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[voodoojohn]

I know there was a thread about this before, but I thought I'd try to get the opinions of any accountants that recently joined GAF or old hands that have some new perspective to offer.

Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and GT have each offered me an on-campus interview for their respective summer tax internships. GT's interview is tomorrow and the other two (and potentially two more) will take place next week. I've prepped through tons of behavioral questions, my suit is pressed and sharp, and my smile is set to blinding... so what now? Any general tips on first round interviews?

I'm also curious about how much the elements on your resume matter once you're offered the interview. I've been told that once you get to the interview stage, it's all about how you sell yourself. My grades are borderline for a lot of these firms and I don't have great leadership experience, so do those things put me at an immediate disadvantage? Or is the fact that I've been offered an interview essentially level the playing field?

 

[mullinsmcd]

This is actually the first Neogaf topic that I might have some unique insight into. Congrats on getting the interview! I am currently with one of the Big 4 and have been since 2007.

In regards to help for the interview process, it might sound cheesy but I would definitely recommend being yourself. Your first year tax work at any accounting firm you go to will be 95% the same so its definitely important to make connections with the people there. It will help you having people who will vouch for your character and know that you will fit in with the group.

In regards to grades, I have friends who were 4.0s and 3.0s. I don't think it matters as much as long as you connect with them personally. It would definitely be good to make sure you are clear about your intentions for CPA certification and/or grad school. Its not a requirement to have a Masters in accounting or be certified to be a Tax associate , but with today's competition its definitely looking more and more that way. If you can get your masters I would recommend it as it will prep you to take the CPA. With CPA certification, if you have the money I would definitely recommend completing the exam portion before you start full time (as you will most likely get a bonus for that to offset the cost) but if you can't afford it there will be a tuition/test reimbursement available while employed. The only problem is that , in school you think you have no free time, but when you start working you realize how much time you really had before! Having this decided beforehand will help you both in the interview and position you really well after you have a few years experience to either go to another firm or into industry.

Not having leadership is honestly a minus, but you can always refer to stories from group projects or other school group activities and how you took initiative.

One other thing, make sure you join a business fraternity (especially Beta Alpha Psi if its available). Generally, if the Big 4 take the time to come to an event, it will be something like this where they can do a presentation and network with a large crowd of ambitious students. I definitely believe talking with ppl from the Big 4 at these events put me ahead of some of my competition.

Obviously you unfortunately won't be able to do all of these things before next week. Just make sure you have them on your mind after the interview. Also, definitely do not limit yourself to interviewing with the places you listed! Broadcast your ability and do as many interviews as you possibly can, even with industry accounting and local firms. It may seem tiring but it will definitely make you feel more comfortable and boost your confidence.

Good luck and take care!

 

[voodoojohn]

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply! I actually am an MS Tax student (although I come from a non-business undergrad) and I have been actively involved in BAP ever since I began my graduate studies. I attended their Winter Banquet and had the chance to speak to quite a few first-year staff, managers, and even a couple of recruiters. I do think it has given me a leg up.

I've never held a defined leadership position in any organization, but I played an informal leadership role in one of my on-campus jobs. It was one of those things where my position was technically the same as all the other students, but my supervisors and managers pushed me to be a sort of mentor to the other staff due to my relative success and competence. Would this be something good to mention if leadership is brought up during the interview?

If you don't mind, it would be really great if you could provide me with some specific questions that you remember being asked during the interview process. Like I said, I've gone through tons of behavioral q's, but it'd be interesting to see what current staff were actually asked on their way to being hired.

 

[DesertEater]

I thought this was about Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax : /