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16 Feb How to Prepare for a Big Four Partner Interview

A partner interview is part of the recruitment strategy for the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms in the US, (PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young) and is the last stage in what can often be a lengthy recruitment process.

The purpose of the partner interview is to make sure the candidate is a good fit for the company. There may be some preset questions – and usually a short presentation – but the interview itself is mainly reactive, based on the speaker’s comments, and at times can feel adversarial or combative.The key to a successful partner interview is preparation. For this reason, this article will focus on one specific area of mastery within the partner interview: the Question and Answer segment.

Knowing the likely styles of questions that will come up and preparing practical answers with a speech coach will help you prepare and come across as a confident, polished expert. Almost all of the companies will combine standard interview questions with behavioral and competency questions.

Here are three strategies on how to best prepare for the partner interview Question and Answer portion:

1. Prepare it, then let it go. It’s important to note that preparing for an interview does not mean trying to remember the answer to every possible question that may ask you. While a speaker may formally make notes in advance, and prepare answers with the key talking points, you should not plan to reference the notes in the interview, (even if you are virtual and could sneak them onto your monitor without anyone knowing). Your research and preparation will ensure that you have a set of adaptable answers that you can alter for anything that might come up.

2. Brainstorm the questions you expect to get, and the questions you hope are NOT asked. Below are examples of questions you might be asked at a partner interview:

• With the current [latest world event here, such as a new President or global health crisis], how do you see your market changing?
• Tell us a first in the door example.
• What is your point of view on where the account needs to focus on continuing its growth trajectory?
• How has the [latest topical event or challenge] impacted your market and how you sell and deliver to clients?

And as mentioned above, plan for the questions you hope are NOT asked, which will be personal and unique to you, such as:

• What are our most significant challenges with [topic you feel uncomfortable addressing], and how would you recommend we address them?
• What are your thoughts on the future strategy of our business?
• What do you see as our most significant talent challenges, and how would you address them?
• Tell me about a time you got it wrong.

3. Create a plan to handle nervousness. Despite this being the final interview in the process, it doesn’t have to be the most nerve-wracking. The company has seen something in you, so be confident, open, relaxed, and personable. Simple ways to demonstrate confidence include being aware of your nonverbal communication, (such as fidgeting), having a warm smile when appropriate, and speaking with clear and concise language.

One final thought – we often say as Executive Communication Coaches at The Speech Improvement Company – your amount of preparation should match the level of importance. I’d place a Big Four partner interview at a high level of importance. It’s always better to over-prepare than to under-prepare, especially when it comes to interviews.

We regularly help our clients thrive in partner interviews for the Big Four. Let us know if you’d like to talk about how we can help you with your upcoming high stakes interview.

7 Feb How to be a Dynamic Panelist

Are you a panelist or moderator at an upcoming conference?

Watch this short video by Executive Communication Coach Melody Elkin and learn how to be a dynamic panelist.

16 Jan MLK – Changing the World Through Speech

Martin Luther King is known as the greatest orator in modern times– a man whose words and style created profound social change. Though few of us will transform society, we can elevate our professional world through the way we speak.

Here are three lessons: (more…)

11 Jan Advocating for yourself – 30-min recorded webinar

Speaking up on your own behalf should not feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. This 30-minute recording will focus you on both the mindset and methods for advocating for yourself and your ideas.

20 Dec Humility and Gratitude: Humanizing Your Corporate Image 

As coaches, we sometimes have clients with big egos and high opinions of themselves—in short, real Type A personalities. Sometimes they have trouble getting their ideas across to others or connecting with audiences. This is confusing for them (they are, after all, subject-matter experts), as having hard-charging personalities has helped them be successful and often sought-after speakers. They ask: What’s not working here? Why do some audiences tune me out? Why do I get the cold shoulder?
(more…)

6 Dec Mindful Listening in a Hybrid Work World

This past year has been filled with loads of change. We have rapidly learned how to channel our energies to get our work done. There has been a lot of focus on doing, producing, participating, fulfilling deadlines, and creating content. The communication part of our work streams is still being fine-tuned. As a communication coach, I frequently tell clients that the capacity to maintain and establish trustworthy relationships is the key to success during this unique hybrid time. Raising self-awareness about the fact that many people have become multitaskers. So, it’s vital to realize that distraction is just a click away.

One of the techniques we know makes a difference is active listening. Trusting relationships have a strong current of listening and feedback. Here’s an article about six methods to confidently demonstrate mindful listening and show you are present and involved in your interactions. As you read through, choose two that you can implement into your work interactions in the next 2 days. Creating a culture of communication in this new normal is how we navigate and continue to speak and listen with confidence.

https://mindfulnessexercises.com/what-is-mindful-listening/

15 Nov Affect and Technology 

Affect relates to the presentation’s general impression, the feeling it evokes. It’s like overhearing loud voices in the next room or getting “an impression” of what is happening. Affect refers to the openness, tension or mood of the experience. It is primarily intangible but a genuine and crucial part of communication. (more…)

8 Nov Communicating with Authority – On Demand Recorded Webinar

1 Nov Getting your Message Across: Strategies for Conveying Technical and Complex Information

Communication excellence, the ability to speak clearly and convey ideas with impact, is highly associated with career and organizational success.

Yet, healthcare and technology leaders face a major challenge: how to simplify complex and technical information so that others “get it”, buy in, and take action for best results. (more…)