Eddie500,

Good point. My school has an Erecruiting site..and it's pretty decent, though I haven't landed a single interview either from Monster.com, nor my school's erecruiting site.  Knowing someone, like a recruiter, a partner, etc. def. helps. Being older and a recent CPA with little experience is definitely a HUGE negative in this marketplace.

That's pretty encouraging that you actually landed 2nd round interviews with the Big Four from making appointments with the Big Four through your school's on campus recruitment drives. Though you might have a much better resume and more polished interview skills than me. But, I am definitely going to give it my all.

My parents are originally from Mumbai, and I've been there many times. Dubai is doing exceedingly well, and is almost like a 1st world city. But truthfully, I'd go anywhere if I was paid in dollars, and it was a solid position in auditing.

Good luck on the FAR. 

Dahlia,

No worries. I am extremely frustrated, but that's part of the game.  Life is a roller coaster...you have to be on the ride. Sometimes you're up..sometimes you're down.

You have to see what you have to leverage to get what you want. For e.g., recruiters, friends, other cpas have told me that I have to leverage my limited tax experience to get into auditing.

I think  you'll have to start out at any small tax accounting firm, learn the business, learn tax more, learn audit, etc...and step up into bigger firms. 

It's frustrating cuz I'll probably be like 50 before I'm successful. lol. Funny isn't it?  But hey..better late than never. And in this fast paced competitive global economy...it's good that you have a CPA..increases your chances of a job. 

Don't worry...I know you're 36 ...I'm 30..not far off. It's frustrating, I know..but be patient..I am being patient as well.  If I don't get anything I'm going to use this time to study for maybe a CIA certification, or enroll in a Masters in Tax program at my local grad school. Right now..economy sucks.  At somepoint it will roll around, and you'll be ready..with more experience, with more certifications, if you use smaller firms to get to big firms...and continue to educate yourself.

It's ruff..I friggin HATE it. But hey..you take your lumps in life..this could be one of em. (And I'm kind of talkin bout myself here. lol). 

So hang in there..and keep posting on this board so we can share experiences, what works, and what doesn't...

-SouthSideIrish