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In response to the question about negotiating with the Big 4....
it depends on the level you're starting at. If it's an entry-level position, odds are the offer won't change. But if you tell...say...KPMG that PWC is offering more for the same position, KPMG will have an answer for you, be it paying for your masters, benefits, etc.
The reason it's hard to negotiate for such positions is that they hire so many people, and their concern will be that if one falls through the cracks, everyone else will follow.
But if you do have work experience and have the offer for a position other than the entry-level one, you can definitely negotiate.
Other factors that can affect this process are the market you're in (Is it hot right now? At least recently, Dallas has been struggling for clients and New York has been struggling for resources), and the size of that particular branch of the firm you have the offer from. The smaller it is, the better your odds of negotiating.
Will it hurt you? Absolutely not. Hey, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
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Anonymous said…
Your blog is awesome! Can you give a tip for choosing the right firm? Right now I have several offers from Big 4 and can't make a decision. So far KPMG pays a lot more than other firms. Do you think is it smart to follow the money? Someone told me that the base salary is so important especially for the college graduate.
November 1, 2007 at 9:01 AM
Anonymous said…
I had a offers from two big 4s out of college. both had the same salary but one included a bonus. I told the other big 4 about the bonus and they offered a bonus that was a grand more. So bargaining for entry level is possible.
November 25, 2007 at 6:32 PM
Anonymous said…
I just got a summer audit internship with one of the big four. I know how to drive but i dont own a car. Am I expected to have a car in order to get to client sites or do this firms usually have company cars I will be able to use?
November 27, 2007 at 6:11 AM
notfordisplay said…
It depends. At my firm, you are expected to have a car. In fact, that's an HR-mandated question. But it really depends on the region. In New York City for instance, you don't need a car..heck, most of us can't afford to have a car if we live in Manhattan. Some friends of mine in other major cities in this country don't have cars, but have asked scheduling to put them on clients in the city so they could take public transportation. In the oft chance that you do need a car, you usually have to rent one. So they will not give you a company car, but if you let them know in advance (scheduling and HR) that you don't have a car, they can be flexible and put you on clients mostly in the city. If you live in the suburbs, then you do need a car. Hope this helps.
November 27, 2007 at 11:12 AM
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