Ernst and Young (EY) Interview Process: Examples with Tips
Updated November 21, 2023
- Introduction to the EY Interview Process
- What Is the EY Interview Process?
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- How to Prepare for the EY Interview Process
- Common EY Interview Questions
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- EY Interview Tips
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- What Happens After the Interview?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Interview questions used by EY vary according to the job role you have applied for.
However, some of the most common Ernst and Young interview questions are:
- What excites you about working for EY?
- What do you find most interesting about this job role?
- How do you handle uncertainty?
- What are three of your biggest strengths?
- Give an example when you led a team to success.
Introduction to the EY Interview Process
If you are applying for jobs at Ernst and Young (EY), your interview provides an opportunity to demonstrate what value you could add to the organization.
EY receives thousands of applications each year as one of the Big Four consulting firms, so the interview process is highly competitive. EY considers its employees its most valuable asset, so it remains committed to sourcing the best talent for its teams.
The EY application process is straightforward, and you can put your CV or application forward in several ways, including job fairs, university events and applying via the corporate careers page.
For the best chance of success, knowing what to expect at an interview is important.
In this article, you can learn about the structure of the EY interview process and find links to helpful resources to aid your interview preparation.
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What Is the EY Interview Process?
The EY interview process and the questions you must answer vary depending on the job you have applied for.
For example, suppose you are applying for an EY internship. In that case, you must answer EY internship interview questions about your CV, your understanding of the business strategy and your reasons for applying for your chosen service line.
For some roles, you must answer the EY job simulation questions, including situational judgment questions and personality tests. If you are attending an EY partner interview, this can last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
The EY interview process generally comprises three key stages: one or more initial telephone interviews, a video interview and an in-person, on-site job interview.
EY uses this structure if you are attending an EY Parthenon interview, but it is also used for many other EY job roles.
Here is an overview of what you should expect during each stage of the EY interview process.
Telephone Interviews
A recruiter conducts the initial telephone call or interview, which usually lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Sometimes, candidates might receive a follow-up telephone call following the initial telephone interview.
Video Interview Including EY Case Study Interview and EY Behavioral Interview Questions
The video interview section is split into two interviews, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Led by an EY consultant or manager, one of the interviews is a behavioral interview and the other is a case interview.
Many organizations use behavioral questions, as they offer insight into how you have approached a problem in the past.
Your answer indicates how you may behave when faced with a similar issue in the future, and firms use this insight to decide whether you would be a good match for the job role and organizational culture.
Here are some examples of phrasing used for behavioral interview questions:
- Can you give me an example of a time when you…
- Tell me about an occasion when you…
Before the video interview, you must research the company, job role and team you have applied to join. You should use the information you learn as the basis for the answers you give to the EY video interview questions.
On-Site Interviews Including EY Case Study Interview and EY Behavioral Interview Questions
This section comprises three interviews, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes each.
Led by EY managers and/or partners, one of the interviews is a behavioral interview, one is an individual EY case interview and the EY final interview is a group EY case interview.
During the case study exercises, you must offer relevant arguments, conclusions and recommendations relating to the case study presented to you.
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How to Prepare for the EY Interview Process
The EY interview process is highly competitive. Dedicating sufficient time to preparation is key to your success.
Read on for ideas on how to prepare for your interview at EY.
Step 1. Research EY
You must learn as much as possible about the organization as a whole. Research EY’s business values and strategy, considering whether your personal and professional goals and values would be a good match.
If you already know someone who works for EY, chat with them about what it is like to work for the organization and ask what they can tell you about the company’s values and culture.
Step 2. Find Out More About the Job Role
Researching the job role you have applied for is key to success at the interview. Throughout the process, the interviewers will want to feel confident that you fully understand the requirements of the job role, so you should spend plenty of time studying the job description and requirements.
Find out who the position reports to, key working relationships and career progression opportunities. Make notes as you go along, and write down any questions you want to ask about the role throughout the interview process.
Step 3. Consider Your Existing Skills and Experiences
Consider your studies, extracurricular activities or past work experience, considering how these might help you perform well in the EY role you have applied for.
Whether you have proven your leadership skills by assisting a team to meet its target or devised a new concept or process to improve your time management, consider how your existing skills and experiences make you a good candidate for EY employment opportunities.
Step 4. Look Up Example EY Interview Questions Online
You can find a variety of example interview questions on websites such as WikiJob and JobTestPrep.
When considering example interview questions relevant to job vacancies at EY, it is important to access a broad range, including video-based interview questions, behavioral questions and competency-based questions.
Step 5. Practice Answering Interview Questions
Reading through questions and answering them is important, but practicing how you will convey your answers during the interview is also important.
You might ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview so you can become familiar with thinking on your feet during an interview.
You could also practice video recording yourself as you answer a question before analyzing your response and body language.
Step 6. Check Your IT Equipment Is Suitable and in Full Working Order
Ensure you have a good internet connection and that your computer or laptop is fully charged or connected to a mains power source before commencing an interview.
