Top Ten Reasons You Still Want To Work For The Auditors
College students are being wined, dined, and picked over by the large firms. The recruiting season is in full bloom. One of the most frequent searches leading to my blog is some variation on what to wear to the post-interview fancy restaurant dinner.
As you go through the experience, remember: They’ve already established what you are. The firms are now just trying to figure out what your final price is.
This post was originally published at Going Concern.com on August 19, 2009.
The Top Ten Reasons You Still Want To Work for the Big Audit Firms:
10. “A career in Tax at KPMG is dynamic and intellectually demanding. Could you take the pace?” Perhaps… Unfortunately, the pace has slowed considerably for everyone cut yesterday.
9. “[At Deloitte] audit isn’t what it used to be. Our clients expect more of us. And our risk-based approach, experienced professionals, comprehensive methodologies and technical resources deliver.” Yes, at least 50 billable hours a week, meaning you’re on the clock at least 80, managing the risk of falling asleep, your face landing in leftover stuffed pizza scattered all over the conference table.
8. “PricewaterhouseCoopers is all about you. Your personal and professional development, your achievement, your life long learning, your individuality and your choices. “ Actually, PwC is all about PwC.
7. “I’m going to Disney World!” I think we’ve seen the last of first year training blowouts at Disney World. Prepare yourself for Houston in August.
6. “[At EY] your base salary compensates you for the value you bring to the firm and for meeting our everyday high expectations. Our goal is to make base pay externally competitive, internally equitable and related to performance.” If only you knew what your salary was going to be. Job offers made with no start dates, no salary info. Previous salary commitments retroactively “adjusted for market conditions.” Or is it the inevitable overtime pay requirements? Sign up, forsake all others. Don’t call us, we’ll call you with the details.
5. “At PricewaterhouseCoopers, we are committed to ensuring women have the opportunity to build a rewarding career. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s a business issue that affects our bottom line.” Yes, ladies, you are a business issue. You can make us money or cost us money. Especially when you’re a whore.
4. “BDO Seidman offers a distinctly different option for talented professionals as they evolve their careers.” Unless or until they shrink enough to cry “too poor to pay” the pending $571 million judgment.
There are some Tax positions open, however.
But don’t expect to make partner soon in the UK.
3. PwC is blogging! Yea! They embrace social media! Well…Yes… If you’re interested in the “Gender Agenda.” Because gender issues are a business issue. Just don’t try to make it a real conversation or you’ll get banned.
2. Deloitte Wants You! “For U.S. junior military officers transitioning to the business world, Deloitte offers an unparalleled opportunity to create a challenging and rewarding career.”
Unfortunately, the BearingPoint professionals just acquired may not have as easy of a time fitting in. Some of them actually started at KPMG!
1. You want to work with the best. “The people of KPMG are committed to corporate citizenship; they want to lead change and be involved in dynamic solutions that improve the societies in which they live and work,” says Tim Flynn, Chairman, KPMG. Yes, at clients such as Citigroup, New Century, Countrywide, Fortis, Fannie Mae, Rentokil, HSBC…
Recently a colleague contacted me with the following message:
“I want to share a great article on my niece!
Take a look when you have time….”
[take note this is not an article but a corporate profile]
http://www2.goldmansachs.com/careers/our-firm/people/Shekhinah/index.html
So I took a look and responded with the following comments:
My Work
[Profile content] I am responsible for developing talent management programs targeted towards our diverse professionals. My role involves various duties including: conducting research and demographic analyses, managing relationships with internal clients and partnering with external organizations. In addition to my firmwide responsibilities, I am aligned with the Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, Services and Technology divisions and interface with the HCM and business partners to drive diversity throughout those divisions.
I love that my job requires me to think creatively in order to enhance existing programs or develop new programs when we need to strengthen our diversity strategy. I am constantly presented with unique opportunities to meet individuals both inside and outside the firm and to build relationships with senior industry experts and thought leaders. [@Deloitte: “So I’m thinking like this sounds like a resume offer written as . . . “]
My Day
On any given day, my calendar may consist of calls with my global counterparts to discuss local updates on a particular project, meetings with senior leaders to get buy-in for new programs or initiatives, lunch with the head of a consulting firm to review products or discuss potential collaborations for a divisional leadership conference, or crunching representation statistics and developing presentations. Needless to say, my days are always filled with excitement. [@Deloitte: “With the exception of still feeling the excitement this sounds like my typical day . . . or any typical Big4 day . . . minus the putting out fires“]
My Path
[Profile content] I was a little nervous about having to learn about the world of finance on my own.
However, from day one at the analyst orientation program, I was provided with the detailed training that I needed to be successful. Even outside of the orientation programs, there is an abundance of training resources available through Goldman Sachs University on an ongoing basis. Additionally, you come across many supportive colleagues that are willing to sit down with you and help you get up to speed on how to navigate the firm. [@Deloitte: “This one half sounds like she works at Deloitte . . . I guess it just shows that a Big4 is a Big4 is a Big4 is a Big4 (ok, that was 4 right) “]
Myself
[Profile content] Throughout my undergraduate career I was focused on going straight to law school – I had even prepared my applications! When I received a call from a Goldman Sachs recruiter, I had to think long and hard about what I wanted to do. [@Deloitte: “I half expected her to say my uncle (that’s my colleague, who supported her throughout school with the expectation that she was gonna be the next DA or something similar) was more than willing to continue to pay for my education, but . . . “]
[@Deloitte: Given that my colleague is a fellow Big4 resource (here @Deloitte) brings to question whether or not they should have pride or some other emotion related to the content that speaks to the whys of this career choice.]
