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Anonymous A

on Mar 23, 2025

Europe

Open Applications works?

Hi, I was interviewed in January for an audit trainee role and I would say it went fine, they were pretty interested in my thesis topic (it is regarding audit) and the fact I'm doing an IFRS course. After 3 weeks unfortunately they called and say that even if they appreciated my enthusiasm, they preferred someone with prior experience in audit.

The fact is, I would really love to work for this company (big4) and they will open again the trainee positions in the end of august/september but there will be thousands of applicants again so...should I reach out to them before through open application? Does it work? I was thinking to do it in April but what's your advice on that?

Thank you in advance!

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Top answer

Sebastian

Coach

on Mar 23, 2025

Ex-BCG Principal & Senior Recruiter in Germany | 300+ real recruiting interviews at BCG | Free 15min intro call

Hi there,

will you have the chance to collect some Audit experience from January until Q3 this year? If not, their answer will likely be the same.

Also, do you still have a contact at the company? I would reach out directly to the HR person that you have liaised with before and ask them if there is the chance to do an internship or if it makes sense to apply again in Q3.

Best,
Sebastian

1 comment

Anonymous A

on Mar 23, 2025

Thank you for your answer! No, finding an internship is mandatory in my university and they are the only ones who reached out. The hr called me just to say that there would have been an interview in few days and then I spoke directly to the manager and assistant. So I won't be able to do an experience before, job market is a bit messy at the moment.

Mariana

Coach

on Mar 24, 2025

Hi there,

In line with the comment above, I suggest you to target smaller companies to get the required experience that prevented you getting an offer and reapply again in 6-12months. Otherwise, you'll be joining a process 3 months after being rejected without covering the gap mentioned. That will not make sense to them, specially if its the same recruiting personnel.

Good luck!
Best,

Mari

Alessa

Coach

on Mar 26, 2025

xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

Hey there ?,

Yes—sending an open application in April is a great idea, especially since you already have interview history and positive feedback!

? Here's why it works:
– It keeps you top of mind ahead of the mass recruitment wave
– Shows initiative and sustained interest in the firm
– Gives you a chance to highlight progress since your last interview (IFRS course, deeper thesis work, etc.)

Just keep the message short, warm, and confident—something like:

“I know positions open later in the year, but I wanted to reiterate my strong interest and share a few updates since our last conversation…”

Let me know if you’d like help drafting that message—I’d love to support! ?

Best,
Alessa ?

Alberto

Coach

on Mar 25, 2025

Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Leverage the fact that you’ve already spoken and interviewed with them to reach out and ask directly about that position.

Do it now—don’t wait!

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Chic & Stitch - Fashion Market Expansion

Florian

Coach

on Mar 24, 2025

1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Without significant _relevant_ improvements on your resume, you'll likely run the risk of getting rejected again. I'd try to find something to bridge the gap (both in terms of time and desired qualification), then re-apply in 1-2 years.

All the best,

Florian

Pedro

Coach

on Mar 27, 2025

Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Yes, this is a good idea.

But your base plan should be about getting audit experience at another firm.