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Hi, I am graduating next year as a Chartered Accountant (Canadian CPA) and I have an interview next week with E&Y.
Firstly, I would like to ask if anyone has tips for the interview? I'm not asking for general interview tips that I can google, but maybe some insights into the firm. For example, if you have experience there or in other big 4 or finance firms, it would be great if you can share them.
Secondly, I get to pick a time slot for interviews. There are five interviewers (A-E listed in order on the site). Below is a matrix of current vacancies.
-------A B C D E
09am x c x x x
10am x x x v v
11am x x x v x
12pm x x x - -
x stands for taken slot
c stands for my current slot
v stands for a slot I can switch to
Whether psychology or whatever theory, should I switch my time slots to the V's? More info:
-The 9am were filled up first, so I guess the people at 9am are more competent,
-A and B slots were filled up first, then C. So I'm guessing A and B interviewees are more competent.
-I believe there is a second half of the interview where it is a group interview, so A-E of the same time slot will come together, meaning I will be with other competent interviewees.
What should I do to maximize my chance of success? Should I go with competent or less competent interviewees?
TLDR
1) Any professional accounting (eg. big 4) interview tips?
2) Which time slot should I choose for interview?
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United States16368 Posts
So many UW ppl posting on TL.
Speaking from experience, the effects of placing yourself in a 'strategic' spot only helps your chances by a negligible amount, especially if there are five rounds. Your time will be better spent prepping for the interview, doing homework, playing SC or sleep.
Also, unless this is the Times Square location, it's not that hard to get in (says my UW friends working at EY NYC), don't get too worked up.
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best spot is right after lunch, worst spot is right before lunch, being number 1 is also bad, number 2 is good if you are a strong candidate because you'll look extra good going after number 1, after lunch is good if you are a weak candidate but can keep the good mood going for them after lunch
ask when their day starts/lunch break is and plan accordingly
that's pretty much the way i think about it
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You don't want to be too early because then they haven't had coffee yet and maybe they're cranky.
You don't want to be last because then they just want to get it over with and go for lunch/home.
Based on your matrix I'd say you ideally want to be at 10AM but I wouldn't stress about it too much.
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Osaka27174 Posts
I was recently the first of four people to be interviewed in a single day. My interviewers were not ready for me, had not planned out their questions, and it was a painful process. I felt like I was the "test run" for them that day.
Yours might not be like that, but by being the first it means that you set the bar. Everyone else after you has to be memorably worse. It is hard to remain the best of four in someone's mind after a full day.
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I was an interviewer for a group on my campus deciding on two stipended positions, and while it's nowhere near this, I do remember something similar to what Mani said with the first candidate, we really weren't prepared on what to expect so we didn't really do well interviewing her, and she was an afterthought by the end of the process.
Out of 5, we gave the positions to the 2nd and 3rd slots. They impressed us the most.
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I had an interview for Deloitte first year and know a lot of people in AFM, so my advice is:
Out of the Big Four, E&Y LOVES workhorses. Emphasize your work ethics, and try to talk about your prostine grades (if you have it). They really LOVE nerds and value your academics much more than whatever other qualities you may possess.
Good luck.
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