How to Apply to EY

10 min read Last updated March 12, 2026 7765 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply strategically through careers.ey.com — EY recommends a maximum of two applications per six-month period, so choose your target roles carefully and tailor each application to the specific service line and position
  • Prepare thoroughly for online assessments — the aptitude, communication, and technical tests are the highest-elimination stage of the process, and EY candidates report that several weeks of preparation significantly improves performance
  • Master the STAR method for behavioral interviews — EY evaluates six core strengths (Adaptability, Curiosity, Collaboration, Learning Agility, Resilience, Relationship Building) through structured behavioral questions that require specific examples from your experience
  • For consulting roles, practice candidate-led case interviews — unlike interviewer-led formats at some firms, EY-Parthenon and EY consulting expect you to drive the case analysis, formulate hypotheses, and request data proactively
  • Highlight professional certifications prominently — CPA, PMP, CISA, and other credentials carry significant weight and are often prerequisites rather than preferences for EY roles
  • Research EY's purpose, values, and strategic priorities before interviews — demonstrating genuine understanding of 'Building a better working world' and EY's investments in innovation (wavespace, EY Badges, Tech MBA) signals cultural alignment
  • Use clean, keyword-optimized resume formatting — EY's SAP SuccessFactors and Oracle-based recruitment systems parse resumes for keyword matching, so alignment between your resume and the job description is essential for passing initial screening

About EY

EY (Ernst & Young) is one of the Big Four professional services firms, employing over 400,000 people across more than 150 countries. Founded in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co., EY operates under the purpose of 'Building a better working world.' The firm is organized into four primary service lines: Assurance (audit and financial advisory), Consulting (technology, risk, and performance improvement), Strategy and Transactions (M&A advisory, restructuring, and corporate finance), and Tax (compliance, planning, and controversy). EY generated approximately $51.2 billion in global revenue in fiscal year 2024, making it one of the largest professional services organizations in the world. The firm is known for its strong commitment to innovation through programs like EY wavespace, a global network of over 45 innovation centers that bring together business, design, and technology to help clients accelerate transformation. EY also distinguishes itself through the EY Badges digital credentials program, which enables employees to earn portable, shareable credentials in future-focused skills such as data visualization, data science, artificial intelligence, transformational leadership, and inclusive intelligence. For candidates, EY offers structured career paths from Staff through Senior, Manager, Senior Manager, and ultimately Partner, with robust learning and development opportunities including the EY Tech MBA by Hult International Business School.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Search and Identify Roles on careers.ey.com

    Begin your EY application journey at careers.ey.com, the firm's primary job portal powered by SAP SuccessFactors. You can filter positions by keyword, location, service line (Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, Tax), experience level, and sub-service area. Read each job description thoroughly — EY posts detailed requirements including specific qualifications, certifications (such as CPA eligibility for audit roles), and preferred experience. EY recommends limiting yourself to two applications within any six-month period, so be strategic about which roles you target. Pay close attention to whether the role is classified as experienced hire, campus/early career, or executive-level, as each follows a slightly different recruitment track.

  2. 2
    Submit Your Online Application

    Complete the online application form, which collects your personal information, career preferences, academic background, and work experience. You will attach your resume and, depending on the role, a cover letter. EY's system runs through Oracle's global recruitment management platform, which parses your resume for keywords and qualifications that match the job description. Ensure your resume uses clean formatting — standard section headers, consistent date formats, and keywords drawn directly from the posting. After submission, you will receive an email confirmation. The recruitment team reviews applications based on academic background, skill set, and relevant work experience, and selected candidates are contacted for next steps.

  3. 3
    Complete Online Assessments

    Within approximately one business day of applying, you may receive an email invitation to complete online skills assessments. These typically include three components: a Communication Assessment evaluating written and verbal skills, Aptitude Testing covering logical and numerical reasoning, and for technical positions, coding or domain-specific challenges. The assessments are timed and are often the stage where the largest number of candidates are filtered out, so thorough preparation is essential. EY recommends preparing over several weeks rather than cramming. The exact assessment structure varies by country, service line, and role — consulting candidates may face different tests than audit or tax candidates.

  4. 4
    Participate in Interviews (Behavioral, Case, and Technical)

    If you pass the assessments, you advance to the interview stage, which typically involves two to three rounds of 30-45 minute interviews. For most roles, expect at least one behavioral interview using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), where you will be asked open-ended questions starting with phrases like 'Describe a situation when...' or 'Give an example of...' EY evaluates six core strengths: Adaptability, Curiosity, Collaboration, Learning Agility, Resilience, and Relationship Building. For consulting roles — particularly EY-Parthenon — expect candidate-led case interviews where you must break down business problems, hypothesize root causes, and collect data to test your hypotheses. Some roles include group case exercises where you collaborate with other candidates to analyze a scenario and present solutions. Interviews may be conducted virtually or in person, led by managers and partners.

  5. 5
    Final Round and Partner Interview

    Senior and partner-level interviewers conduct the final evaluation round. For experienced hires, this often involves a deep-dive conversation about your domain expertise, client management experience, and business development capabilities. Partners assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with EY's purpose and values. For consulting roles, the final round may include a written case study where you analyze materials independently and present recommendations. Come prepared to discuss how your background connects to EY's strategic priorities — digital transformation, sustainability, managed services, and sector-specific trends in areas like financial services, technology, health sciences, or government.

  6. 6
    Background Check, Offer, and Onboarding

    Successful candidates receive a verbal offer followed by a formal written offer letter. EY conducts thorough background checks including employment verification, education verification, and professional license validation (particularly important for CPA-eligible audit roles). Once you accept, the onboarding process begins with EY's structured orientation program, which includes training on firm methodology, technology platforms, and compliance requirements. New hires are assigned to engagement teams and typically begin with the EY Badges program orientation, which introduces the digital credentials framework that will support your professional development throughout your career at the firm.

Resume Tips for EY

critical

Use Clean, ATS-Compatible Formatting

EY's recruitment systems use both SAP SuccessFactors and Oracle's global recruitment management platform to parse resumes. Use standard section headers (Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications) with no columns, tables, graphics, or text boxes that could confuse the parser. Stick to common fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Submit in PDF or Word format as specified in the posting. Avoid headers and footers for critical information, as many ATS systems skip those sections entirely.

critical

Mirror Keywords from the Job Description

EY job postings are detailed and specific — use this to your advantage. If the posting mentions 'financial statement audits,' 'SOX compliance,' 'digital transformation,' or 'managed services,' incorporate those exact phrases into your experience descriptions where truthful. The ATS performs keyword matching before a human reviewer ever sees your resume, so alignment between your resume language and the job description language is essential for passing the initial screening stage.

critical

Quantify Achievements with Metrics and Impact

Professional services firms value measurable impact. Instead of writing 'Managed audit engagements,' write 'Led 12 audit engagements for Fortune 500 financial services clients, managing teams of 4-8 and delivering all reports within regulatory deadlines.' Include revenue figures, team sizes, cost savings, process improvement percentages, and client satisfaction scores wherever possible. EY interviewers will probe these numbers in behavioral interviews, so ensure they are accurate and defensible.

critical

Highlight Certifications and Credentials Prominently

EY places significant weight on professional credentials. For Assurance roles, CPA certification or CPA eligibility is often required. For consulting, credentials like PMP, CISA, CISSP, AWS certifications, or Six Sigma carry weight. For Tax, EA (Enrolled Agent) or CPA is expected. Place certifications in a dedicated section near the top of your resume, including license numbers and dates where appropriate. If you are CPA-eligible but not yet certified, state this clearly with your expected exam timeline.