@Deloitte I find it odd that everyone in this profile piece is referred to by their first names. Did not think of GS as an informal firm.
Francine
I assumed that, as @Deloitte, they were looking to show their youthful side to what they recognize is the new 2.0 socialized generation of graduates who might be interested in positions @GS.
In fact, it seemed the whole piece is written with that intention.
I was actually quite surprised that they had such external facing content. That was until I thought about where American courts/investigators/administrators/parents/etc are with sextexting.
How to Ace an Interview 10 Tips For Making a Great Impression
April 28, 2011
Interviews can be nerve-wracking; especially since the advent of the behavioral interview-where employers added a whole new level of question to help determine not only your skill-set, experience, and goals, but to better understand your personality and how you handle situations. Still, the basics for being your best remain much the same. So, here are our top 10 tips on how to ace that interview:
1. Do your homework. Before you ever set foot through the door, you should learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying with. Usually, the company’s website is a great place to gain that information, but don’t be afraid to ask for company brochures and literature. Asking questions about the company and wanting to learn more shows the employer that you’re not just interested in the position, but in the company itself.
2. Be prepared. Know the name of the person you’re interviewing with and use it. Take extra copies of you resume and a list of references. In the days before the interview, sit down and write down questions you would like to ask. Think through your experience and be ready to answer questions and offer in-depth information. Often the interviewer is not only looking for how you meet the skill-set, but assessing your behavioral patterns as well, so be prepared to provide detailed and specific responses.
3. Dress appropriately. The interview dress code rule of thumb is this: Always dress slightly better than the corporate dress code and the position you’re applying for dictates. So, if your job requires jeans and t-shirt, interview in pressed trousers and a nice shirt. You want to look clean, pressed, well-groomed, and smartly dressed. This doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, but it does mean it needs to be clean and of decent quality. And pay attention to the shoes; a great suit losses its power if the shoes are worn and scuffed.
4. Be on time. This doesn’t mean show up for your 9AM at 9AM; it means, show up at 8:45. If unsure of the location, scout it beforehand. If unsure of the traffic situation, leave extra early. If you end up arriving to soon, don’t wait in the lobby, wait in your car or find a quiet place to sit and review your notes.
5. Keep a happy medium. Don’t ramble. Questions like, “Tell me about yourself” aren’t an opening for you to talk about your childhood. Keep your responses on focus; discuss only that which is relevant to the job and company you’re applying for. At the same time, make sure you say enough. Be succinct, but don’t be too short with information. Talking too little is as bad as talking too much.
6. Stay true to the message. Your message, in this instance, is “Here is what I have done and what I can do for you in a way that delivers a strong return in your investment in hiring me.” This doesn’t mean open season to talk about how you are the end-all and be-all to save the company from itself; no one likes a braggart. What it does mean is that you focus on your strengths, experience, and goals, and how they fit with the position and company.
7. Avoid talking money or benefits. These discussions are best left for after the job has been offered. Focusing too much on them gives the impression that money and perks are all that you’re interested in. Worse, by discussing salary at this phase, you just give the employer the ammunition they need to screen you out
8. Be careful when talking about your current/previous employer. While some may think that criticizing their past employers shows them as go-getters keen to move ahead; in truth, all it does is paint you as a malcontent. So stick to the old adage: “If you can’t say something positive, don’t say anything at all.”
9. Smile and stay calm. Yes, you’re going to be nervous; you know it and they know it. It is how you handle being nervous that will count. Be aware of your body language; sit up straight and don’t fidget. Smile when you talk. Look confident, make eye contact, and speak clearly and succinctly. Don’t rush your words and don’t interrupt the interviewer.
10. Assume that for everyone you meet, it is Interview Number 1. That means, don’t be rude the receptionist, and when the interviewer says, “I’d like you to meet my boss” assume that the boss has never seen your credentials. Everything you say and do whilst in that environment is part of the interview; so stay on your toes and act the part.
Interviewing is a learned skill, but even those of us who’ve been through our share can still make mistakes. Whether new to the job-seeking world or a veteran; by taking these 10 tips to heart, you are well on your way to ensuring that the next interview you’re on, you’ll make a great impression.
As one of the leading authorities on resume writing, personal branding, and job searching, Michelle Dumas is the founder of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Since 1996, Michelle and her team have empowered thousands of professionals worldwide with results-generating resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com to get your free “Revive Your Resume” audio mini-seminar.
When your job search is not giving you the results you need, it is time to seek out professional help. We can help you get your search back on track and help you find your dream job. Come visit the industry leading professional resume writing service at http://www.resumewriterinc.com today!
3 Favorite quotes from the article:
1. Prepare yourself for Houston in August.
2. You can make us money or cost us money. Especially when you’re a whore
3, Don’t call us, we’ll call you with the details.
I’m really enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing.
United Accounting Workers (UAW)
How would everyone feel if we started a new union for accountants? Is anyone interested in fighting back against unfair hiring/firing practices and age discrimination? Examples include forced free overtime, dishonest recruiting tactics, and firing people after tax season, etc.