We're finally on the web!
Check out our videos, blogs, links, and information about the Big 4.
Get Informed. Get Empowered. Get Big 4.
www.big4masterguide.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
eBook Kindle: BIG 4 Interview Preparation Guide
eBook now available on Amazon (Kindle view only):
BIG 4 Master Guide to the 1st and 2nd Interviews
Hard copy soon to follow in mid-April via Amazon.
PDF file available by request ($39.99 via Paypal): big4masterguide@gmail.com
Learn the affects of business etiquette during interviews. Gain detailed information on the first and second round interviews with BIG 4 companies: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG.
This manual will prepare candidates to know precisely what to expect at interviews with the BIG 4. Sample interview questions, detailed events, and helpful tips to to master every hidden area is revealed in this manual. Learn to avoid traps and other point minimizing behaviors. The accumulated wealth of information collected will help candidates for any accounting company interview.
BIG 4 Master Guide to the 1st and 2nd Interviews
Hard copy soon to follow in mid-April via Amazon.
PDF file available by request ($39.99 via Paypal): big4masterguide@gmail.com
Learn the affects of business etiquette during interviews. Gain detailed information on the first and second round interviews with BIG 4 companies: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG.
This manual will prepare candidates to know precisely what to expect at interviews with the BIG 4. Sample interview questions, detailed events, and helpful tips to to master every hidden area is revealed in this manual. Learn to avoid traps and other point minimizing behaviors. The accumulated wealth of information collected will help candidates for any accounting company interview.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Secure a Graduate Position with the Big 4
Successfully applying the BIG 4 takes effort, dedication, and continuous adaptation. In such a competitive industry, positively standing above the rest is important. There is no room to make a faux pas. Knowing the details before joining the race will add to your success.
What the BIG 4 will look for in candidates:
Overall quality & the effort of the application
Sound GPA - 3.5 and above preferred. See note below.
Extra-curricular activities – involvement in social, community life, and academic clubs & activities.
Work experience- relevant/ non-relevant
Demonstrated knowledge/ interest in role & company
*Note: If your GPA is below 3.5, do not hesitate to apply. Your experience and social skills may land you an offer. If your GPA is 4.0, do not assume automatic entrance. Work on social skills and broaden your horizon to achieve your desired offer.
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
What are your work values?
What are your career goals?
What are your interests?
What are your skills?
What are your hobbies?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Slide 5
Cover letters should include:
Which position you are applying for
A summary of your key skills & qualifications
An explanation as to why you have chosen the company & position
Resumes should:
Be created for each application
Clearly state your education information- type of degree, grade average & major
Detail your involvement in extra curricular activities and include personal experiences
Use bullet points, write in clear, concise terms using active words
Keep it 1 page
Detail any work experience: volunteer, internships, independent contractor, part-time, full-time
Notes:
Follow instructions carefully
Complete the entire application form
Watch your spelling, grammar
Use appropriate email address/ cell phone number
Understand the role/ group you are applying for
Group Activities:
Designed to assess your behavior and effectiveness in a team
Group discussions about a topic or a business problem or team building game
Be prepared for an element of controversy in the topic
Group size usually between 4-6 people
Competency based
Timed
Level playing field for all candidates
Competencies Assessed:
Teamwork
Leadership and Influencing
Communication Skills
Critical Self-Awareness
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
Integrity
Helpful Hints for Group Activities
Positive outlook
Collaborate with others
A behavior to suit the environment and group
Maintain good listening and body language
Actively contribute
Make logical decisions after considering necessary information
Develop accurate conclusions
Support comments with data/rationale, if applicable
Show clear support for a particular approach
Read instructions carefully and set team goals
Be yourself!
