[Missy]

I'm almost afraid to ask but what did you tell them about why you were looking (and for what its worth, you should always answer that question as if it WILL get back to your current employer, never say anything negative.)

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Dog pounder1977]

I can't remember word for word but I simply said I was looking for more of a challenge and a way to jump start my career in accounting. Personally, I felt beforehand the interview was going to go that way because I knew I lacked the 3 years bookkeeping experience and Quick books experience. I was just in denial. But it's fine. Once I am done with my BA in October I am going to get that Microsoft excel professional certification, the book keeping cert and quick books cert. That should at least make me competitive enough against those that have experience.

One day I will face that exam.

[MaLoTu]

I am sorry to hear that your experience was below expectations. I am also curious as to what you said was your reason for leaving your current employer.

It is possible that your anxiety blurred your perception. if you don't get this one, just chalk it up as a learning experience. Now you have some more to work with when practicing for your next interviews (if needed).

I live in the SF Bay Area and I will tell you that black people are hugely under represented in the accounting field. I have been to several offices and do t recall seeing many. it is great that you have gotten into the field and once you make it (you will it may just take time) you can help others find their way into accounting also.

[CPA50]

Sorry to hear that Tre. Sometimes they have something/someone in mind and you're simply not it. Chalk it up to a practice interview and move on. Don't take it personally.

My fastest interview ever…I walked into the receptionist area, the owner came in, looked me up and down, said “no”, and walked out. His secretary was stunned and I just shook my head and left quickly. Looking back, I'm glad he didn't waste either of our time, but it still stung! I wonder what he wanted – whatever it was, it wasn't me!

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Missbots]

A few months ago I interviewed with McGladrey….to tell you the truth I never thought I'd get the job…I was competing with people from good schools in southern Cali..e.g USC…etc… Also I thought my age would work against me…very late 20's…not just black…but pure African..moved over here about 4 years ago..

I interviewed with 4 different people..30 mins each..and I also felt like they were in a rush to leave the room..

I gave it my best shot…but when I left I was convinced they wouldn't hire a foreigner..who also had zero experience..( the other 2 girls had experience and were just about to graduate from top schools)..

But guess what..4 days later they called with an offer..and they also said I was the best fit for what they were looking for..

My point…just wait..you never know..you might be just what they are looking for…

Good luck

[Dog pounder1977]

@ Malotou: Thanks I appreciate the advice. I don't know maybe its because this state has a 1% black population but I always get that stare like “OMG there are black people here?”. It doesn't bother me personally, but I do notice these things.

@ Missbots: That is great but in your interview did they discuss salary with you? The only time I received that question was during my phone interview. The only person really throwing questions at me was the manager I would be working for if hired and everyone else was on silent mode. But then again, listening to their job roles, she would be the only I would work with; the partner was there because he is partner and the other guy was there for the experience.

@ CPA50: Wow, I would've felt terrible and disrespected because that was extremely rude.

One day I will face that exam.

[AScott89]

Just keep thinking positively Tre. If you don't get then don't get discouraged. I heard no so many times I thought I would never hear yes. Maybe you should look up smaller firms if you're interested and send in your resume to them. That's how I got my current job. I found the firm through a google search and sent in my resume thinking ‘It can't hurt. All they can do is not respond, say no, or say yes.' And they called me the next morning. Sometimes it's all in the timing. Right firm, right time, etc. Keep your head up. You'll find something.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Missbots]

@tre….no they didn't…they mostly asked about where I grew up..how it was like..places I been to…and stuff..honestly because of the questions they asked I just thought..surely no one asks these questions and hire you..

But maybe it's because I told them right away that I have no experience…that I only know things I knew from school..and so forth…when I interviewed I had passed 2 out of 4..both on the first try…even though my country uses IFRS..

So I told them that I taught myself things I knew…went back to school to get my masters just so I can meet the 150 hours..

The recruiter later called me and said they thought I was professional and presented myself well..

They only told me the pay when they made me the offer…

But like everyone is saying..keep applying..just in case..but don't give up hope till you hear from them..

[Author]

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