Interviewing with the Big 4

Once selected to interview, the interview process typically follows a standard format.

For campus hires, there is usually an introductory session the night before the interviews. It is a somewhat swanky affair with food and lots of employees mingling with the candidates. Remember, you are not there to eat or talk to your friends, you are there to make a good impression. Chances are very good that you will talk to the employee who will be interviewing you the next day. You need to focus on making a good impression. Balance asking the employee questions with inserting information about yourself. Remember that this is part of the interview and many decisions about you will be made in this casual “relaxed” atmosphere.

The next day an initial interview is conducted one on one with a Manager, Senior Manager, or Partner at the school career office. Based on the results of the initial interview, successful candidates are invited to the office for a second round of interviews. The second round is usually with multiple employees at various levels and may include lunch or dinner. After the second round, all the interviewers communicate their impressions through a roundtable or other less formal process. In this way there is a sorting of candidates. Based on how many employees are needed and how many other interviews will be conducted, hiring decisions are made fairly quickly and offers are extended. Candidates who do not receive an offer will receive a written notice.

Experienced hires face a less formalized process.