The New Ernst and Young Assessment Centre

Yes you will have to re-do all three tests.

Hey all, thanks for sharing your experiences - it's been a BIG HELP!! In terms of the Assessment Centre that I attended, the format/tasks were identical to LexiLexi's above but more than happy to answer any further questions anyone has. I actually had 2 final round interviews (long story!) but in both cases, they seemed genuinly interested in what I had to say and what I could bring as opposed to putting me under pressure and seeing how I react. Also, sounds obvious but make sure you know why you want to work for EY over the other Big 4. When my first interviewer asked why EY, I gave him a bunch of reasons but he just turned round and said 'Well, you can get those at other firms. Why specifically EY?' Another question I was asked was a time when I have been given a project and left on my own to see it through to the end (ie. working on your own instead of in a team) and also, if I'd rather try but fail in finding a solution myself or ask first time and get it right. I found out the day after that I got the job so was really happy about that. If you have any questions just let me know otherwise, good luck (with interviews AND exams)!!!

Hi guys I just wanted to share my Ernst and young testing centre experience with you all.

This is recent and took place in May 2012

The day began with a short introduction about the company, when it was founded, by who and what growth opportunites were present in the firm.

Next we were given an English test on the laptop lasting about 45 mins. It consisted of a grammar part, listening skills, fill in the blanks, where a passage was given and we had to answer mcqs that followd. There were about 20 other candidates. The test shouldn't be too hard as it is similar to the ones online.

We then had to do the individual case study that had qs like: What is the diff. between internal and external audit? what is the purpose of financial statements? what are current assets?

After this we had a break for 5 mins and are then taken for a group case study. In the case study everyone is split into groups of 5 people, paired up with random people, (however you would know who you are paired up with if you see the list that is put up on the wall with all the names, and also who your invilgilators would be). For us we were given two topics: 1) what are the causes of the global credit crisis and what are the impacts? 2) Should businessmen run the ministry of finance?why? We were given 15 mins to discuss each of the topics with our group mates and then had to present our ideas to the invigilators for 5 mins. (I personally found the discussion a little awkard, esp. when the invigilators are taking down notes, but it's a great way of knowing how candidates behave within a team.)

Next stage was the interview, which lasts approx 30 mins. I was interviewd by 2 people. Typical questions include: What was your most demanding goal? do you like presenting? what are the challenges? what do you expect from us? have u ever worked with someone u didnt like and how did you deal with it? do you have any questions for us? The interviewers were great, freindly and had a smile on their face to keep us calm :p

It ended with a free lunch of sandwiches, fries, donuts and cupcakes ,, and ofcourse each of us got a nice little goody bag with a yellow smiley stress ball, and free pen :p Overll great experience even if i Dont get through would be something id remember for a long time :)

Hey guys / girls, I've got a partner interview for advisory risk FS and was just wondering if anyone could share some experiences of this (specifically a partner from risk fs division). Long story but I basically had an AC last year, passed it and now am interviewing for a grad role rather than an internship. Just wondering what sort of things the partner would ask me given my AC was a year ago.

Thanks in advance.

Hi guys, I have a quick question. I applied to Ernst and Young a couple of weeks ago for the advisory consultant technology program 2013 intake. I completed the application and the online strengths test, but still haven't heard back from them. What should I do, shall I follow up or is it normal for them to take this long because the intake isn't till next september?

Hi everyone!

Can anyone please explain to me exactly what the EY strengths assessment test entails exactly? I have to take it within a couple of days and was wondering if there's any practice that I can do? Any help would be very much appreciated!

Hi guys,
I've just applied for a position at E&Y - anyone who has heard back from them, how long did it take for them to get back to you? It's been a few weeks so getting a little worried! Also, if anyone's looking for tips on the assessments and interviews I've found some good info for this on a site called Inside Buzz, might help!

Hi all,

I have my first interview with EY on the 28th in London for the London Audit FS programme. Holly they let me take the online tests pretty quickly and then invited me for an interview within a week. I would call them if I were you.

How should I best prepare for this? What should I be expecting to be asked/ talk about? Has anyone who has been to the interview got any tips? Finally, is there any London roles still open?!

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

cheers guys

However I applied for London Audit 28th July, passed tests in a week and still waiting for an interview date!

The day ended with the recruiter explaining what would happen next. She said if you were successful you would get a call by 10am the next day to provide feedback.

getwebindex.com/

Hi everyone, I am in the application process for ey ACP internship 2013 and I need major advice..

I have been put through to the AC on 11th September, however, I will be on the other side of the world!

I have the option to postpone and/or get assessed at a different location. However, I am aware that ey recruit on a first come basis. How much of a disadvantage would I be at if I chose to postpone? Surely 11th september is early in the internship application process so places should be available at the next AC? What were your experiences and when did you take part in internship ACs?

Thanks a lot!

