Ace Your BIG 4 Partner Interview in 3 Steps (PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG)

[@zenyujin_]

Got in EY. Always be yourself in Partner round and treat it as a casual conversation and show why you fit the company’s culture & lifestyle. Ask questions about current industry trends, e.g, I talked/asked about AI and GPT. If you are a naturally ‘curious’ person, it will be easy for you. After partner talks, be engaged and ask about anything you found interesting …

[@user-wy4zx3ir6d]

This helped me so much for my interview at EY thanks James got the job offer 48 hours later!!

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it, and it's great to hear you got the offer 48 hours later! Is there any other advice you'd add?

[@user-wy4zx3ir6d]

@@JamesAlberts I think you covered the main bits fantastically well. Just one point I'd like to add make sure you research your interviewer , as for mine I found out he worked on a few high profile banking cases and for my question that I asked in the end I asked about how he sees the future of audit due to decisions taken a few years ago which then led to a nice back and forth conversation!

[@JamesAlberts]

@@user-wy4zx3ir6d That's a great tip! I'll add it to the Goole Document. Once again, congratulations on the job offer - you aced it!

[@user-wy4zx3ir6d]

@@JamesAlberts thanks again James! I just have one final question cause I'm coming from a Chemistry background , will the ICAS exams be a lot more difficult then say coming from a business background? Thanks

[@JamesAlberts]

Great question - I'm doing a video on this soon, so watch this space! I did a business/economics degree, so it's slightly harder for me to say. However, the ICAS exams have multiple tiers which slowly build up your knowledge. If I'm being honest, if you have a general understanding of how business works you'll be fine. Reflecting on my intake, there was no significant difference in pass/fail rates between those that did business/economics/accounting degrees compared to those that did history/art/English etc., it was more about making sure you were studying effectively! Let me know if you have any other questions - more than happy to help out.

[@user-ds6yh4dx4w]

James! I just land a job at EY Consulting, thanks to your video. You are a true savior:)

[@mahima9668]

Thanks James! Have an interview coming up for one of the big 4, this video and your video on group assessment tasks have by far been the best advice I've been given so far for this assessment stage.

[@gustavpeter840]

My partner interviews at big 4 were very relaxed. Got the offer both times

[@JamesAlberts]

Well done, Gustav. Any other advice you'd share?

[@ashwiniparate6501]

the commercial awareness and the career ambitions portion were really helpful.

[@PriscyYip]

Hi! Just wanted to drop by and say thank you for making this video and the cheat sheet! I was super nervous about my partner interview but watching this video and using the cheat sheet really helped to calm my nerves and prepare for the interview. I am also thrilled to say that I got the offer (auditing internship)! I received a call a few hours after my interview and the recruiter told me that the partner was really impressed - so thank you!

[@JamesAlberts]

I'm glad you found the content useful, and that's fantastic news - well done! Are there any other tips you'd share?

[@SAAlex109]

Thanks, James! Your video was really helpful. I had a partner interview at PwC last week, and I received the offer today. I approached it as more of a conversation, asking questions about his career journey and the future plans for building the practice. Being curious and having industry knowledge definitely made a difference. He even complimented me on the depth of my industry research...

[@markscotty6855]

This video was a huge help for me in securing my BIG 4 job - thank you!

[@JamesAlberts]

My pleasure Mark, it's great to hear you found it useful!

[@مروهعلي-ل6ب]

را ؤوطرىزور

[@MrCantthinkofaname10]

one thing i did before my partner interview is i looked them up on linkedin, i found something in their work history I connected with and made a conversation about that. Example, He had experience in blockchain, I mentioned i saw he had experience in that and we made that connection, needless to say he still says hello to me today :)

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks for sharing, Daniel! That's a great idea!

[@rashaahmed9426]

٠من ططحﺣخ عارفه ء

[@utupp]

Thanks a lot for the info! Next week I’ll have my final interview with a partner. Wish me luck 😅

[@davosrwilliams1015]

This is spot on - my partner interview was just a chat, I spent far to much time overpreparing on technical question etc.