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Demonstrate EY's Six Core Strengths

EY evaluates candidates against six core strengths: Adaptability, Curiosity, Collaboration, Learning Agility, Resilience, and Relationship Building. Weave these themes into your experience bullets. For example, describe how you adapted to a changing project scope (Adaptability), pursued a new technology to solve a client problem (Curiosity), or built consensus across stakeholders with competing priorities (Collaboration). This signals alignment with EY's culture before you even reach the interview stage.

recommended

Include Service Line-Specific Terminology

Tailor your resume to the specific EY service line. For Assurance, emphasize GAAP, IFRS, PCAOB standards, and audit methodology. For Consulting, highlight technology platforms (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, ServiceNow), agile methodology, and change management. For Strategy and Transactions, focus on due diligence, financial modeling, valuation, and deal execution. For Tax, emphasize jurisdictional knowledge, transfer pricing, or indirect tax experience. Generic resumes that do not speak to a specific service line are less competitive.

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Keep Your Resume Concise and Targeted

For candidates with fewer than 10 years of experience, aim for a one-page resume. For experienced hires with extensive backgrounds, two pages is acceptable but every line should earn its place. EY recruiters review high volumes of applications and appreciate resumes that communicate value quickly. Lead each experience entry with your strongest, most relevant accomplishment rather than burying it beneath routine responsibilities.

ATS System: SAP SuccessFactors + Oracle Global Recruitment

EY uses a dual-system recruitment technology stack. The public-facing careers portal at careers.ey.com runs on SAP SuccessFactors, one of the most widely used enterprise HR platforms among Fortune 500 companies. Behind the scenes, EY also operates an Oracle-managed global recruitment management system that handles candidate data processing across its international network. Both systems parse resumes for keyword matching, qualification validation, and experience alignment before human recruiters review applications.

  • Submit resumes in PDF or Word format with standard section headers — SuccessFactors parsing is reliable but can struggle with creative layouts, columns, or embedded graphics
  • Use exact terminology from the job posting — the system performs keyword matching between your resume and the role requirements before passing to recruiters
  • Limit applications to two within a six-month period as EY officially recommends — excessive applications may flag your profile in the system
  • Complete your application in one session if possible, as SuccessFactors autosave behavior varies and partial applications may not be retrievable
  • Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume — EY recruiters commonly cross-reference both sources during the screening process

Interview Culture

EY's interview culture reflects its broader organizational values of inclusivity, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative problem-solving.

The firm explicitly evaluates candidates against six core strengths: Adaptability, Curiosity, Collaboration, Learning Agility, Resilience, and Relationship Building. Behavioral interviews use the STAR method extensively — expect questions like 'Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a significant change on a project' or 'Describe how you built a relationship with a difficult stakeholder.' Interviewers are typically managers, senior managers, or partners from the service line you are applying to, and they assess both your technical competence and your cultural alignment with EY's purpose of 'Building a better working world.' For consulting and strategy roles, candidate-led case interviews are standard, where you are expected to drive the analysis rather than follow the interviewer's lead. Group case exercises may also be used, particularly for campus and early-career hiring, where collaboration skills are assessed in real time. EY interviewers value authenticity — they want to understand how you think and work, not hear rehearsed answers. Virtual interviews are common, and EY advises candidates to prepare their setup carefully: choose a quiet environment, test audio and video, and minimize distractions. The firm emphasizes that mindset is as important as skill set, so demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for EY's work and a growth-oriented attitude can be as impactful as technical credentials.

