Top 10 EY (Ernst & Young) Interview Questions (2026)
Prepare for EY interviews with common behavioral questions for audit, tax, consulting, and strategy roles. Learn what EY interviewers look for.
EY interviews emphasize their purpose: "Building a better working world." They evaluate candidates on competencies they call "People First, Technology Driven" — meaning they care as much about your interpersonal skills as your technical abilities. EY's interview style is professional but warm, and they're particularly interested in how you demonstrate curiosity, growth mindset, and team collaboration.
1. "Tell me about a time you took the initiative to learn something new."
What they're testing: Growth mindset. EY invests heavily in learning and development. They want people who are naturally curious and self-directed in their learning.
How to answer: Describe a situation where you identified a skill gap and proactively addressed it — taking online courses, seeking mentors, or building side projects. Show how the new skill directly improved your work or created new opportunities.
2. "Describe a time you had to work with incomplete information."
What they're testing: Professional judgment. Auditors and consultants rarely have complete data. They need people who can make sound judgments with imperfect information.
How to answer: Show how you identified what you knew versus what you didn't, assessed the risks of acting without complete information, and made a reasonable decision. Describe how you validated your assumptions later.
3. "How do you handle constructive criticism?"
What they're testing: Coachability. First-year EY associates receive constant feedback. They need people who can absorb and act on it without becoming defensive.
How to answer: Give a specific example of feedback that was initially hard to hear. Show that you reflected on it, identified the truth in it, made a concrete change, and saw improved results. End by thanking or acknowledging the person who gave the feedback.
4. "Tell me about a time you helped someone on your team succeed."
What they're testing: Team orientation. EY's "People First" value means they want people who lift others up, not just focus on their own performance.
How to answer: Describe a situation where you mentored, supported, or unblocked a teammate. Show that you invested time in their success even when it wasn't required or rewarded. Focus on their growth and how it benefited the team.
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Start practicing free →5. "Describe a time you used technology to solve a problem more efficiently."
What they're testing: Technology-driven mindset. EY is investing billions in AI and automation. They want people who see technology as a tool for better work, not a threat.
How to answer: Show how you identified a manual or inefficient process and used technology — a script, a tool, an automation — to improve it. Quantify the time savings or quality improvement. Even basic Excel automation counts if the impact was meaningful.
6. "Why EY over the other Big 4?"
What they're testing: Genuine preference. Like all Big 4 firms, EY knows candidates interview everywhere. They want to know what specifically draws you to EY.
How to answer: Reference EY-specific elements — their EY Badges program, their focus on purpose and sustainability, their technology investments, or interactions with EY people at recruiting events. Be authentic about what resonates with you.
EY Interview Tips
- Know EY's purpose — "Building a better working world." Show how your personal values align with this mission.
- Demonstrate curiosity — EY values continuous learners. Show examples of pursuing knowledge beyond what was required.
- Be warm and personable — EY's "People First" culture means interpersonal skills matter as much as technical competence.
- Research EY Parthenon — If you're interested in strategy consulting, know about EY's strategy practice.
- Ask about EY Badges — Their continuing education program is a differentiator. Showing interest in professional development scores points.
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EY behavioral interviews assess your character as much as your capabilities. Practice with BriefRoom's AI interviewer to refine your stories about teamwork, learning, and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many interview rounds does EY have?
EY typically has 2-3 rounds: a recruiter phone screen, a behavioral interview with a manager or senior, and sometimes a final partner interview. Campus hires may have fewer rounds.
Is the EY interview process different from other Big 4 firms?
EY's process is similar in structure to Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG, but EY places more emphasis on their purpose-driven culture and asks more questions about curiosity, growth mindset, and social impact.
What should I know about EY before my interview?
Research EY's purpose statement, their service lines (Assurance, Tax, Consulting, Strategy), recent deals or initiatives, and their EY Ripples corporate responsibility program. Mention specifics to show genuine interest.
Does EY ask case study questions in interviews?
Case questions are mainly for consulting and strategy roles. For audit and tax positions, EY focuses on behavioral and competency-based questions using the STAR method.
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