For all the people who passed through to AC stages, can you tell us what kind of things are in the strengths assessment?

Hi all, have a Advisory first round interview next week, does anyone have any tips or remembers the questions?

Thanks.

Hi guys,

Does anyone know when the graduate scheme applications for London Audit or Tax will open up again? (for a september 2013 start).

Do they recruit many graduates who haven't completed a summer internship with them? I've heard that the majority (~80%) of vacancies on the grad scheme go to previous summer interns. This would make it extremely competitive for those without that experience, no?

I also like Ernst and Young Assessment

I visited this site and get more job search materials.

Tks very much

Hi Guys,

I have an interview with a partner and a manager tomorrow in Ernst and Young. From what I have heard it is going to be quite similar to my first interview with two managers.

However there is a slight difference, my application was for an immediate post thus there was no assessment centre. Has anyone had this before or heard about it? I am assuming I am going to be up against a few candidates because of this and I was quite anxious about what could come up, however the HR guy just told me there was not much you could prepare differently and the interview would be quite a bit shorter than my first round interview.

The first round interview went quite well I hope and getting this job would mean no waiting until 2013 to apply for EY so fingers crossed. I will update more on my first interview and interview tomorrow.

Any tips for me regards the interview tomorrow, what I could prepare for etc? Will it be the short questions again or more competency focused? I think I am panicking for no reason and should just do what the HR guy said.

I will be attend the AC of London office at 17th October. Anybody will be there please contact me

I will be attend the AC of London office at 17th October. Anybody will be there please contact me

Hi, I have an AC for Graduate Human Capital Tax Programme, could you give me a bit of advice on how it went? most people on the thread are going for more advisory roles

Can anyone give an insight into what their strength assessment test consists of? The one straight after the initial app..

Hi everyone,

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone who posted on this thread, you all have helped me a lot! I also wanted to encourage anyone who does read this thread to post their experiences too so it will continue to benefit other people in the future.

So this is my experience of the Assessment Canter:

Job role: Tech Advisory
Tasks: Group exercise (no longer given a task to prepare for before AC), Written exercise (done on computer), Tests, Partner interview.
- There is no Sam exercise anymore

Group Exercise
- About 4 of us in a group
- They give you an email requesting you to discuss certain points and then to come up with an agreement of the best company/sector/ [what ever the context may be]
-then after your discussion the HR members ask you a few questions/challenge a few of your points

Tip: nothing to scary just make sure you understand the content they give you! Don't panic and read too quickly and not take in anything - that won’t help when it comes to discussing or answering questions

Written Exercise:
- About 40mins.
- done on laptops
- I found this difficult to complete, I felt time was too low
- They give about an 8-10pg booklet and you need to summarize the points in there into an email

tip: make headings (on a scrap piece of paper) of the points they are asking you for, then as you read the content just put the relevant points into the relevant headings
- I did this and found it helped quite a lot

Tests:
Same as online - you can use the clock in the room you are in to keep time
Tip: bring a digital watch! I brought an analogue one - it really doesn’t help when you are so time-pressured!

Partner Interview:
- Prepare well for this!
- My interview was very different to another candidate's interview so I guess no two interviews will really be the same. But prepare for all sorts of questions as much as you can.
- why ey, why IT, what makes you angry, what do you think will happen in euro zone, tell me about yourself, how do you maintain contacts/links (something like that), what are some of the 3 most important traits a consultant should have, how would you rank those traits, what firm do you admire. And others - but I can’t remember lol

-They will challenge your responses! I was challenged or asked questions with Why EY, euro zone, and a few others.

Tip: - be ready to answer/ back up your points.
-Have a lot of questions to ask the partners

Hope this helps guys! Best of luck for all those who are applying!

Hi All,

I just wanted to share my EY experiences with you as Ive just been offered a place on the ACP Performance Improvement scheme for sep'13 in London. I found this forum really helpful as I was preparing (as did a number of other applicants that I met on my assessment day said they had)!

First off
Application: I started my application in Sept '12. It consisted of normal information type questions, CV upload, references upload etc etc, nothing out of the blue. I think a day or two days later I was sent the online tests to complete. It is so worth investing time practising these things, as if you get through, then you will be re-tested. I have done a fair few of these psychometric tests (numerical,verbal) but EY use a process/diagram one which is worth practising if you have not come across that sort before.

I think, but dont know, that if you DONT pass the test then you will be told that you havent got through. I didn't hear anything and presumed that was good news! Bearing in mind I took these tests in Oct time and the applications didnt close till Nov so I just had to sit and wait.

