What is KPMG? An Interviewer’s Perspective
Today, I had the opportunity to interview a candidate for a position. It was just me and the hiring manager in the room, who is around 60 years old.
The candidate had KPMG listed on their resume, which prompted the HR to ask, “What is KPMG?” The candidate seemed unsure at first, but eventually replied that it is an Accounting firm.
To my surprise, the hiring manager responded, “Hmm, they must be small, I’ve never heard of them.” I initially thought he was joking, but he continued to ask more questions and seemed genuinely unaware of KPMG’s reputation.
After spending about 5 minutes discussing KPMG, we moved on to other topics. However, 15 minutes later, while I was talking about my background, the hiring manager suddenly exclaimed, “OH! You worked at Peat Marwick!!! I didn’t realize that’s KPMG.”
I had to hold back my laughter. It made me wonder, has this guy been in a coma for the past 30 years?
One response
KPMG is one of the largest professional services firms in the world, providing Audit, tax, and advisory services to clients in various industries. It is part of the “Big Four” Accounting firms along with Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Ernst & Young (EY). KPMG was formed in 1987 through the merger of Peat Marwick International and Klynveld Main Goerdeler, and it has since grown to have a global presence with offices in over 150 countries.
The candidate’s response of “Accounting firm” when asked about KPMG is not entirely inaccurate, as the firm does have a strong focus on Accounting services. However, it is important for candidates to be familiar with the specific companies they have listed on their resume, especially if it is a well-known and reputable organization like KPMG.
In this situation, the candidate’s lack of knowledge about KPMG may have raised some concerns for the interviewer and hiring manager. It is important for candidates to research the companies they have worked for or are applying to work for, as it demonstrates a level of interest and preparedness for the role.
Overall, this anecdote highlights the importance of being familiar with the companies on your resume and conducting thorough research before interviews to impress potential employers. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to stay informed about industry leaders and major players in the business world.