So it has not worked out. Couple of interviews with the Big 4 that I left thinking I did well on, but apparently I did not. So many questions, so many what ifs, so many “shoulda coulda woulda”s. Sad, disheartening and downright depressing.
This was it – one of my final chances. The closest I ever got. It seemed within my grasp and I somehow let it go. The past few days have been difficult. Very difficult, very hard. Its taken a toll on me for sure. The motivation for school, the way I am around people definitely changed. I have worked so hard for so many years to get in, and now its gone.
Not only that, so are the mid-sized…and apparently the good small firms as well. Shitty feeling. Every few days I have this internal fire light up that tells me to push forward, better and harder than before. But then, no results…another step back.
I know I have what it takes. I would not have made it to the interviews otherwise – and I am really happy for the opportunity I had. But man, why did I mess up?
So what next? Just keep at it…hopefully get into a small firm and make my way from there.
Sorry for such a shitty post, just needed to vent some more….
What happened?!
I am sure you will find a job in time. I guess you have to keep in mind that the economy really reeks right now. I am sure all the firms you went to would have loved to hire you!
And how do you know it’s over? Maybe someone will call you soon, hiring season isn’t over yet!! Keep your chin up!!
By: Asiah on October 22, 2009
at 4:07 am
Same here man. I felt exactly the same way you feel right now.
I’m going to give it another shot…If i don’t get in next time either, at least it wont be this hard to deal with.
Its a tough market to be looking for a job in, they are very very selective. Tough it out and try again next year. Just my 2 cents.
By: Hassan123 on October 22, 2009
at 6:32 pm
Take it easy man…..
It’s the economic situation.
Plus…. I got to be honest… the job is not as good as they advertised…….
I’m kinda regretting doing this thing right now. I just started working for one of the national firm last month and trust me… the work sucks….
Now I’m stuck with CASB and I lost my social life….
There are tons of better jobs out there…
By: Rookie Auditor on October 29, 2009
at 3:19 am
I wouldn’t take it too personally, it’s a tough year. My professors all seem to be in shock – they’ve never had their good students have trouble finding jobs before, and they don’t know what to do to help us. One of the most respected professors at my uni made a call to one of the firms for me even, and it did nothing to help.
Be flexible though – there’s a lot you can do with an accounting degree. The IRS posts jobs about 6 months in advance on usajobs.gov and who knows, you might find they’re a lot more enjoyable to work for than big4 and pay pretty well too
good luck, and don’t give up! (and be open-minded about where to look for options!)
By: Kel on November 4, 2009
at 8:06 pm
This year only 8 new hires started on my floor, compared to the 20 that started with me three years prior. It’s a tough year all around.
But it’s never over – check out other accounting designations, keep going to networking events, and keep applying.
And make sure you ask for feedback from the interviews. It’s a difficult thing to do, but you need to know.
Good luck!
By: just me on November 7, 2009
at 7:56 pm
Keep in touch with the people you interviewed with and anyone in the firm that you think liked you. I’m part of an accounting association and every Big 4 presentation that I have gone through have emphasized the importance of knowing someone in the firm and having someone that will be able to vouch for you during the final selection process. It’s never too late to expand your network and include some Big 4 managers or even partners.
By: Rai on November 11, 2009
at 2:43 am
Great advice, and so very, very true. It’s all about who you know.
By: just me on November 11, 2009
at 2:40 pm
Definitely keep the business cards of anyone you came in contact with, particularly those you felt you connected well with. The Big 4 also look very favorably on recruits who did not get job offers before but continue to improve their skill sets and apply again. This shows that you genuinely want to work at the Big 4. I wish you the best of luck, I have no doubt you’ll get there soon.
By: Big 4 Insider on November 14, 2009
at 2:56 pm
“disheartening” and “depressing” should not be describing missing out on being a cog as a low level accountant. If you want to be successful, harness your failure, adapt and grow. Big 4 does not care about you, why should you care about them? Accounting is not a dream, simply a tangent one takes when in doubt. Did you really grow up wanting to do tax returns?…
By: Stephen on December 2, 2009
at 6:28 am