A week after the deadline close, I got a phone call about the first round interview. This interview is a STRENGTHS based interview (they have a section on the website where you can identify your strengths using a snazzy tool- worth doing). There are 16 very structured questions i.e what would you do to solve a complex problem, how do you explain things to others... although they are not directly asking you "tell me a time when you have....", they are still looking for the same sort of answers with examples to back up your claims. Personally, I didnt think this interview went amazingly well because the questions were a bit structured and I was concerned about how much detail to go into for the examples. The interviewer didnt interact with me very much, he was mainly writing down everything that I said. I had no commercial awareness type questions even though I had prepared just in case, other than why I wanted to work for EY.

After a VERY long 3 weeks wait, I was told that I had got through to the assessment centre (EY were being very slow to get back to people and everyone in my AC was told 48hrs before the AC that they had got through!) so everyone had very little time to prepare!

THE AC:
There are 4 parts of the day, GROUP TASK, INDIVIDUAL TASK, PARTNER INTERVIEW, RE-TESTS
you are given a timetable when you arrive and you can have any of these 4 things in any order ie some people will have tests first, others the partner interview

Group Task: You are given a case study and have to come up with a recommendation of a company for your fictional boss. Basically, the content doesnt really matter, im sure they are looking for you to behave well in the group, to not dominate but equally not to shy back. We had one guy in our group who constantly kept asking what we were meant to be doing (I dont think that looked good!!!!). You cannot to anything to prepare for this other than to not get too carried away with the case study but make sure you are constantly assessing the balance of the group and if someone is talking too little or too much etc.

Individual task: This again, like the case study, is compiling some information for your boss that she will use for a report and then writing her a short email. The styles of these two bits of writing should feel quite different but I dont think it matters too much. Again, no preparation can be done for this. The time goes very fast and I think they prefer it if you wrote less and finished the task than to write a lot and get half way through. I finished with a couple of mins left to neaten up the page and spell check which was useful.

Partner interview: This was the part I was most worried about with so little time to prepare, but my partner was so nice and very complimentary about my studies/grades/extra achievements. He did have some sort of question list to go through but he strayed off it when he wanted me to expand on things or had something he wanted to talk about. It was ALOT more natural than the first round, but similar 'strength' based questions came up, and again, why do you want to work for EY. Overall, the interview was really good experience and very relaxed/natural.

Retests: From doing the online tests, you know exactly what to expect here, they are the exact same tests but paper versions (same in style, not exact questions)

We then had some lunch and got to spoke to a couple of ACP grads which was really nice and could ask them questions about the scheme. We were told that we would hear the results in 1 week but after reading this forum, I was convinced that if I had got it, I would be called straight away which seemed to be the experience of many on here!

3 business days later I was called by the partner who interviewed me, offering me the job! From application to job offer it took me a good 4 months but all worth it now! Dont be disheartened if you dont hear straight back from them- I really do think that this year they have had lots of applicants and it is taking them a lot longer to process than before.

Best wishes to anyone else applying- especially for ACP in London! :)

Thanks for the post extremely helpful!

Just wondering if anyone could recommend some useful articles etc of Ernst & Young in preparation for the interview process?

Good luck everyone!

I found the Gateway had a couple of really useful articles on Ernst & Young, which helped me for my application. If anyone is interested the website is: http://thegatewayonline.com/~home

I think you have you be signed up or subscribed to read them, but it is free to do so!

Hi everyone. This site has been extremely helpful for me. Ever since I came to the UK I have been hooked to this site and its been an unbelievable help. So this is my chance to repay back in a small way. I would like to give an account of my experience.
I applied to Ernst&Young for the Corporate finance valuations and business modelling operational research graduate position in London and I was successful. So here goes :
Total application turnaround time : 23rd Nov - 15th Feb approx 3 months
Application Form : Its the usual. Just plug in all the details

Strengths test : Just stick to your strengths and give the natural answers you would instinctively give

Psychometrics: Extremely time pressured.
These are 3 tests ( Verbal , Numerical , Logical) of 8 questions each split into 2 sets of 4 questions. Each set of 4 questions has a time of 3 mins. Hence total time per test is 6 mins. Verbal is easy and you should try to get full. Numerical the 1st 4 are very easy The 2nd set of 4 also are not too tough. Just practice a few questions and you should be fine. The logical is also the same pattern. First set of 4 is easier. So make sure you get all of them right and also 2 out of the last 4. You need to score around 75% in this to get through.

First stage interview: I applied for a specialized position. So this involved 2 interviews. First was strengths based. The usual competency questions. Also make sure you know about why E&Y. Express yourself clearly and be concise. Body language is very very important. The managers are very friendly and nice so feel at ease.

I also a technical interview : This was mostly about a few technical concepts regarding Operations Research etc and a few background questions. Coincidentally the person taking my technical interview was a director. I came to know later on. Its again a very enjoyable experience. Also I think it only applies to my role. All the other roles only have a strengths interview.

I was told the same day that I was successful and progressed to AC. The AC was rescheduled a few time but finally it was scheduled for the 6th of Feb.

