Life of an auditor

This is to address a comment concerning the interview process "just curious how hiring has changed, if at all, since the massive layoffs? " Hiring students at the staff associate level has dipped a little bit, but nothing out of the ordinary. At that level, billing rates are the lowest and so we can afford to have staff at different clients. The 2nd year associate position is a little more tricky because billing rates are higher and they can't senior engagements. Since we really need a new influx of staff every year, there can never be a hiring freeze. I was wondering how you choose which candidates to recommend for offers? Is it a gut feeling? or are there guidelines that you have to follow? There are guidelines...it should be similar at all firms..but communication skills, leadership skills, teamwork, and a few other skills are what we focus on. You have to make a good impression on the interviewer, that's really the biggest key. Don't show off too much nervousn...