Competency Based (Behavioral) Interviews:
A competency is an underlying characteristic of an individual that has been shown to predict outstanding performance
In interviews, the most accurate predictor of future performance is past behavior in a similar situation
Examples: Team work/interpersonal skills, achievement drive, flexibility, negotiation ability, analytical thinking, client service
Common Interview Structure:
Introductory chat/ building rapport
Qualification and work experience
Competency (behavior) based questions
Motivations and cultural fit
Position and company description
Questions (Important to prepare questions in advance)
During the Interview:
Listen carefully
Pause, think, respond
Be conscious of the interviewers' response
Thank the interviewer for their time
Interview Preparation & Tips:
Revise your application, if needed
Be clear on the time and location of interview
Do additional research on the company
Review examples of competency questions
Prepare questions for the interviewer
Be aware of body language and eye contact
Turn off your cell phone
Relax and be yourself
Dates to remember:
Application Due Date
First Interview Date
Second Interview Date
Networking and business etiquette tips:
“developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships”
Common barriers to successful networking:
A reluctance to talk to strangers
Lack of a formal introduction
Fear of being seen as pushy
Thinking that other people may not like you
Having your intentions misunderstood
Networking tips:
Be prepared before any networking event
Work the room
Act as a catalyst - help others to socialize
Shake hands confidently
Master the art of holding food, drink and shaking hands
Remember names
Include a relevant detail about yourself
Smile :)
For more detailed information on what goes on at the actual interviews, get the eBook manual "BIG 4 Master Guide to 1st and 2nd Interviews" - coming soon.
What the BIG 4 will look for in candidates:
Overall quality & the effort of the application
Sound GPA - 3.5 and above preferred. See note below.
Extra-curricular activities – involvement in social, community life, and academic clubs & activities.
Work experience- relevant/ non-relevant
Demonstrated knowledge/ interest in role & company
*Note: If your GPA is below 3.5, do not hesitate to apply. Your experience and social skills may land you an offer. If your GPA is 4.0, do not assume automatic entrance. Work on social skills and broaden your horizon to achieve your desired offer.
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
What are your work values?
What are your career goals?
What are your interests?
What are your skills?
What are your hobbies?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
•
Cover letters should include:
Which position you are applying for
A summary of your key skills & qualifications
An explanation as to why you have chosen the company & position
Resumes should:
Be created for each application
Clearly state your education information- type of degree, grade average & major
Detail your involvement in extra curricular activities and include personal experiences
Use bullet points, write in clear, concise terms using active words
Keep it 1 page
Detail any work experience: volunteer, internships, independent contractor, part-time, full-time
Notes:
Follow instructions carefully
Complete the entire application form
Watch your spelling, grammar
Use appropriate email address/ cell phone number
Understand the role/ group you are applying for
Group Activities:
Designed to assess your behavior and effectiveness in a team
Group discussions about a topic or a business problem or team building game
Be prepared for an element of controversy in the topic
Group size usually between 4-6 people
Competency based
Timed
Level playing field for all candidates
Competencies Assessed:
Teamwork
Leadership and Influencing
Communication Skills
Critical Self-Awareness
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
Integrity
Helpful Hints for Group Activities
Positive outlook
Collaborate with others
A behavior to suit the environment and group
Maintain good listening and body language
Actively contribute
Make logical decisions after considering necessary information
Develop accurate conclusions
Support comments with data/rationale, if applicable
Show clear support for a particular approach
Read instructions carefully and set team goals
Be yourself!
Competency Based (Behavioral) Interviews:
A competency is an underlying characteristic of an individual that has been shown to predict outstanding performance
In interviews, the most accurate predictor of future performance is past behavior in a similar situation
Examples: Team work/interpersonal skills, achievement drive, flexibility, negotiation ability, analytical thinking, client service
Common Interview Structure:
Introductory chat/ building rapport
Qualification and work experience
Competency (behavior) based questions
Motivations and cultural fit
Position and company description
Questions (Important to prepare questions in advance)
During the Interview:
Listen carefully
Pause, think, respond
Be conscious of the interviewers' response
Thank the interviewer for their time
Interview Preparation & Tips:
Revise your application, if needed
Be clear on the time and location of interview
Do additional research on the company
Review examples of competency questions
Prepare questions for the interviewer
Be aware of body language and eye contact
Turn off your cell phone
Relax and be yourself
Dates to remember:
Application Due Date
First Interview Date
Second Interview Date
Networking and business etiquette tips:
“developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships”
Common barriers to successful networking:
A reluctance to talk to strangers
Lack of a formal introduction
Fear of being seen as pushy
Thinking that other people may not like you
Having your intentions misunderstood
Networking tips:
Be prepared before any networking event
Work the room
Act as a catalyst - help others to socialize
Shake hands confidently
Master the art of holding food, drink and shaking hands
Remember names
Include a relevant detail about yourself
Smile :)
For more detailed information on what goes on at the actual interviews, get the eBook manual "BIG 4 Master Guide to 1st and 2nd Interviews" - coming soon.
