My interview experience with KPMG

This week's blog entry is written by an first year MACC International student.

With heavy competition for being selected for interviews with the Big Four and other accounting firms, I was lucky enough to be selected to interview with two of them.  I would like to tell you about my experience with KPMG, since this is the firm where I have chosen to start my career.

The first round took place on campus. My memory is still so fresh about it since it was the very first interview in my life. It was a 45-minute interview with a senior manager. Most of the questions were behavioral, such as “Give me an example about how you dealt with the situation when your had a conflict with your team member” or “ Tell me about a time that you failed to meet a deadline.” The key here is to answer these questions using the STAR (Situation or Task, Action and Result) strategy.  Practicing before you go is the best way to prepare. I scheduled two mock interviews with UNC Charlotte’s Campus Career Center a week prior to my initial interview. I found that I was less nervous when sitting in the real interviews.

I received the phone call about the invitation for the office visit the next day, which made me extremely excited and I began to feel nervous almost immediately! First, I googled second round interviews with big four firms,. Second, I scheduled an image consulting with Style Sanctum, local fashion art studio to know more about the dress code within big firms…. and finally the big day arrived!

All the candidates checked in the hotel in Uptown Charlotte the afternoon before the interview day, for the pre-interview social with professionals from KPMG.. The reception allowed for the opportunity to interact with your potential co-workers and to ask questions. After the reception, the group walked to Bentley 27^th Restaurant for  dinner with the partners.. I had the pleasure to sit with the Chief Partner, four other candidates and a senior tax consultant. During the dinner, we were able to ask a variety of questions. The food was so great but remember do not just eat without conversation! It is important to keep selling yourself and to make people like you.

The next morning, we went to the office to have breakfast with partners and managers. It was an amazing experience. The partners and managers made us feel comfortable that I almost forgot that I was here to be interviewed! Two “interviews” with other two partners immediately followed breakfast and KPMG’s presentation. Each interview was 30 minutes.. The interview was more a conversation to learn more about me personally! I had great conversations with each of the partners, talking about why I want to work as a tax professional and what it will be like to work within KPMG. Each partner told me about their own career path and answered majority of my questions. One of the partners showed me around the office after the interview. The moment she asked me whether I like their office or not, I had the feeling that I would get it! Then we were taken out to a fancy restaurant to have lunch together with other employees, which was the end of the whole interview process.

I learned a lot through this wonderful experience and I am glad that I found the place where I would like to work for. Here are some hints for those who are in the job hunting process:

Do the research and learn about the firm—You will be asked why you chose to interview with the company . Also, you truly need to know about the position and the company/ firm.

Network with people—It is important to build connections with the recruiter and any other professionals from the firm. Getting to know people and letting people know about you will enhance your chance to be remembered.

Practice your stories—Before going for the first round interview, schedule a mock one with campus career center, or practice with your friends. It is helpful to use the STAR strategy to make your stories completed and more attractive.

Be yourself—This is last but not least. It is important to show the real you. People will know more about you and like you.