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you found it useful Davos - I did exactly the same! Did you join the big 4 in the end? If you're after more content, I’ve just launched my new website/newsletter which will be packed full with even more insider tips and knowledge. I've also opened up my diary if you had any questions you wanted to talk about over a video call. Check it out 👉 www.jsalberts.com/

[@JamesAlberts]

Click here for your BIG 4 Partner Interview guide and learn 5 ways to ACE it: www.big4ready.com/partnerinterview

[@petrolpoodle]

Smashed it! Reassuring, wise words!

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@om6669]

I got an offer for audit at kpmg thanks to your videos. Truly appreciate it so much

[@JamesAlberts]

Congratulations - that's great to hear!

[@heatherlangsner8326]

thank you very much for this quick, informative, lively and helpful overview!

[@sayedali411]

Great Video! Absolute gold mine for anyone looking ahead to a partner interview of their own.

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tehgamist7139]

My interviewer talked about cars the entire time 😂 I was very confused. Interesting to hear you had a similar experience.

[@JamesAlberts]

It's so random isn't it! How did you find the interview? Any other tips you'd share?

[@tehgamist7139]

@@JamesAlberts for me - passion and knowledge of the company I think got me through. The first question he asked was “why us” out of the big four. Naming the ceo, their initiatives, values, mentioning an article they produced recently eg. Quantum computing study or autonomous vehicles - a sector you enjoy, or something they tweeted about. He said wow I can barely write all this down very good. I think from that point on he knew I was actually interested in their company specifically. I want to join them and only them. It was almost as if that was all he was after. And after mentioning autonomous vehicles and my engineering background he brings up he owns a Tesla. And then we spoke about cars and Elon musk a bunch. Obviously they differ I had two partner interviews. One more formal the other very relaxed. At that point you’re generally through the box ticking and it’s a “would I like to work with this guy” question so absolutely be yourself and don’t overthink or get nervous. Both my interviewers were incredibly nice!

[@JamesAlberts]

@@tehgamist7139 Such great advice!, thanks for sharing mate!

[@tehgamist7139]

Top content by the way! I actually start in September in Tax - I’m through the process but your videos are the best “big four” insight I’ve come across. Keep it up.

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it mate, and really appreciate the kind words! Let me know if there are any other insights you'd like to hear before you start!

[@JamesAlberts]

Out of interest, which firm did you join in the end?

[@tehgamist7139]

@@JamesAlberts Deloitte. I guess given I'm starting and so are many others - if you got a video out about managing the work along side exams. Maybe some "top tips" or just your experience. You might be able to get some views from the wave of incoming September grads worried about this or a "what to expect in your first week" or "first day" sort of thing. Might appeal to the new intake.

[@JamesAlberts]

@@tehgamist7139 Great ideas! I'll get a couple of videos up on this over the next week!

[@JamesAlberts]

Let me know if you have any questions on the BIG 4 application process, and feel free to share any advice and tips below! 🚀

[@houssemeddine6276]

Can you please talk about technical interviews for accountancy in the big 4

[@JamesAlberts]

@@houssemeddine6276 Of course, I'll do some technical videos shortly - make sure you subscribe to stay updated!

[@shaheerkhan3078]

Hi James !! This was really helpful! 💯 Could you please do one for assessment centres ?

[@JamesAlberts]

@@shaheerkhan3078 Glad you enjoyed it Shaheer! Of course, I'll get this out in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, If you have any questions on the application process, feel free to leave a comment here or message me on Twitter (@JamesSAlberts)!

[@shaheerkhan3078]

@@JamesAlberts Thanks James really appreciate it! Looking forward to more of your content. 😁😁

[@WingedGirlV]

I have my partner interview with EY tomorrow. Thank you for the suggestions!

