[Progress]

Hi all – I am currently work in tax and am trying to move from a small firm to a big 4. I have only one busy season under my belt but have 3 exams passed with little motivation to study for the last after i found out i recently failed by two points 🙁 (only test i havent passed on first try)

Anyway I recently had a phone interview with a big 4 firm which was basically a screening. The recruiter was worried about my experience at a small firm and how it would translate to a big 4 saying size doesn’t always matter unless it comes to tax. At this point I obviously tried to sell myself a little more but who knows. This was for an experienced hire position but I don’t understand why it would matter at all bc I still have more experience than any recent college grad and would be highly motivated to get over any learning curve. How can I sell myself with the little chance I do get an opportunity for an in person interview or even for future opportunities? Should I just wait another year and then try? I do not want to hold myself back and would feel i am missing out on valuable time i could be learning about more complex tax issues.

Didnt want to rant but it is a struggle right now as I pretty burned out from tax season and also studying for a retake. Studying everyday really sucks with no one around me who understands the process. I was pretty motivated once i got an email for a phone interview but ever since I had that phone call i can’t focus

[PublicGuy]

Just a friendly reminder that, as an experienced hire, you are not being compared to college grads. You are being compared to the people who have a year or two of Big 4 under their belt. Hence experienced hire. Big difference.

That said, all you can do is put your best foot forward. Express that you want greater opportunity and want to try your hand at bigger clients and more complex situations. With only one year experience you will definitely be fighting uphill, however. One year at a small firm is not viewed the same as one at a big 4, not gonna comment on if that's fair or not, but it tends to be true.

[Author]

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