Check your camera, microphone and speakers are all working – again, you could try setting up a practice video interview with a family member or friend to check everything is working and to give yourself further opportunity to practice answering EY video interview questions.
Step 7. Ensure You Have a Quiet Space to Work From
Once you have been given a date and time for your interview, make arrangements to ensure you have a quiet space to work from.
Make sure you will not be disturbed by anyone you are living with, and try to minimize distractions.
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Common EY Interview Questions
Here are some questions you may need to answer during your job interview at EY.
What Excites You About Working for EY?
If you are applying to work for EY, you might also be applying for jobs with other consulting firms.
EY asks this question to find out whether you have carried out adequate research into the organization, its culture and how you could contribute to its overall success.
To answer this question, you must give several positive reasons why you want to join EY. It could be anything from the company’s global presence to its innovation initiatives.
Your answer will be personal to you, so do your research and think carefully about why you want to work for EY.
Example Answer:
I am genuinely thrilled about the prospect of working for Ernst & Young due to several compelling reasons. First and foremost, EY's longstanding reputation for excellence and leadership in the professional services industry is incredibly inspiring.
The firm's commitment to delivering top-notch client service and innovative solutions sets a high standard, and I am eager to be part of a team that consistently strives for excellence.
The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry and collaborate on complex projects excites me, as I believe it will challenge me to constantly push my boundaries and grow as a professional.
What Do You Find Most Interesting About This Job Role?
EY asks this question to determine whether you fully understand the position you have applied for. It also helps the interviewer establish what you are motivated by in the workplace and your enthusiasm for the job role.
Example Answer:
I find this job role at Ernst & Young incredibly interesting for several reasons. Firstly, the dynamic and challenging nature of the position excites me as it provides an opportunity to work on diverse projects across various industries, contributing to clients' success and driving meaningful change.
The collaborative and team-oriented approach at EY also appeals to me, as it fosters a supportive environment where diverse perspectives come together to generate innovative solutions.
Moreover, the global impact of EY's work is captivating, offering the chance to be part of projects that influence businesses and societies on an international scale.
The firm's commitment to continuous learning and personal development aligns perfectly with my own values, and I am eager to enhance my skills through the various training programs and resources provided.
Overall, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Ernst & Young and contributing to their mission while growing both professionally and personally in such a prestigious organization.
Describe Your Approach to Learning New Skills
This question helps the interviewer to learn more about your self-awareness and willingness to learn new skills. You should talk about your learning preferences (are you a visual learner, or do you prefer to learn on the job?) or give an example of a time when you showed initiative to learn a new skill.
You could also mention skills you have identified from the job description that you would need to learn to succeed in the job role.
Example Answer:
When it comes to learning new skills, I adopt a proactive and systematic approach. I start by researching the skill thoroughly, identifying the best learning resources and setting specific goals.
Breaking down the skill into smaller components helps me grasp concepts effectively, and I reinforce my understanding through hands-on experience and practical application. I actively seek feedback to continuously improve, remaining open to constructive criticism and using it as a tool for growth.
Finally, I prioritize consistency, dedicating regular time to practice and reinforce what I've learned. This commitment to continuous learning ensures I can adapt and thrive in Ernst & Young's dynamic and ever-evolving work environment.
If Successful, What Would You Hope to Accomplish During Your First Three Months in the Post?
This question allows you to convey your motivation, ambition and passion for the job. Giving an overview of one or two SMART objectives that you would like to achieve during the first three months in the post is a good place to start.
When considering these objectives, you should consider the overall team strategy and company mission, linking your answer to how you could contribute to these areas.
Give an Example of When You Led a Team to Success
This question is an example of a behavioral question. It offers you the chance to 'blow your own trumpet', so don’t be afraid to talk about what went well.
Using the STAR technique (see below) is a good approach to this type of question.
What Are Three of Your Biggest Strengths?
This question is another opportunity to tell the interviewer what you are good at.
When answering this question, think about the skills and experience the interviewer seeks.
You should tailor your answer to address the requirements of the job role.
How Do You Handle Uncertainty?
For this question, you want to show that you can remain confident when faced with ambiguity.
Start by describing a situation where you were uncertain, giving an overview of what you were unsure about.
Talk about how you approached the problem and tell the interviewer the overall outcome. Be reflective – tell the interviewer what you would do differently next time if things didn’t go well.
When answering these questions, you should work in line with the STAR technique, which allows you to create a concise and easy-to-follow answer. STAR is an acronym for:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
When using the STAR technique, begin your answer by describing the situation you were faced with.
For example, if you were answering the question about leading a team to success, you would give an overview of the team and describe the objective or project that you were working on.
The next stage is to discuss the precise task or role you were responsible for. This is your chance to explain where you fit into the overall picture.