[@JamesAlberts]

Good luck!

[@WingedGirlV]

@@JamesAlberts hey James! I just signed my offer letter :) thank you again!!

[@JamesAlberts]

@@WingedGirlV that’s fantastic news - congratulations! When do you start?

[@_Miss.O]

Very great video on how to present yourself on the big four partners, "just be you" have really liked this.

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed it Naomi! It's simple advice, but makes a big difference.

[@_Miss.O]

Very true, it has really great impact on us. Thumbs up

[@JamesAlberts]

@@_Miss.O Let me know if there are any other questions you have, or content you'd like to see!

[@ricardoc.8406]

man i was coming in to it scared, didn’t have a clue what to expect but i feel a bit better now wish me luck lol

[@JamesAlberts]

I'm sure you'll ace it next time Ricardo! Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@evevobom5142]

Keep this content coming

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Eve, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Let me know if there is any other content you'd like to see.

[@tsc7589]

subscribed, having partners interview with pwc tomorrow! wish me luck! (Deals Advisory)

[@zhaoliyi330]

Have a Par interview next Monday and really look forward to it!

[@Lucia-wc7hv]

Great content! Thank you so much for the confidence

[@sankalpkesarwani7139]

Thanks for the insights. You are a life saver mate. How do I access your Partner Cheat Sheet, the link takes me to signup up for some marketing funnel.

[@beth6895]

Thanks for sharing, very useful

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks Beth, glad you found it useful. Let me know of any other content you'd like to see!

[@mervebalci9598]

i'll attend the partner interview with EY Istanbul in this week, calmness and good luck with me 🤞🏻😇

[@moraa_rioba]

I hope the interview went well.

[@mervebalci9598]

@@moraa_rioba good news, I m accepted by Deloitte Turkey. thanks your suggestions

[@moraa_rioba]

Congratulations!

[@JamesAlberts]

That's fantastic news! Well done mate, any other tips you'd add?

[@abhilashagoel4972]

Hi James . Just watched your video and found it incredibly helpful. I request you to kindly check the link for the document, I'm unable to access it, would really appreciate a google drive link.

[@JenKumar]

Thank you for making this video. It's really useful. How may the interview be different when one is going into the HR side- specifically training and coaching?

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks, Jen! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It will be slightly different, but you can apply the same principles!

[@kelvint.h1158]

I applied for an associate position, got a called from recruiter 2 days after interview with the partner, saying they want to proceed me with associate 2 application since I have relevant working experience. Its been 3 days since I submitted the documents to them...feeling anxious : )

[@РустемТолеуов-о9я]

Hey, thanks for the video. Tomorrow I will have last business iunit interview round. Any tips of advice for that ?

[@willbackwell6229]

Hi James, I just had my partner interview today! It went for twice the allocated time and seemed to develop a really good connection with him, from your experience is this a good sign for landing the job?

[@JamesAlberts]

It's normally a good sign! Mine went over by about 10-15 minutes as well. The interview/discussion must have been really engaging for them to lose track of time! Typically, if they don't like a candidate they'll be tempted to make the interview shorter and get back to work! When did they say you'll hear back?

[@willbackwell6229]

​@@JamesAlberts Thank you so much, this is unreal for the nerves! It was really cool, I'm applying under the GRC stream so we spoke a lot about AI legislative frameworks, where tech is heading and the general culture of the firm. I think in about 2 weeks!!

[@JamesAlberts]

@@willbackwell6229 I’m sure you smashed it!

[@HtheKing]

@@willbackwell6229 Hey how did it end up going for you Will? Did you get that job?

[@zandewilson]

lol I thought this was to become partner. KZbin has everything now

[@JamesAlberts]

I'd have to make it to Partner first 👀

[@awilson24]

@@JamesAlberts I’ll stay tuned 💪

[@edwinr7689]

Hi james could you remove the click funnels banner, i cant acess the partner cheat sheet

[@sheauthenticated5213]

Please do a 2022 version of this!!!!

