Resume Tips to Get Shortlisted by Big 4 Companies

Introduction 

Hoping for a position with Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG? The growth, the prestige and the learning experience they provide are unparalleled. But they have brutal hiring process. Your starting point is your resume and it must capture attention right away. A weak one, and a second, is ignored . Having “survived” within the Indian employment landscape, I also know that, it is very difficult to be distinctive. Below are practical resume writing tips to get you a short list.

We will discuss how to draw a customized to the point summary or how best to display your accomplishments in rupees, etc so that you are presenting what the Big 4 recruiters in India are looking for. These will ensure your resume stands out whether you are a new grad or a more senior candidate. Ready to make your application a winner? Let’s get into how to create a resume that says “I’m big 4 material!”

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Understand What Big 4 Recruiters Look For 

The Big 4 in India, Deloitte, PWC, EY and KPMG, recruit for Audit, Tax, Consulting and Advisory. They need to hire someone who is a good fit for their culture, as well as providing value. You need to know what they care about if you want to distinguish yourself. Each of them has their own specialty. Deloitte promotes technology driven solutions. PwC focuses on trust from the client’s perspective. EY is more focused on transforming businesses. KPMG promotes innovation. Investigate the firm and position of interest. Clues can be found in their websites in India or in their LinkedIn pages.

Recruiters want problem-solvers.

Consider the times you have repaired an issue or have saved a dollar. For instance, if you were able to aid in the streamlining of a process you learned of in your internship you could say. Try to put it in rupees to make it relatable. Under ‘Saved costs’, try Cut expenses by ₹5 lakh annually. The numbers illustrate the impact you have. Big 4 firms are obsessed with numbers, so where possible provide numerical evidence of your accomplishments.

Another must is teamwork .

These types of firms thrive on collaboration. Include emphasizing team projects or leadership. Perhaps you coordinated a client pitch or headed a team for a college fest. For example, “Organized an event with a team of 10 and raised 2 lakh.” This demonstrates you can work in teams – a big 4 characteristic.

So do technical skills.

Big 4 jobs in India also use Excel, SAP or Tally. If you have knowledge of GST compliance or financial modeling, say so. For instance, “Prepared GST filings for 15 clients with 100% accuracy.” Soft skills such as communication are also valued by recruiters. If you presented those findings to a client or manager, call it out: “Presented findings to 20+ clients and improved satisfaction by 10%.”

The cultural fit is enormous.

The Big 4 companies seek highly motivated, adaptable people who perform well under pressure. Use action verbs that reflect initiative: “Built,” “Led,” “Improved.” Refrain from using vague phrases such as “was responsible for”. Instead state, “Boosted sales by ₹3 lakh with new strategies.” Make your resume tidy and uncluttered it should have bullet points and headers. Scans are quick, often taking only 10 seconds. Every word should serve a purpose.

Local context is valued by Big 4 firms in India.

If you have worked on specifically IFRS or GST in India, do make it a point to share. Such as, “IFRS audited financial statements with 20% less errors.” That tells us you are aware of the Indian market. In addition, make sure to emphasize any multinational clients you may have worked with—Big 4 companies are servicing global businesses. If you worked at a firm that has international clients, mention it : “Assisted in the audit of a US client, avoided penalties of ₹ 1.5 lakh”.

Finally, show a willingness to learn. Big 4 training is an investment. Include any self-study such as online courses or certifications. That indicates you can thrive in their environment, which is fast. A fine-tuned, tailored resume shows that you’re serious about being among them.

Tailor the Summary for Each Role 

Your resume summary is your first impression. It’s a short pitch—three to four sentences—that hooks the recruiter. A generic summary fails. Tailor it for each Big 4 role you apply for. In India, where competition is fierce, this step is critical. Check the job description on the firm’s India career portal or LinkedIn. Note key skills and responsibilities. Then, weave them into your summary.

For a PwC audit role, focus on accounting and compliance. For example:

B.Com graduate with two years of audit experience. Skilled in GST compliance and financial reporting. Reduced client audit errors by ₹2 lakh through detailed reviews. Eager to join PwC’s trusted audit team.

For a Deloitte consulting role, emphasize problem-solving and client work:

Management graduate with expertise in process optimization. Improved client operations, saving ₹4 lakh annually. Strong in data analysis and stakeholder communication. Excited to drive Deloitte’s consulting success.

Use keywords from the job posting. If it mentions “risk advisory,” include that phrase. This aligns your summary with the role. In India, Big 4 firms value local expertise. If applying for a KPMG tax role, mention tax laws like Income Tax Act or GST. Example:

Tax professional with three years of experience in GST filings. Saved clients ₹5 lakh through strategic deductions. Proficient in Tally and client advisory. Ready to contribute to KPMG’s tax innovation.

