Interviews with Professional Service Firms September 26, 2011

Who is this applicable to? This presentation is directed at all individuals who have applied for first round interviews to assurance or advisory jobs for the professional service firms.

Professional Service Firms are Looking for the following: Leadership Teamwork Strong academics and quantitative skill set Certain personal characteristics (The “fit”)

Before the Interview… I assume you have been to or will go to the company info session and explore every other possible avenue to meet these folks prior to the actual interview! Other presentations Recruiter office hours

The Interview… Be Prepared! Be Punctual! Be Professional! When does the interview start? Already did! Overall, first round interview is more behavioral, less quantitative assessment This will change for advisory candidates involved in second round interviews!

What Are They Looking For? Looking for good communication skills Friendly, interested demeanor Appropriate appearance, dress, grooming etc (appropriate goes both ways!) Candidate knows something about the firm, its sectors, specialties- shows you have done your homework Confident as to what you want to do Candidate who delivers the “right” message The interview just might be fun… often a sign of a good interview!

You Have Got To Tell/Show Them: Why you want to be an accountant/ or advisory member. Why you want to work for their firm. What you have to offer. Show your leadership and teamwork experience whenever possible.

What Kind of Questions Will They Ask? May emulate the questions above.. What are your strengths and weaknesses? “Personal Balance Sheet” Talk about a time when you faced adversity… failed… things didn’t go well… etc… How did you deal with it? OR respond to it. Probably a question on working with teams or in projects. What did you do with the person who controlled the project… or didn’t do their fair share… How would you respond if you knew your boss had a wrong answer, bad info or research… they are looking for responsiveness with tact here! The old “Where do you see yourself in five years?”… be honest, but it had better include you still being with firm, being an expert, being a CPA, or expert in advisory!

What Should I Ask? Have some “prepackaged” ones all ready… gets you over the hump if you are nervous. OK to ask about interviewer’s career… No questions on… Info already available at website… says you didn’t do your homework! Payroll, benefits, hours, vacation, etc! Grad school questions… tells them you are short term!

Good Question Types… What resources are available to help me grow? How do I grow professionally? Questions about mentoring, coaching within firm? Training opportunities… How will I succeed in your firm?

Post Interview… Follow up! to interviewer is expected… personal note? Card? Deliver your brand? Follow up with recruiter? Other staff you met? All OK, frame it as “Building your personal network” What if you don’t hear when expected?

What Do We Know About Each Firm? KPMG? Friday, September 30—Deadline Not much beyond that…

What Do We Know About Each Firm? PwC? Monday, September 26—FT Tech / Mgmt Advisory interviews Monday, October 3—FT /Summer RE Advisory deadline Monday, October 10—FT /Summer Tax and Assurance deadline Wednesday, October 26—FT/Summer first-round interviews Tend to make offers pretty quickly

What Do We Know About Each Firm? EY? Wednesday, October 5 and Thursday, October 6—FT/Summer first-round interviews Second interviews in city later in month Decisions by Thanksgiving