Application Process & Interviews at EY Australia

Assessment center with a group activity (analysis and presentation), a networking event, and interview.

Graduate recruitment team at EY are absolutely excellent, and I had a really great interview process. I attended one assessment centre for the vacation program, which included a one on one interview and a group activity. After my vacation role, I was offered a graduate role with no further interviews. It was very informal and relaxed, and I did not feel that I was being tested for technical capability; more so for my ability to think critically, problem solve quickly, work in a team communicate in a succinct, articulate manner and form rapport with other people.

Online assessments Assessment day - Group activity, Partner interview, catch-up with Accountants from assurance

Online quiz, assessment centre, partner interview

Stage 1: Applications Stage 2: Online Assessments Stage 3: Assessment Centre (One on One Interview and Group Assessment)

Took a long time for the whole grad recruitment process! But very typical big 4 assessment centre - had a group task, a written task and an individual interview with mostly behavioural questions. Prior to this, the screening stage includes online assessments, including a values assessment and a numerical and verbal assessment.

pretty standard; interviews, assessment centre etc.

Interview process and assessments are not technical and are straightforward and approachable. I think they look for people who work well in team situations, are inclusive, respectful and creative; while focusing on client outcomes. Interview questions aren't technical, and selection focuses on your ability to coherently articulate yourself and engage with your interviewer.

Difficult and high pressure

Quick and easy to attend.

there are a number of rounds of initial interviews and online assessments. if successful you are progressed to a group & individual interview, and an assessment centre where you solve a client issue as a group.

A bit nerving

Group assessment and individual interview

The interview process is very streamlined. Initial online applications are screened on a rolling basis, which contributes to the quick hiring process. After the online application, there is an online behavioural assessment and psychometric testing. The last stage is an assessment centre where a group case study and one on one interview with a Partner/Director of your chosen area occurs.

Interview process and assessments were both enjoyable and challenging.

Assessments were difficult but assessment day and interview were very professional

Very fast to respond and all instructions were clear

Generic online application, online assessments, and then an assessment centre consisting of a group and individual interview.

Upload CV / cover letter 3 x online assessment 1 x video interview 1 x assessment centre 1 x partner interview

The process started with an online test, followed by an in-person interview. The interview lasted half a day and involved a one-on-one interview and a group interview.

The usual behavioural interview questions as well as a good mix of general getting to know you questions. It was a genuine conversation, not like the traditional depiction of an interview where you are grilled.

Behavioral questions

Questions involving soft skills - conflict resolution, handling difficult situations

Lots of behavioural questions, specific to the team I was applying for

General questions; I interviewed as an intern so they weren't too technical, rather just trying to see me as a person

A one hour partner interview. Mainly aimed at finding out about me as a person.

Why did you choose EY, describe a time you had to change something, describe a time you learnt something new.

Questions pertaining to general workplace experience, education, hobbies, and questions based on previous experience

Behavioural questions.

Asked about future of Accounting with digital disruption being major part of the industry

Questions related to: my interest in my chosen area, extracurricular activities, why I chose to apply to this company, and behavioural questions.

What skills would you provide to the team? What is it that interested you to join this particular team?

Situational behavioural questions. Industry questions

scenario situations - 'what would you do if...'

Behavioural only

Situational based questions.

Biggest weakness

"What is your 'better' question?"

I was asked 1 current affairs question (related to the business unit I was applying for), maybe 2 motivational questions and 5-8 behavioural-based questions.

Most questions related to my work experience and interests outside of work/study.

Study up on the firm, the position, practice behavioral questions and just relax. The time you spend at the assessment center is about seeing if you can interact in a positive manner, so be conversational, be genuinely interested and if there are things that you want to know, make sure you ask in the interview.

Talk to people who work at the firm to get to know them, research the company and the role beforehand thoroughly, practice interview questions

Personal development and growth is just as important as technical skills e.g. volunteering, showing initiative etc.

Prepare for behavioral questions and be yourself

Review EY's objectives and understand growth priorities and values.

Ensure you have a variety of examples. Do not only use examples from Uni, or only use examples from a sporting context. Try to apply different jobs you have had, extra-curricular activities you have done, etc.

Prepare to respond in the STAR format, pulling on your relevant experience. Have LOTS of examples ready to go.

understand the team and what they do, read any news articles in the press about the work,

Don't assume that because you are still in university, that you are not qualified or experienced enough for the role. You aren't expected to start your career knowing everything.

Be prepared for tough questions and know why you want to work there.

Be a good team player, make sure you're a person that's approachable and easy to talk to.

Understand EY values and vision, be able to explain how they align with your values and articulate what you are looking for. Prepare a "better question"

Think of every behavioural question you could possibly be asked and write down an answer to each in the STAR method. Practise answering these questions aloud so you get used to the interview style. Don't memorise the answers unless you're able to present them in a believable and non robotic way.

Practice situational questions and online behavioural assessments. Research the company and the industry

Show you are actually interested in the service line you are trying to get in to. When it comes to the interview, just be yourself and show you're social/able to talk to people and be a team player

I would advise candidates to research the operating model of the company, the type of work that their chosen area performs, and growth areas that the company are investing in for the future. This information can be found via online forums, Glassdoor, talking to current employees, news articles, and company publications (check their social media and websites).

Be your authentic self

Research EY and know the company before the interview

Candidates can best prepare by learning as much as they can about the team they are applying for. Also understanding your own drive and career motivations.

To prepare I'd recommend thinking about answers to some generic behavioural questions, and picking out examples that make you excited to talk about. E.g. you might talk about your experience volunteering when you are asked about teamwork.