Keep it concise—100 words max. Don’t repeat your entire resume. Highlight your top strengths and tie them to the firm’s needs. Avoid vague terms like “dedicated worker.” Instead, say, “Boosted team efficiency by ₹3 lakh in savings.” Quantify where possible, using rupees for Indian context. For example, “Increased revenue by ₹10 lakh” beats “improved sales.”

Research each firm’s India operations. EY might prioritize digital transformation, so mention tech skills like Tableau. PwC values client trust, so highlight relationship-building. Tailoring shows you’ve done your homework. It’s extra work, but it makes recruiters notice you in a sea of applicants.

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Showcase Quantifiable Achievements

Numbers speak louder than words. Big 4 recruiters in India want proof of your impact. Vague claims like “improved efficiency” don’t cut it. Instead, say, “Streamlined payroll, saving ₹2 lakh monthly.” Quantifiable achievements make your resume stand out. They show you deliver results that matter.

Go through your past roles—jobs, internships, or projects. Did you save money? Boost revenue? Speed up a process? Use rupees to make it relatable. For example:

• “Reduced audit discrepancies by 30%, saving ₹3 lakh in penalties.”

• “Led marketing campaign, generating ₹5 lakh in sales.”

• “Automated data entry, cutting 15 hours weekly, worth ₹1 lakh annually.”

If you’re a fresher, use college or volunteer work. For instance, “Organized tech fest, raising ₹1.5 lakh in sponsorships.” Numbers grab attention. Place them in bullet points under each role. Start with strong verbs: “achieved,” “delivered,” “increased.” Avoid weak phrases like “helped with success.” Be direct.

For Indian applicants, tie achievements to local business needs. If you worked on GST compliance, say, “Ensured GST filings for 10 clients, avoiding ₹2 lakh in fines.” If you improved a process, quantify the savings: “Revamped inventory system, saving ₹4 lakh yearly.” Big 4 firms value candidates who understand Indian regulations and client needs.

If you can’t quantify, describe clear outcomes. For example, “Implemented new software, improving report accuracy.” Always link achievements to Big 4 skills—analysis, leadership, or client service. For instance, “Trained 15 team members on Tally, boosting efficiency by ₹1 lakh.” This shows you’re ready for their demands.

List achievements under each role or internship. For example: Audit Intern, ABC Firm, Mumbai (June 2023–Aug 2023)

• “Identified ₹2 lakh in accounting errors, ensuring compliance.”

• “Prepared financial reports for 5 clients, saving 10 hours weekly.”

Numbers in rupees make your impact real for Indian recruiters. They show you understand the local market. Always be honest—exaggerations get caught during interviews. Strong achievements build a case for why you’re a top pick.

Highlight Certifications and Tools

Certifications prove you’re serious about your career. Big 4 firms in India value credentials that match their work. For accounting roles, a CA (Chartered Accountant) is king. For consulting, a CFA or PMP adds weight. Tech roles? Consider AWS or Salesforce certifications. List them prominently in a “Skills” or “Certifications” section.

A great option is the PwC Edge Course from Entri . This Strategic Accounting and Finance Programme builds skills for Big 4 roles. It covers financial analysis, reporting, and strategy—perfect for PwC, Deloitte, or others. Mention it like this:

• “Completed PwC Edge Course, mastering financial strategy and GST compliance.”

This shows you’re proactive and aligned with Big 4 needs. If you’re pursuing it, say, “Enrolled in PwC Edge Course, expected completion 2025.” Indian recruiters value such initiatives.

Highlight tools you know. Big 4 firms in India use software like Excel, SAP, Tally, or Tableau. List them in a “Skills” section. Be specific: “Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, PivotTables)” or “Tableau (data visualization).” For audit roles, mention CaseWare or QuickBooks. For tax roles, include Tally or ClearTax. For example:

• “Proficient in Tally, processed ₹10 lakh in transactions.”

• “Used Tableau to analyze sales data, saving ₹3 lakh.”

Don’t exaggerate—recruiters may test you. If you’ve used tools in internships, note them: “Prepared GST reports in Tally, ensuring 100% accuracy.” Place this section near the top or in a sidebar for visibility. Indian firms value tech skills, especially in digital transformation roles.

If you’re studying for a certification, mention it: “CA Finalist, Level II Cleared 2024.” This shows ambition. Tailor this section to the firm’s needs. Deloitte’s tech focus? Highlight Python or Power BI. EY’s advisory roles? Mention risk management certifications. A strong certifications and tools section proves you’re ready for India’s Big 4 demands.

Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) 

Big 4 firms in India use ATS to screen resumes. If your resume fails the ATS, recruiters never see it. Optimize it to pass. Start by studying the job description on the firm’s India career page. Look for keywords—skills, tools, or qualifications. For example, if it says “financial analysis,” use that exact phrase. Don’t write “finance skills.”

Use standard headings: “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills.” ATS can’t read creative titles like “My Journey.” Avoid tables, images, or fancy fonts—they confuse the system. Stick to Arial or Times New Roman, 11–12 point. Save as a PDF to lock formatting.

Incorporate keywords naturally. For a tax role, use terms like “GST compliance,” “Income Tax Act,” or “client advisory.” For example:

• “Prepared GST filings for 20 clients, saving ₹4 lakh in penalties.”

Don’t overdo it—keyword stuffing looks unnatural. Balance readability with ATS optimization. For instance, “Conducted financial audits under IFRS, reducing errors by ₹2 lakh.” This hits keywords and stays human.

Test your resume with tools like Jobscan. Aim for a 90%+ match with the job description. In India, Big 4 postings often list specific tools like SAP or Tally. Include them if you have experience. For example, “Used SAP to process ₹15 lakh in invoices.” If the role mentions “team leadership,” add it: “Led 8-member audit team, completing project ₹5 lakh under budget.”

Keep your file name professional: “Rahul_Sharma_Resume.pdf.” Avoid “Resume_V1.pdf.” ATS optimization is critical in India’s competitive job market. A resume that passes ATS gets you one step closer to an interview.

Include Internship Experience Strategically

Internships are gold for Big 4 applications in India. They show you’ve tested your skills in real settings. Recruiters value relevant experience, even if it’s short-term. Don’t just list tasks—focus on impact. Treat internships like full-time jobs on your resume.

Place them under “Work Experience” if they’re recent and relevant. Use bullet points to show results in rupees. For example:

• “Analyzed financial data for 8 clients, saving ₹3 lakh in errors.”

• “Assisted in GST filings, reducing processing time by 12 hours, worth ₹1 lakh.”

If your internship isn’t directly related, tie it to Big 4 skills. A marketing internship can show data analysis or client skills. Example:

• “Created sales reports, increasing revenue by ₹2 lakh.”

This links to analytical skills Big 4 firms want. For Indian applicants, highlight internships with reputable firms or startups. If you interned at a known company like Tata or Infosys, mention it. For example:

• “Interned at Infosys, optimized database, saving ₹1.5 lakh annually.”

If you have multiple internships, prioritize those with clear results or big names. Older or less relevant ones can go in an “Additional Experience” section. For instance: Additional Experience

• “Marketing Intern, XYZ Startup, Mumbai (Jan 2022–Mar 2022): Boosted social media engagement by 15%, worth ₹50,000.”

Don’t pad your resume—focus on quality. Always quantify in rupees: “Organized client event, raising ₹1 lakh.” This resonates with Indian recruiters. Internships show you’re ready for the Big 4’s intense environment.

Final Checklist Before Sending

Before submitting, ensure your resume is flawless. One error can kill your chances. Use this checklist for a Big 4-ready resume:

• Tailoring: Is your summary and experience specific to the role and firm?

• Keywords: Are job-specific terms included for ATS?

• Achievements: Do you quantify results in rupees (e.g., “Saved ₹2 lakh”)?

• Certifications/Tools: Are credentials like PwC Edge Course and tools like Tally listed?

• Clarity: Is the layout clean with short sentences and bullet points?

• Grammar: Run through Grammarly to catch errors.

• Contact Info: Is your name, email (e.g., rahul.sharma@gmail.com), and phone correct?

• Length: One page for freshers, two for experienced candidates.

• File Name: Use “FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf.”

• Proofread: Ask a friend or mentor to review.

Save as a PDF to avoid formatting issues. Email it to yourself to test how it looks on different devices. Submit early—Indian Big 4 portals can get glitchy near deadlines. A polished resume shows you’re detail-oriented, a must for these firms.

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Conclusion 

Your Resume is your gateway to a Big 4 Job in India. So make it count. Customize for each position, include significance in rupees, and point out qualifications such as the PwC Edge Course. Make ATS friendly and highlight impactful internships. Attention to detail is critical – sloppy work is recognized immediately by recruiters. Refer to the checklist to identify mistakes.

In India’s job market, it is important to have a cutting-edge resume that differentiates you from the crowd. If you are applying for technology roles at Deloitte or for the audit practice at PwC, these tips will make you stand out from the crowd. Create a resume that hollers “I belong at the Big 4”. Don’t wait—apply now and get your application in early and be ready to shine. A future career with Deloitte, PwC, EY or KPMG is possible! Go on!