EY (Ernst & Young) Interview Preparation with Questions

EY (Ernst & Young) is one of the Big Four professional services firms, offering services in assurance,
consulting, tax, and advisory. Their interview process is designed to evaluate candidates' technical
expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare
effectively for each stage of the EY interview process.

EY Interview Process Overview

The EY interview process typically consists of the following stages:

1. Online Assessment

• Duration: ~90 minutes.

• Structure:

• Aptitude Section: Quantitative aptitude (percentages, profit & loss, time & work).

• Logical Reasoning: Includes puzzles, coding-decoding, pattern recognition.

• Verbal Ability: Grammar, sentence correction, reading comprehension.

• Technical MCQs (for technical roles): Covers SQL, data structures, OOPs concepts,
and programming basics.

• Coding Section (for technical roles): Solve 1–2 coding problems in Java, Python, or
C++.

Sample Questions:

1. Write a program to reverse a linked list.

2. Solve a logical puzzle involving seating arrangements.

3. Write an SQL query to find the second-highest salary in an employee table.

2. Technical Interview

This round evaluates your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. It typically lasts 30–45
minutes and may involve one or two interviewers.

Key Topics:

1. Programming Skills:

• Proficiency in Java, Python, or C++.

• Writing efficient algorithms for given problems.

• Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues.

• Sorting algorithms (merge sort/quicksort).

• Searching algorithms (binary search).

3. Database Management Systems (DBMS):

• SQL queries (joins, aggregate functions).

• Normalization concepts.

4. Core Subjects:

• Operating Systems: Deadlock scenarios and memory management.

• Networking: TCP/IP protocols and OSI model.

5. Project Discussions:

• Be prepared to explain your academic or professional projects in detail.

Sample Questions:

1. Explain the difference between normalization and denormalization in DBMS.

2. Write an algorithm to find the shortest path in a graph using Dijkstra's algorithm.

3. How would you debug a performance issue in an application?

4. What are the differences between TCP and UDP protocols?

3. Case Study/Group Case Interview

This round is specific to consulting or advisory roles at EY.

Key Focus Areas:

• Solving a business problem individually or as part of a group.

• Developing a structured framework for analysis and delivering recommendations.

Steps to Approach a Case Study:

1. Understand the case problem thoroughly.

2. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

3. Develop a structured framework for solving the problem.

4. Analyze data and test hypotheses.

5. Present your recommendations clearly.

Sample Scenario:

"Your client is experiencing declining sales despite increasing marketing spend. How would you
approach solving this issue?"
4. HR/Behavioral Interview

The HR round assesses your cultural fit within EY and evaluates soft skills such as teamwork,
adaptability, leadership, and communication.

Common HR Questions:

1. Why do you want to work at EY?

2. Tell me about a time you worked effectively under pressure.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

4. Describe a situation where you resolved conflict within a team.

Behavioral Questions (STAR Method):

• Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

• Tell me about a time when you took initiative on a project.

Key Topics for Preparation

Technical Topics

1. Programming Basics:

• Syntax-based questions in Java/Python/C++.

• Writing simple programs like palindrome checks or sorting arrays.

2. Data Structures & Algorithms:

• Linked lists: Insertion/deletion operations.

• Trees and graphs: Basic traversal techniques (DFS/BFS).

3. Database Management Systems:

• Writing complex SQL queries involving multiple tables and conditions.

4. Operating Systems:

• Concepts like deadlocks, memory management, scheduling algorithms.

Case Study Preparation (For Consulting Roles)

1. Practice solving business cases using frameworks like SWOT analysis or Porter’s Five Forces.

2. Focus on delivering clear recommendations based on data-driven insights.

Behavioral Topics

1. Teamwork: Examples of collaboration in challenging situations.

2. Leadership: Times when you stepped up as a leader in your team or project.

Frequently Asked Questions Across Rounds

Online Assessment
 1. Write code to check if two strings are anagrams of each other.

2. Solve logical puzzles involving directions or patterns.

Technical Interview

1. What are ACID properties in DBMS? Explain with examples.

2. How does quicksort differ from mergesort? Explain with examples.

Case Study

1. Your client is losing market share due to new competitors entering the market—how would
you approach this problem?

HR Interview

1. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

2. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Preparation Tips

1. Practice Coding Regularly:

2. Mock Interviews:
Simulate technical and HR interviews with peers or mentors to build confidence.

3. Research EY:
Familiarize yourself with EY’s services (e.g., assurance, tax advisory), values (building a better
working world), recent achievements, and competitors.

4. Case Study Practice:

5. STAR Method for Behavioral Questions:

By following this structured preparation plan and practicing consistently across technical concepts,
case studies (if applicable), and soft skills, you can significantly enhance your chances of success in
the EY interview process!

Citations:

[1] https://www.techinterviewhandbook.org/software-engineering-interview-guide/

[2] https://www.lambrospetrou.com/articles/big-tech-software-interviews/

[3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20-mock-interview-questions-tech-strategio1

[4] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/consulting-interview

[5] https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/interview-preparation-for-software-developer/
[6] https://blog.heycoach.in/decoding-the-interview-process-of-top-tech-companies/

[7] https://www.coursera.org/in/articles/technical-interview-questions

[8] https://igotanoffer.com/blogs/mckinsey-case-interview-blog/case-interview

[9] https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-prepare-for-a-software-developer-interview/

[10] https://www.guvi.com/blog/stages-of-the-tech-hiring-process/