Big 4 Partner Interview / How To Prepare & What To Expect (Big 4 Graduate Application Tips)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares valuable tips from their personal experience in final partner interviews for the Big 4 graduate schemes. Covering preparation, mental mindset, industry knowledge, and interview strategies, they emphasize the importance of building rapport, managing nerves, and maintaining a positive attitude. Key advice includes practicing answers in front of a mirror, staying on top of industry trends, using the STAR format for competency questions, and being confident in one’s ability. The creator also highlights the importance of learning from feedback and maintaining a calm, professional demeanor during high-pressure interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be mentally prepared for the final partner interview; it's a two-way conversation, not just about impressing the firm.
• 😀 🧠 Practice your responses in front of a mirror to feel more comfortable and confident with your body language.
• 😀 👗 Ensure all practical preparations are done before the interview—outfit, transport, etc.—to minimize stress on the day.
• 😀 🌍 Stay informed about industry news and developments, but don’t stress about knowing everything in-depth; focus on major trends and their impact.
• 😀 💡 Understand how the industry changes could affect your role and the firm’s operations, and be ready to discuss these connections.
• 😀 🔮 When asked about your future, show your eagerness and commitment to growth within the firm, such as aiming for a managerial position.
• 😀 💧 Use the opportunity to drink water during the interview to collect your thoughts and calm your nerves—this creates a brief, natural pause.
• 😀 😊 Try to smile or maintain a positive facial expression while talking; it helps to ease your nerves and present a friendly demeanor.
• 😀 📚 Use the STAR method to answer competency questions clearly and concisely, avoiding long-winded responses.
• 😀 🤝 Focus on building rapport during the interview—being genuine and engaging in good conversation will leave a lasting impression.
• 😀 💬 Be mindful of the feedback you receive; it can help you refine your approach in future interviews and highlight areas for improvement.

Q & A

What mindset should you adopt before going into a final partner interview?

Adopt a two-way process mindset, thinking of the interview as a meeting between you and the firm to determine if you're a good fit for each other, rather than feeling like you're solely under scrutiny.

How can practicing in front of the mirror help you prepare for an interview?

It helps reduce anxiety and lets you observe how you look and sound when talking. By practicing your answers in the mirror, you can build confidence in delivering your responses and ensure they make sense.

What is one major tip to manage anxiety during an interview?

Take advantage of sipping a glass of water when offered. It gives you a brief moment of silence to gather your thoughts, calm your nerves, and compose yourself before responding.

What role does commercial awareness play in a final partner interview?

You don’t need to know everything in detail, but being aware of industry changes, such as new accounting standards or regulations, is important. Understanding how these affect your role and the firm's work can help impress your interviewer.

How can you show initiative and eagerness to join a specific firm in the interview?

When asked about your future, discuss how you see yourself growing within the firm, mentioning specific goals like becoming a manager or taking on new challenges that align with the firm's values and opportunities.

What is the STAR format, and why is it important in interviews?

The STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps you structure your responses concisely and clearly. It ensures that you stay on point, avoid rambling, and present your experiences effectively.

How can you build rapport during a high-pressure interview?

Be yourself and try to incorporate some light humor or small talk, depending on the atmosphere of the interview. Asking questions back when appropriate also helps establish a more conversational dynamic.

What advice do you have for someone who gets feedback about being too cold or distant in an interview?

It's important to work on building rapport. Even if you're nervous, try to make the conversation feel natural and engaging. Acknowledge the interviewer’s cues and ensure your body language shows warmth and openness.

How can you tie your past experiences into the questions asked during the interview?

Ensure that your experiences align with the competencies the interviewer is asking about. Use specific examples from your CV, structure your answers in the STAR format, and demonstrate how your experiences relate to the role you're applying for.

What is the significance of practicing specific competencies and firm values before the interview?

By familiarizing yourself with the firm’s values and competencies, you’ll be better prepared to answer questions in a way that shows you align with the company’s culture. It also ensures your responses are clear and concise, reflecting your understanding of the firm’s goals.