I was interviewing with Accenture for a senior manager role and was just rejected after interviewing with the Executive Director. I was informed that they were looking for someone with experience from one of the Big Firms. In other words, they were pedigree-filtering. I've owned my own independent consultancy for 11 years, plus worked for a global consulting firm for close to 10 years. This interview process had nothing to do with capability, but rather brand signaling.

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How do you know this? Typically we’re not supposed to provide much feedback post interview as HR says it opens us up to risk.

We have a fairly strong brand so I’ve never seen us worry about this.

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This wasn't provided as feedback. It is mentioned on more than one occasion that laid the foundation for it being a reason. What makes these kinds of "under the radar" requirements discouraging for those who are interested in a company, it also provides very good insight into why a company has a hard time filling open positions. I've interviewed with Accenture on two separate occasions over the course of 3 years, both for Senior Manager positions, and the impression I've gotten back then as well, is that while a diverse set of candidates are interviewed at positions below managers, at the SM level, there are much more thought put into criteria other than capability, skills, qualifications. Cultural fit and perceptions also play a major role. This is my view, however, after my own experiences. This is still an organization that I've followed and have been interested in for quite some time. Frankly, I'm very proud of my professional achievements, and if it's not enough for AC, not much I can do about.

ACN is trying to find a way to pay you less and bring you in at a lower little while you deliver 10x the value. That is the playbook, be cautious even if you work at Big Four they value that less and less because they want you to adopt their methodology, style, and cultural adeptness. I guarantee if you were seeking a Manager/SM level role they would hire you with no reservations.

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