[@JamesAlberts]

It's on the list!

[@billgarcia471]

Great pointers, thanks you!! I will be having a partner interview with Deloitte, based on your experience in pwc, after the interview, how long did you wait for their message saying that you actually got the job?

[@JamesAlberts]

How did the interview go? In my experience they called me the day afterwards, however, some people had to wait up to a week or so!

[@billgarcia471]

He mostly described the overall process during work and what are the things they do in the team. I actually did a lot of studying about the company, some brief history, and some articles to increase my "commercial awareness", but none of those things were in the interview. The first two interviews I guess were more difficult.

[@HtheKing]

@@billgarcia471 Hey did you get the job?

[@billgarcia471]

@@HtheKing Yep I did.

[@HtheKing]

@@billgarcia471 congrats, so what did you talk about in the partner interview then? Was it just a informal chat and not anything about commercial awareness? I just had one yesterday and we just talked about common interests and hobbies. The only 'interview' type question was why do you want to work for this company.

[@vasedits7980]

Has anyone not been given an offer after the final Partner interview, even though you nailed the initial interviews?

[@JamesAlberts]

Yes - I've seen a couple!

[@lifewithshresthu]

Hi, I have my partner interview in 2 days but for some reason, I am not receiving the pdf link for the cheat sheet. I have tried a couple of times and checked all folders like spam etc but to no avail. Could someone help me?

[@JamesAlberts]

Add me on LinkedIn and message me your email - I'll send it over!

[@lifewithshresthu]

@@JamesAlberts I just sent you my email. Thanks a lot for your reply.

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks mate - just sent you the PDF

[@ykalyan123]

Nice tips. What is the music album name in the end ?

[@Surjeetsingh-ds6sq]

Gtait bro.... I like it

[@JamesAlberts]

Thanks, Surjeet! If you have any other questions, let me know!

[@Germany12235]

Hey man, the PDF is not sending to me

[@Revol_Peter]

Hi! Great Video! I have my PI coming up but I'm an engineering graduate and making a switch. What would be the best answer for " why the career switch from engineering to audit"?. Thanks.

[@JamesAlberts]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'd say something along the lines of how you're interested in business and the impact it has on our everyday lives and working with some of the worlds largest well known companies. Also mention how you've developed a range of skills during your engineering degree (problem solving, analytics, attention to detail etc.) that are suited to being an auditor, and on reflection you find a financial client-facing role more interesting. Don't worry, I know plenty of engineers who joined audit - it won't set you back or be a problem!

[@sheauthenticated5213]

Will this work for a position in Business Services rather than an auditors position? Please see my question, my interview is tomorrow morning 😫

[@JamesAlberts]

Apologies - I've just seen this comment now. How did the interview go?

[@ahmedh2286]

Hi I tried to register and download the cheat sheet but it did not come thru my email. Can you please check it out or possibly put direct download option in vid description please. Thankyou

[@zhaoliyi330]

Same

[@ahmedh2286]

@@zhaoliyi330 only james can help us

[@zhaoliyi330]

@@ahmedh2286 thx, have u got that?

[@konmuziki3148]

Can a person living out of the uk applly for a job with BIG 4?

[@JamesAlberts]

Of course! If you view the PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte websites they'll show you the eligibility requirements. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@taresy6789pp]

can you do one for RSM please

[@JamesAlberts]

Sure! I'll add this to the list.

[@taresy6789pp]

@@JamesAlberts thanks jay

[@12121994]

Nothing over 5 years? **Crosses off Enron and Arthur Andersen 😒**

[@JamesAlberts]

You can use those examples, I'd just urge caution on ONLY using them, make sure you have some more recent examples

[@DuyLe-vs5mo]

♥♥♥

[@JamesAlberts]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jadesong7576]

Thank you James! I got a job from big 4! the points you mentioned in the video are really helpful!