Ace Your Ernst & Young Case Interview: Insider Tips and Example Questions

Are you gearing up for a case interview at Ernst & Young (EY) and seeking a competitive edge? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of EY case interviews, equipping you with insider strategies, example questions, and proven tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

Understanding the EY Case Interview Process

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s first understand the typical EY case interview process. The process usually consists of the following rounds:

• First Round: A 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter focused on behavioral or fit interview questions.
• Second Round: Two 30-minute interviews conducted by Consultants or Managers. One interview is focused on behavioral or fit interview questions, and the other is focused on a case interview.
• Third Round: Three 30 to 45-minute interviews conducted by Managers or Partners. One interview is focused on behavioral or fit interview questions, one is focused on a case interview, and one is focused on a group case interview.

It’s worth noting that the specifics of the interview process may vary slightly depending on the office or group you’re applying for.

Mastering the EY Case Interview

EY case interviews are candidate-led, meaning you’ll be in the driver’s seat, responsible for asking the right questions, probing for data, and proposing each next step to solve the case. Here’s a six-step approach to tackle any EY case interview:

1. Understand the Case: Listen carefully to the case information provided by the interviewer, taking meticulous notes. Focus on understanding the context, the company, and the objective of the case.

2. Verify the Objective: Ask clarifying questions to better grasp the business situation and problem. Confirm that you understand the case objective with the interviewer to ensure you’re on the right track.

3. Create a Framework: Develop a framework to break down the complex problem into smaller, manageable components. A well-structured framework will help you organize your ideas and analysis.

4. Develop a Hypothesis: Based on the information you have so far, formulate an educated guess (hypothesis) about the answer. This will guide your analysis and ensure you’re spending time answering the right questions.

5. Test Your Hypothesis: Lead the direction of the case by asking for data, exploring qualitative questions, and continuously refining or adjusting your hypothesis as new information emerges.

6. Deliver a Recommendation: Present your final recommendation, supporting it with the most important facts and reasoning. Consider including potential next steps or areas that require further exploration.

Example EY Case Interview Questions

To help you prepare, here are some example case interview questions that previous candidates have encountered at EY:

• A global technology company is considering entering the electric scooter sharing market in a major city. Identify key factors to consider, such as regulatory requirements, competition, target audience, and potential risks and benefits. Provide recommendations for the client’s market entry approach.

• A retail chain is experiencing declining profits over the last year. Identify the main reasons for the decline and propose actionable steps to improve profitability.

• A pharmaceutical company is considering acquiring a smaller biotech firm. Assess the viability of the M&A opportunity. Recommend whether the client should proceed with the acquisition or not.

• A leading fast-food chain wants to expand its presence in international markets. Recommend specific regions or countries for market entry and outline a step-by-step plan to enter and establish a successful presence in those markets.

• A tech startup has developed a new smart home device and wants to estimate the size of the potential market. Provide a quantitative estimate of the total addressable market (TAM) and discuss the factors influencing market growth for the smart home device.

Preparing for the EY Group Case Interview

In addition to individual case interviews, EY incorporates a group case interview in the final round. This unique format assesses your collaboration and teamwork skills. Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll be placed in a group with 3 to 5 other candidates.
• The interviewer will provide case background materials.
• Your group will have one hour to review the materials, discuss, and prepare presentation slides.
• Interviewers will observe the group discussion without interfering.
• The group will have 15 minutes to present their answers or recommendations.
• The interviewer may ask follow-up questions based on the presentation.

To excel in the group case interview, focus on adding value to the group by facilitating discussions, expanding on others’ ideas, synthesizing information, keeping track of time, playing devil’s advocate, and taking notes.

Nailing the Behavioral and Fit Interview Questions

In addition to case interviews, you’ll likely be asked several behavioral or fit interview questions at EY. Here are some of the most common ones and tips on how to answer them effectively:

• “Why EY-Parthenon?” Have at least three reasons why you’re interested in working at EY-Parthenon, such as the company’s global presence, expertise, or the opportunity to see the impact of your work.

• “Why consulting?” Provide three reasons why you’re interested in consulting, such as career growth opportunities, developing valuable skills, or the chance to make a significant impact.

• “Walk me through your resume.” Provide a concise summary of your work experience, highlighting your most impressive and unique accomplishments. Tie your experiences to why you’re a good fit for EY-Parthenon.

• “What accomplishment are you most proud of?” Choose your most impressive, unique, or memorable accomplishment. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answer and explain why it’s meaningful to you.

• “Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team.” Select an example where you directly managed a person or team. Use the STAR method to highlight your leadership skills and the positive impact you had.

• “Describe a time when you faced conflict or disagreement.” Focus on emphasizing the steps you took to resolve the conflict or disagreement constructively, showcasing your interpersonal skills.

Recommended EY Case Interview Resources

To further enhance your preparation, consider the following resources:

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course: A step-by-step course that covers robust and effective case interview strategies, suitable for beginners or those short on time.

• “Hacking the Case Interview” Book: A beginner-friendly book that helps transform you from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in a short time.

• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook: Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. It includes drills, practice problems, and full-length cases that can be done independently.

• Case Interview Coaching: Personalized, one-on-one coaching with former consulting interviewers can provide invaluable feedback and guidance.

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course: Prepare for 98% of behavioral and fit questions with this efficient course.

• Resume Review & Editing: Ensure your resume stands out by having it professionally reviewed and edited.

By leveraging these resources and following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any EY case interview with confidence and increase your chances of landing your dream consulting role.