Arrive early and mingle with the other graduates. The day consists of 4 tasks. Group Discussion : It consists of you working with 4 team members on a fictional company to recommend to your senior manager. This is not really assessing your technical skills. You need to male sure that you are clear , making eye contact and engaging. DO NOT BE DOMINANT. Working as a team is paramount. Also try to link the points you have made to E&Y globally. I did this and it was viewed as very positive and impressive by the assessors when I got my feedback

Report : By far the toughest task. You have 2 tasks. One is to write a report to your manager recommending and making some analysis on a brief that you are given VERY TIME PRESSURED. Work through it ASAP and put down the relevant analysis. Also try to present information in % and use business terms. There is also a 2nd task where you have to explain to your manager how you will motivate your team. Just do the usual. I will plan , organize , delegate etc. Training plans and contingency in the project plan etc and you should be fine. Make sure you finish both tasks

Psychometrics : Identical to online but on paper. You need to score 50% on this.

Partner interview : This was an excellent experience for me .The partner was very friendly and put me at ease. We spoke a lot about E&Y , my motivation etc. Also prepare in detail about the eurozone and other important economic situations. I was asked questions on this. But basically my views and opinions about how E&Y can respond to this etc, Try to link other divisions also in your answers . This shows awareness about E&Y globally. Be calm , confident and yourself. Thats all I can say .

Since I am international student and i had applied to a specialized position I received an offer 10 days later as against the usual 24 hours along with a very impressive feedback.

All in all i can say that it was an extremely enjoyable experience. E&Y unlike other firms look to select you and support you along the way. They are very friendly and open. Just be yourself

I hope this helps. Any questions plz feel free to asl

like many people did I have to say thank you to this website, and all the kind people who have been here providing advice and sharing their experiences. I just had my partner interview today and have got an offer for IT Risk Assurance 2013 summer internship.

I must say EY has been pretty good with the whole application process, and it has been very fast for them to respond me regarding the outcomes.

Just to share my experience, I had my first interview back in late November, was told to go for an assessment center just before Christmas but I couldn't make it, it has then been put on hold since I was away from UK in January and just recently came back one week ago. Had my assessment center on the 27 Feb, nice people and relaxing atmosphere, group exercise followed by written exercise then the three tests, and partner interview if you have one on the same day (supposed to have mine on same day but interviewer was on some urgent work so rearranged for today), got a phone call roughly 4/5 hours after assessment center saying I passed it and they would be in touch shortly to arrange for final interview, phone call yesterday asking if i could go down to the office for final interview today, took the train down around 50 minutes interview again nice nice interviewer no pressure, all they wanted is to get to know you. Got a call like 4 hours later offer has been made!

And again, thanks for all the advice here! Really worked out well i think, one thing to add is the three "re-tests" are really timed pressured, much more than doing it online, you got 6 minutes each section (8 questions for each sec), you are told to stop after 6 minutes for each section, you don't have time to think, make sure you are prepared for them!

Hi all,

I have an Ernst and Young assessment centre soon waiting for the details/date. I was wondering what documents i need to bring to EY assessment centre? As my passport has expired and is in the process of getting it renewed and as i am sure most you know it can take some time. Do I need to take my passport and uni transcript and school grades to assessment centre? School grades and uni grades aren't a problem, just the passport issue until I get it renewed but I am a British citizen with a UK driving licence.

Also if not at the assessment centre if you receive an offer what documents do they ask for? However assuming the application process is not running super quick then I should be okay passport should arrive in months when I send documents away tomz.

Cheers.

according to the email I got for my assessment centre, an expired uk passport is ok (international not ok), alternatively your NI card (or other official document with NI number on it) PLUS your birth certificate is required.

I'm in a predicament too, my AC is on monday, and the indian embassy still has my passport (getting visa for holiday), so I prob will bring my ni card and birth certificate along on the day... might be for the better anyway, with passport, need to photocopy front cover, information/picture page, along with any page with visa on it (for me quite a few photo copies required then!!)

As for grades, you need your uni certificate, or transcripts AND your A level certificates (not results slip, HAS to be certificates)

I found the Gateway had a couple of really useful articles on Ernst & Young, which helped me for my application. If anyone is interested the website is: http://thegatewayonline.com/~home

I think you have you be signed up or subscribed to read them, but it is free to do so!

Bit out of the blue, but it seems some people here may be struggling with their online assesment tests. To be honest, they are ridiculous!! If your still having issues (in particular SHL, Kenexa, Elements and Saville)- feel free to get in touch at the address I've setup for test assistance- jstestcompletions (at) gmail. (com).

I can essentially help you to get over this hurdle. I've been there many many times before!

Hey guys! I will be appearing for the online tests soon. Applied for the audit associate position at EY Dubai. I'll be having a competency test and an English test. Can someone please guide me what to expect and any website I can prepare at? They use the Hudson testing services I think.