How To Get A Job At The Big Four (Deloitte, KPMG, PwC and E&Y)

By Lilian Wamaitha
When I was still in university I wanted to work for nothing but the likes of KPMG and PwC.
Like me, it’s a dream come true to get to work for PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and Ernest & Young.
Not only is the payment good but you are worth so much if your CV is associated with any of these companies.
You have probably applied for graduate trainee or jobs there but nothing seems to amount to anything.
And that begs the question – what really does it take to work for the big four?
Is this line of career cut out for you or is it for the academically brilliant ones?
Like you, somewhere after multiple applications and receiving only regrets, I started doubting myself and actually stopped applying for jobs at these companies.
But is it really that hard? Somehow, I wish someone had told me about what I should have done to better my chances of landing a job at one of the big fours.
I wish I had stumbled upon an article like this and who knows where I could be right now.
But enough about that, here is what from industry experts and research, I believe it takes to get a job at the big fours in Kenya.

How to land at job easily at Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC

The era of having a degree to act as a secure passage to employment is long gone.
Excellent communication skills, computer literacy and the ability to interact in a multicultural setting are crucial in modern-day competitive job environment.
Every year, these four auditing and accounting companies receive thousands of applications.
So you can imagine how many people you have to compete with to get a job. Sometimes the applications number as much as over 35,000 for a single position.
So what do you do to stand out and ensure that you are picked?
1. Research the companies and identify a department that best fists you
These companies have different departments that range from auditing, advisory, taxation, and accounting among others. If you are looking to work for the big four, instead of just applying for any job, find out your strengths first.
Which department would your skills be better utilized?
Once you have identified a department, understand their expectations and don’t assume that it’s just your good grades that will get y0u in.
The big four are often impressed by people who go to extraordinary lengths. These are people who have something extra to offer other than good grades. Volunteering and sporting achievements are some of the unique ways you can stand out.
2. Your personality and attitude matter
Like I said earlier, you academic brilliance is just a standard way to stand out. The big fours are looking for a person who can easily fit into their culture.
Your personality and attitude will come in handy during the interviewing process.
Ensure therefore that you demonstrate that you will fit perfectly if you get the job.
3. Understand that you are not expected to know everything
Most people assume that since there is a lot of competition getting into these companies that you are supposed to know everything. While technical skills matter, you don’t have to shy away from applying for job because you feel you lack in these.
There is a lot you will be trained on, so just ensure that you work on acing the interview bit first and the rest will be taken care of.
You Must See This >>> How I Got an Associate Job at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Tips to stand out when applying to the big four

1. Have a unique CV

As I have said, these companies since they are well known attract a lot of applications once they advertise their jobs.
The best way to stand out is to have a killer CV that depicts you as the best candidate for the job.
If you are thinking about applying for a job at any of the four companies, kindly get yourself a professional CV that is in line with the expectations of the big four.
2. Show confidence and build a rapport with the interviewers
In the application stage, avoid talking too much or even too little. Ensure also that you don’t appear unknowledgeable.
If you are to apply for a job at the big four, show your commitment by ensuring that you have researched the companies really well.
Landing a job at the big four is not such a daunting task. If you know what you are doing and follow these simple tips and you are on your way to working for major multinational corporations.
Must See >>> Apply Here For KPMG Graduate Trainee Programme 2018
Lilian is a Communication Officer at Career Point Kenya. Got anything you would like us to cover about getting a job in Kenya at some of the best paying companies? Email me at lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke or just leave a comment below.