For the action stage, explain what action you took to resolve the issue at hand. If you worked with others, describe their role and how you motivated them to assist.
At the end, you should summarize the result or outcome of the actions you took, as well as anything you might do differently in the future. Where possible, offer metrics to illustrate the effect of your efforts, for example, boosting sales by 5% or saving two hours per week in administration time.
Remember that the interview questions will vary according to the job role you have applied for.
If you have applied for a position in tax or finance, you might be asked to explain how a specific tax system works.
If you have applied for an IT role, you might be asked to provide input on how to solve a particular IT issue. As part of your preparation, it is important to research field and role-specific questions, as well as general EY interview questions.
EY Interview Tips
Read on for our tips on how to approach your interview at EY.
It’s Okay to Ask Clarifying Questions
If you have been asked a question that seems unclear, it is always best to ask for clarification. This allows you time to think carefully about the information the interviewer is asking for.
Take Notes
Keep a pad of paper and a pen to hand throughout the interview. If anything comes up that you are unsure of, make a note so that you remember to ask when you are invited to ask questions.
Compose Yourself Before Answering a Question
Don’t be tempted to rush your answers. It is always best to take a moment to think before you start to give your answer.
Keep a glass of water on your desk and take a small sip before answering – this may help you collect and organize your thoughts before speaking.
Keep Your Answers Short and Informative
It is important to give clear and concise answers throughout the interview. Before speaking, think carefully about what you want to say and plan the order you want to provide the information in.
Avoid Rushing Through Your Answers
Rushing through an answer is never a good idea. It is always best to gather your thoughts before you begin to speak. This helps to show you can remain calm and collected in a pressurized situation.
Don’t Memorize Your Answers
Reeling off a pre-rehearsed answer to a question is unlikely to create a good impression at an interview.
It is always best to offer an authentic, honest approach to answering the interview questions. While preparing and rehearsing the topics you want to cover is important, you don’t want to appear robotic.
Maintain Good Eye Contact
Maintaining a good level of eye contact is important for communication during both video and in-person interviews. It shows that you are engaged and interested in what the interviewer is saying.
Keep it subtle – don’t feel you have to maintain constant eye contact, but you should avoid staring into space or looking down at your lap.
Don’t Forget About Your Posture
Maintaining good posture is important – it helps to show a more positive, confident appearance and helps you to look more professional. Sit up straight and try to keep your hands relaxed.
Don’t Make Things Up
It is never a good idea to embellish the truth during a job interview. Keep your answers concise, and always be honest about your experience. Exaggerating could leave you in a difficult situation later on, so it is best to be truthful.
What Happens After the Interview?
After the EY final interview process ends, you might be left wondering what happens next. Depending on the number of candidates interviewed for the position, it might take up to two weeks to hear anything.
If you haven’t heard anything after two weeks, follow up with the person who conducted your interview. They will be able to tell you whether you have been successful or not. If you have been successful, you will receive written confirmation with information on the next stages of the EY recruitment process.
In most cases, EY does not offer individual feedback on interview performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The EY interview process varies between job roles. In general, the hiring process from start to finish takes around six to eight weeks. After the final interview, you can expect to hear the outcome of your application within two weeks. If you do not hear back within this timeframe, you should contact the interviewer directly.
The number of rounds of interviews at EY varies, depending on the position you have applied for. In many cases, there are three rounds of interviews at EY – a telephone interview round, a video interview round and an in-person interview round.
It is vital to prepare for your EY interview. To do so, there are several strategies to consider, including practicing giving answers to typical EY interview questions, setting up a mock interview with a family member or friend and learning how to apply the STAR technique to the answers that you give.
EY interviews vary in length, depending on the job vacancy you have applied for and the interview round. In most cases, EY interviews last between 45 minutes and two hours, although they can be shorter or longer than this.
Roughly 4% of EY applicants are hired – EY receives approximately two million applications annually and employs around 83,000 people each year, so the process is highly competitive.
According to research by Great Place to Work, 83% of EY employees say it is a great place to work. Additionally, 91% of respondents say they are proud to tell other people they work for EY, and 90% have been offered education and training to aid their professional development.
You may be asked to take tests during the EY interview process. This is dependent on the job vacancy you have applied for. Tests used by EY include verbal reasoning and personality assessments.
Usually, you will be notified of the outcome of your interview within two weeks.
Yes, if you have not heard back within two weeks of your interview, you should reach out to the EY recruiter or manager who interviewed you.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is vital whether you are attending an EY partner interview or an EY technology consulting case interview.
Knowing what to expect from each interview stage will help boost your confidence. For example, you may want to research EY interview questions and use this information to conduct a mock or practice interview with a friend or family member.
This allows you to practice speaking out loud about why you want to work for EY and learn the best way to structure your answers. It also allows you to practice maintaining positive eye contact and good body posture.
If you have been invited to attend an interview at EY, follow our tips to stand the best chance of success at your EY interview. Good luck with your application!
