Big 4 accounting firms

Celticwarrior

I have am constantly getting rejected by the big 4 accountancy firms. I got one interview last year, and one interview this year (both different firms). I don't mind getting rejected at the interview stage, but not getting that far is really bugging me.

I am just wondering does anyone know what exactly they are looking for?
I have a mid way 1.1 commerce degree, specialized in accounting and I am currently doing a masters in accounting. But none of this seems to be making a difference.

Does anyone have any tips, that may help me getting to the interview process?

BossArky

Have you travelled? Do you take part in community investment type activites? Do you have any hobbies? They want to see this type of stuff on the CV, not just straight A's.

dudara

You're going to have to learn some lingo to put on your CV. Strong words and phrases describing your achievements and interests, rather than just dry academic results.

Celticwarrior

BossArky wrote:

Have you travelled? Do you take part in community investment type activites? Do you have any hobbies? They want to see this type of stuff on the CV, not just straight A's.

Haven't travelled, but thats cos I have no interest in it yet!

No commmunity investment type things, thats something I hadn't thought of!

Hobbies, Ya I have do have a few, I'll definately fill that out a bit more next time they are offering jobs!

Cheers, It all helps.

dudara wrote:

You're going to have to learn some lingo to put on your CV. Strong words and phrases describing your achievements and interests, rather than just dry academic results.

Ya true there is always more room for lingo. Definately take that on board about praising myself up on the achievements, just afraid I will come across as cocky as opposed to confident.

chump

Hey Celtic Warrior I just got the one interview out of four aswell. This was first time I applied. Unlike you I'd imagine it was my college results that made me get more negative than positive responses, as tbh they certainly weren't 1.1's...

I'd guess that it's your essay style answers that are putting you down the list... You really do have to big yourself up, lots of positive/strong words and phrases... You need to look at what they want (skills) and demonstrate that you have them and give examples...

For example on the kpmg website they say things like...

For clients, a key strength is our ability to unravel complex data, legislation and other information and provide them with direction and guidance.
- Do you have a technical aptitude, good number skills, examples of directing and guiding, problem solving

So an ability to relate to people from all walks of life with different perspectives on business is just essential.
- Communication skills, customer service focus, work experiences related to this? and on and on

Now the people I've come across who've done well, and gotten a lot of interviews are all usually well rounded people... (unlike me ) ...

Good grades
Sociable people with strong communication skills
A strong interest (&achievements) in sport, music or something particular
Good solid experience, either work, charity, possibly travel
Confidence

The ideal person would be a 1st/2.1 graduate or postgraduate having spent 1 summer (at least) working in an accounting firm, with a strong interest in a particular sport, having had plenty of experience in college giving presentations, who also volunteers for the Simon Community

BossArky

Celticwarrior wrote:

Haven't travelled, but thats cos I have no interest in it yet!

Working with one of these companies for long enough means that you are going to meet people from all cultures and travel all over the place. If you have experience doing this prior to joining them, then its a big big plus. I would say its more or less a pre-req... so when you finish your Masters (or if you have a summer between years) go and work abroad for some relevant experience and CV filling material. If you cannot get work then just get a Harley and cruise around South East Asia. (I've actually seen a successful CV with that on it) :v:

Celticwarrior

Cool, I have most of the things you describe, but I could definately do with focusing on some of the things you mentioned like communication skills and I might make up or exaggerate my actual participation in sport! While I am interested, i just don't have the skills to play!

I do have experience of meeting people from other cultures, but I haven't mentioned it! Good thinking!

chump wrote:

Hey Celtic Warrior I just got the one interview out of four aswell. This was first time I applied. Unlike you I'd imagine it was my college results that made me get more negative than positive responses, as tbh they certainly weren't 1.1's...

I'd guess that it's your essay style answers that are putting you down the list... You really do have to big yourself up, lots of positive/strong words and phrases... You need to look at what they want (skills) and demonstrate that you have them and give examples...

For example on the kpmg website they say things like...

For clients, a key strength is our ability to unravel complex data, legislation and other information and provide them with direction and guidance.
- Do you have a technical aptitude, good number skills, examples of directing and guiding, problem solving

So an ability to relate to people from all walks of life with different perspectives on business is just essential.
- Communication skills, customer service focus, work experiences related to this? and on and on

Now the people I've come across who've done well, and gotten a lot of interviews are all usually well rounded people... (unlike me ) ...

Good grades
Sociable people with strong communication skills
A strong interest (&achievements) in sport, music or something particular
Good solid experience, either work, charity, possibly travel
Confidence

The ideal person would be a 1st/2.1 graduate or postgraduate having spent 1 summer (at least) working in an accounting firm, with a strong interest in a particular sport, having had plenty of experience in college giving presentations, who also volunteers for the Simon Community