Ernst & Young Hiring Process UK: Full Guide to EY Applications, Assessments, and Interviews (2025)

The EY recruitment process is designed to assess applicants across a range of roles within Audit, Consulting, Tax, Strategy, and other service lines. Each stage of recruitment is built around the EY Strengths Framework, which guides how candidates are evaluated.

EY Strengths Framework:

• Adaptability
• Curiosity
• Collaboration
• Learning Agility
• Resilience
• Relationship Building

The EY recruitment process is rigorous and highly competitive. Depending on the position or programme you apply for, the process may include several online assessments, interviews, and assessment centre activities.

You’ll need to prepare thoroughly and allow sufficient time to practise.

Begin by applying for a suitable role via the official EY UK careers site. The first stage, known as Learning About You, involves completing an application form.

You'll need to provide:

• Personal details
• Preferred work location
• Chosen programme or service line

This stage typically takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll also be required to upload your CV and align it with the specific job description.

PRO TIP: Ready to stand out and impress the recruiter? Use our AI-powered CV Analyser to optimise your application in minutes!

The EY interview process occurs if the applicant matches EY’s applicant requirements. During the interview, you will discuss the role, company culture and relevant work experience.  

How to Prepare for an EY Interview:

• Practise using our AI-powered Interview Simulator, which replicates real EY interview scenarios tailored to your role.
• Review our Big 4 Interview Preparation Guide for insights into assessments and interview formats.
• Research EY’s values, structure, recent news, and market presence.
• Prepare for both behavioural and case study questions.
• Ensure your technology is working for virtual interviews—check Wi-Fi, audio, and camera.
• Dress professionally (business casual is typically expected.)

EY has several online assessments that applicants have to take as a part of the recruitment process either online or a designated EY assessment centre. 

• EY One Assessment: Used for internships, apprenticeships, and roles in Tax, Business, Consulting, and Technology. It includes, numerical reasoning, situational Judgement Test (SJT) and data analytics.The assessment takes about an hour and is untimed, but time management is assessed.
• EY Consulting Assessment: Used for business consulting service line recruitment, this test acts as mimics real work scenarios, or a typical day, you might experience at Ernst & Young. This assessment is used as a part of the hiring process for EY’s graduate programme.  EY Numerical Reasoning Test: This exam is a part of the recruitment process of EY’s graduate programme. During this exam, you will be tested on mathematics and calculations.  
• EY Numerical Reasoning Test: A mathematics-focused test used in graduate recruitment, testing numerical literacy and basic calculations.
• EY Graduate Test: Also referred to as “Technology is Changing Our World,” has 4 sections which are consumer perspective, societal perspective, business perspective and an additional questionnaire. This exam is for the recruitment of EY’s Strategy and Law service lines for their graduate programme.   
• EY Job Simulation Assessment: The job simulation test takes place after initial assessments, primarily for graduate consulting roles. The simulation includes 14 scenario-based questions and evaluates your workplace behaviour , situational judgement and cognitive skills. Takes about 45 minutes but it is not timed.
• EY Aptitude Tests: If you are an experienced hire applying for a role at EY, you will most likely have to take a series of exams. The exams include a Situational Strength Test (SST), EY Business Behaviours Test and A ‘What’s Your Mindset?’ Questionnaire. You will also have to take a numerical and verbal reasoning test.

The EY Experience Day UK is composed of two parts: a case study and a group exercise with group discussion. As a part of the application process for the Assurance Graduate Programme, the experience day will occur in-person at a UK office.

Important: You must respond to your invitation within 48 hours.

What to expect:

• EY Case Study:This can be individual, group-based, or written. You’ll be asked to analyse a scenario and present a solution. EY assesses business acumen, analytical thinking and initiative.
• EY Group Exercise: You’ll work with a small team to solve a task within a set timeframe. This assesses team collaboration, communication skills and leadership ability
• PRO TIP: Prepare with our EY Assessment & Interview Practice Guide for every stage of the application process.

The final interview is the last stage in Ernst & Young Hiring Process. This portion is considered a formal interview where a combination of competency-based and motivation questions will be asked. During the interview you will usually have a discussion with senior management and will take 30-to 45-minutes, so give yourself plenty of time in your schedule.

You may be asked about:

• Your reasons for applying to EY
• Career aspirations within a Big 4 firm
• Understanding of the specific role and service line

PRO TIP: Want to leave a lasting impression during your EY interview? Practise with our Personalized Interview Prep to perfect your answers.

Feedback is typically provided within 7–10 days of your final interview, though this may vary.

• Optimise your application using our CV Analyser tool for instant, tailored improvements.
• Familiarise yourself with assessments using our EY practice tests.
• Use real examples when answering behavioural questions.
• Network by connecting with EY employees on LinkedIn or seeking peer referrals.
• Understand EY’s core values and integrate them into your responses.
• Engage professionally with recruiters and interviewers—ask insightful questions and show genuine interest.