Big 4 Master Guide to First and Second Interview Preparation
Learn and master the skills in preparing for Big 4 interviews.
KPMG. Deloitte. PwC. Ernst & Young.
Congratulations on submitting your resume. Prepare for the first and second round interviews. You only get one first impression. Now you want your impressions to last.
Get detailed insight as to the type of questions expected for the 1st round interviews. What to watch for at the beginning of the first interview on campus.
Know what goes on the second interview at the home office location. Understand the meaning of the events. Stride in confidently, knowing all the details, games, and types of socializing that will go on. The moment you check in the hotel, you are being watched.
PREVIEW FROM E-BOOK:
...
...
eBook coming soon.
KPMG. Deloitte. PwC. Ernst & Young.
Congratulations on submitting your resume. Prepare for the first and second round interviews. You only get one first impression. Now you want your impressions to last.
Get detailed insight as to the type of questions expected for the 1st round interviews. What to watch for at the beginning of the first interview on campus.
Know what goes on the second interview at the home office location. Understand the meaning of the events. Stride in confidently, knowing all the details, games, and types of socializing that will go on. The moment you check in the hotel, you are being watched.
PREVIEW FROM E-BOOK:
...
SECOND INTERVIEWS REASSURE APPLICANTS OF THEIR FIRST INTERVIEW’S SUCCESS. IT ALSO CREATES UNEASY TENSION PREPARING FOR THE SECOND INTERVIEW. THIS UNCERTAINTY CAN BE STRESSFUL, BUT PREPARING WELL IN ADVANCE EASES THE NERVES AND ANXIETY.
MUCH LIKE ENTERING INTO A
...
WHEN CONVERSING WITH MANAGERS, LEVEL WITH THEM AND ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT MANAGING DIFFERENT PROJECTS, DELEGATING TASKS, THEIR REWARD WORKING AT THAT COMPANY, ABOUT THEIR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS, AND QUESTIONS REGARDING COMPANY BELIEFS IN: VOLUNTEERING AT COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS; GOING GREEN; OTHER SELF-LESS IDEAS.
...
CONTESTANTS ARE LED TO ANOTHER LARGER ROOM. THEY CALL THIS “SPEED-NETWORKING”. MUCH LIKE SPEED DATING, PROFESSIONALS FROM THE COMPANY CIRCLE THE ROOM. IN FRONT OF EACH PROFESSIONAL IS A CONTESTANT, YOU. WHILE BOTH STANDING, YOU HAVE 3-5 MINUTES TO BUILD CONVERSATION. A MODERATOR WILL ANNOUNCE THE ROTATION. YOU WILL MOVE TO THE NEXT PROFESSIONAL IN A CLOCKWISE ROTATION. ASSOCIATES, MANAGERS, AND PROFESSIONALS ARE ALTERNATELY PLACED, SO YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET VARIOUS LEVELS OF EMPLOYEES. THIS IS WHEN YOUR ART OF CONVERSATION IS USED. IT IS YOUR JOB TO ASK QUESTIONS. IT IS YOUR JOB TO MAINTAIN CONVERSATION. ASK QUESTIONS THAT ARE RELEVANT, INTERESTING, AND NON-THREATENING. AGAIN, DO NOT SPEAK NEGATIVELY ABOUT ANYTHING. EVEN WITH RECENT SCANDALS, LITIGATION, DECLINING ECONOMY, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT BRINGS THE IMAGE OF THE COMPANY SHOULD BE AVOIDED. DO NOT PROVE YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS BY MENTIONING EVERY FAULT OF THE COMPANY YOU FOUND OUT. SWITCH THE TABLES AND THINK IF YOU ARE HIRING A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, AND THE INTERVIEWEE SHOWS OFF HIS SKILLS OF CONDUCTING OUTSTANDING RESEARCH BY MENTIONING EVERY FAMILY SCANDAL OF YOURS. YOU WILL NOT BE PLEASED, NOR WILL YOU BE IMPRESSED. YOU WILL GO THROUGH 6-10 EMPLOYEES IN THIS SPEED NETWORKING EVENT.
eBook coming soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
