I had an interview recently for manager position for one of the big 4s in US, but the partner(3rd technical interview) is pushing me to stay in Senior position, the recruiter told me that they need the position urgently, I feel I did good with first two technical interviews, what do you advise me to tell the recruiter when he/she comes back?KPMG EY PwC Deloitte BDO
Tell them you're only willing to take the manager position
Even a fast track promo doesn’t mean anything, either jump as a manager or don’t jump, after all you applied for a manager position I assume
The interview team made the decision and the recruiter is just passing the word. If they came back with a sr position, I think you best chance is to ask for fast track promo
Fast track promo is a lie. Get it in writing.
That Partner doesn’t think your interview met manager level but they like you enough to give the opportunity. In the title is a must for you then move on if they can’t get it through. You also don’t want to be unsuccessful as a manager so they might be doing you a favor.
I had a similar situation when I jumped to BDO. The hesitation is not that you might not be good enough for Manager but it's more about the team wanting to see you perform as a Manager before they offer it to you. That's what I was told when I was interviewed -- 'our culture, team and work is different. You want to ease into the M role and make your network etc.' I asked them to do another interview to assess my Managerial skills instead of focusing on technical skills and they agreed for another interview. After the interview I was offered the M role. Hope this helps!
Until you make partner it’s all just a title. You’re going to do the work the client needs done with the resources available on your team. If you like the group and the pay, don’t worry about the title. It will come.
Don't assume they're early in career. I fucked up and joined a level lower then I should have because I wasn't familiar with Big4. I have 15 years of professional experience, great reviews, and a track record of turning around troubled engagements. The only promo in my group went to someone very early in their career, doesn't display the manager skills I show, but they're willing to work 100 hours a week. I've spent the past three years filling almost exclusivity manager roles, but suddenly this year I'm average despite any leader who knows me saying the opposite.
I was told twice that a big 4 wanted to bring me in as an associate. I pushed for senior by saying I know they needed seniors more and I would put in the extra hours.
Now that I see how everything works coming in a level lower probably would have made me shine more. If it’s a good opportunity, take it. Lots of long hours over here lol.
I joined the US firm with a level higher than I was, I struggled for the first few months but got on track really quickly. The first impression was bad and the office I was haunted me for a long time but I never gave up and I kept rising.