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 Topic: (Audit) Big 4 Recruiting Q&A ( Topic Closed)
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db729
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| Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 20:38 | IP Logged
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So I'm sure most of you know that recruiting for Big 4 and other public accounting firms should be happening in the coming month. If I can, I would be more than happy to answer any questions. Feel free to ask me about advice, recruiting, interviews, the job, pros/cons, exit opportunities, whatever else you feel like asking. I'll be as candid and thorough as possible. Just FYI, I do work in a Big 4 in the audit practice and I've interned with them as well. I remember being pretty lost without many resources because I got into business late. It was pretty nerve wrecking going through the process without much help or information. Can we please keep this to recruiting for public accounting only. I can try to answer questions regarding other divisions outside of audit, but my knowledge isn't nearly as extensive.
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Driftwood
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| Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 21:15 | IP Logged
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Should resumes be kept to only one page? I can't put all my experience on one page, but I've tried to trim it to the essentials so that I can have that one page resume. Also, I just found out over the weekend that I've passed two more sections of the CPA exam. In all, I've now passed three. FAR is the only one I haven't passed yet. Will having passed three sections help in the least? Finally, do you think should I go to my Alma Mater's Fall career fair where some of the Big 4 will be? I haven't been a student there in years, and the accounting career fairs have already passed.
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db729
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| Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 21:38 | IP Logged
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Driftwood wrote:
Should resumes be kept to only one page? I can't put all my experience on one page, but I've tried to trim it to the essentials so that I can have that one page resume. Also, I just found out over the weekend that I've passed two more sections of the CPA exam. In all, I've now passed three. FAR is the only one I haven't passed yet. Will having passed three sections help in the least? Finally, do you think should I go to my Alma Mater's Fall career fair where some of the Big 4 will be? I haven't been a student there in years, and the accounting career fairs have already passed.
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1. Yes, resumes should be 1pg for an entry level audit position. Have you tried playing with the fonts/margins/spacing/etc? I'm talking about 0.7" margins, 10-11pt font sizes, smaller fonts, etc. How much experience do you have exactly? I can try to look at your resume and help you trim out some stuff. I had a lot on my resume too, but I really played with the spacing, and had to take out stuff that even though were relevant, were less "impressive." But yeah for a 1st year audit position, having a two page resume will mean you have too much experience. One thing I've heard (which I can see as true) is too much experience is bad because it makes you harder to coach.
2. Hmm passing the CPA (or portions of it) really won't help THAT much, but it won't hurt you in any way. The problem is that passing your CPA is expected these days, whether its now or later. It's not like a "plus" on your resume because it's mandatory to have in order to be promoted. I say you put it on your resume, but I wouldn't expect for it to add too much value. Btw congrats on getting it out of the way though!
3. Yes I would definitely go. If you're out of school, trying to get your foot into the door is such a pain in the ass. It's really hard networking just by emailing/calling because everyone gets super busy and it's really the luck of the draw. But if you're going to an alumni career fair, it puts you in a much better places. 1) You get face time with someone, which I've found to be much more effective in networking. 2) The people that are there volunteered to be there. So generally, they are more willing to listen to your story and try to help you out if they can. I'm not saying that you'll be promised an interview because reality is you're out of school, which makes it harder for you. But just keep on grinding it out.
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Driftwood
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| Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 22:06 | IP Logged
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I only have about a year-and-half of public accounting experience, and I've got it on my resume. The rest of my experience I obtained in other fields before I switched to accounting, so I'm not really sure it would be helpful, anyway. I was just concerned that a recruiter may wonder what I did for several years after getting my first degree.
About that career fair, it's not specifically an "alumni career fair." It's just the school's regular fall career fair, but alumni are welcome to attend. I'm not sure if that changes anything as far as your advice in point 3) goes.
Anyway, thanks for the guidance and encouraging words. I don't really expect to have much success with the Big 4 without getting some more public accounting experience first, but I don't guess it hurts to try. Thanks, again!
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db729
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| Posted: 19 Sep 2011 at 22:18 | IP Logged
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Oh you already have PA experience? I was under the impression that you were in industry and want to switch into PA now. You should definitely put that you're almost done with your CPA and attend the career fair. CPA, for whatever reason, is much more helpful when you have actual experience under your belt.
And my point #3 is still very relevant. When it comes to networking, you'll have people that really want to help and those that really don't care. Going to any networking event where Big 4 employees are there is the best, because they volunteered to be there despite their schedule. That means inherently by nature, they're more empathetic and want to be part of the recruiting effort. You may need another busy season under your belt to later into a Big 4, but definitely start making meaningful connections now. Besides, with busy season coming up and the high rate of turnover, this is best of a time to try to get your foot in as ever.
Driftwood, what's your email? Maybe we can talk outside of the forums to see how you can best approach the situation since yours is a bit unique.
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