What EY Looks For

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities — the capacity to break down complex business problems, identify root causes, and develop structured solutions
  • Professional certifications relevant to the service line — CPA or CPA eligibility for Assurance, PMP or technical certifications for Consulting, EA or CPA for Tax
  • Demonstrated adaptability and resilience — evidence of thriving in ambiguous, fast-changing environments and maintaining quality under pressure
  • Collaborative mindset with strong relationship-building skills — ability to work effectively across diverse teams, manage client relationships, and build consensus among stakeholders
  • Intellectual curiosity and learning agility — a track record of proactively acquiring new skills, staying current with industry trends, and applying new knowledge to solve problems
  • Client service orientation — experience managing client expectations, delivering high-quality work products, and building trusted advisor relationships
  • Technical proficiency in relevant tools and platforms — depending on the service line, this may include audit software, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday), data analytics tools, or financial modeling capabilities
  • Alignment with EY's purpose and values — genuine interest in 'Building a better working world' and contributing to EY's culture of inclusivity, innovation, and integrity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical EY hiring process from application to offer?
The EY hiring process typically spans four to six weeks and follows a structured sequence. It begins with your online application through careers.ey.com, where the recruitment team reviews your qualifications against the role requirements. If selected, you will receive an invitation to complete online assessments within approximately one business day — these include communication, aptitude, and potentially technical evaluations. Candidates who pass the assessments advance to interviews, which typically consist of two to three rounds including behavioral interviews using the STAR method, and for consulting roles, case interviews. The final round usually involves a partner or senior leader interview focused on cultural fit and long-term potential. After a successful interview process, EY extends a verbal offer followed by formal documentation and a background check.
How should I prepare for EY behavioral interviews?
EY behavioral interviews evaluate six core strengths: Adaptability, Curiosity, Collaboration, Learning Agility, Resilience, and Relationship Building. Prepare at least two to three concrete examples for each strength using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Your examples should come from professional, academic, or volunteer experiences and should demonstrate measurable outcomes wherever possible. Practice articulating these stories concisely within two to three minutes each. Research EY's purpose of 'Building a better working world' and be prepared to explain how your values and career goals align. EY interviewers value authenticity, so choose genuine experiences that reveal how you think and work rather than rehearsing scripted answers.
What is the EY-Parthenon case interview format and how do I prepare?
EY-Parthenon case interviews are candidate-led, meaning you are expected to drive the analysis rather than follow the interviewer's prompts. You will receive a business scenario — often involving market entry, growth strategy, profitability improvement, or M&A evaluation — and must break down the problem, develop a hypothesis-driven framework, request relevant data from the interviewer, analyze the information, and present a recommendation. Preparation should include practicing at least 30 to 50 cases using resources from case interview preparation platforms, studying common frameworks like profitability trees and market sizing approaches, and developing your ability to perform mental math quickly and accurately. Group case exercises may also be part of the process, where collaboration and communication skills are assessed alongside analytical ability.
Does EY require CPA certification for all roles?
No, CPA certification is not required for all EY roles, but it is essential or strongly preferred for Assurance (audit) positions. For staff and senior audit roles, EY typically requires CPA eligibility — meaning you must have completed the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam — even if you have not yet passed all sections. For Tax roles, CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) certification is similarly expected. Consulting and Strategy and Transactions roles generally do not require CPA certification, though other credentials may be valued, such as PMP for project management, CISA or CISSP for cybersecurity and risk, AWS or Azure certifications for technology consulting, or CFA for transaction advisory. If you are pursuing CPA certification, include your progress and expected completion timeline on your resume.
What is the EY Badges program and how does it benefit employees?
EY Badges is a digital credentials program that enables employees to earn portable, shareable badges for developing future-focused skills. The program covers areas including data visualization, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, transformational leadership, and inclusive intelligence. To earn a badge, you participate in required learning modules, take on new experiential challenges, and contribute to the broader EY community. The badges are recognized industry-wide and can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile and resume, making them valuable for both internal career advancement and external marketability. The program reflects EY's investment in continuous learning and is part of a broader development ecosystem that includes the EY Tech MBA by Hult International Business School.
What are EY's four service lines and which should I apply to?
EY operates four primary service lines, each with distinct career paths and skill requirements. Assurance focuses on financial statement audits, attestation services, and regulatory compliance — best suited for candidates with accounting backgrounds and CPA certification. Consulting encompasses technology consulting, risk advisory, performance improvement, and managed services — ideal for candidates with technology, operations, or change management experience. Strategy and Transactions handles M&A advisory, corporate finance, restructuring, and transaction due diligence — suited for candidates with investment banking, corporate development, or financial modeling backgrounds. Tax covers compliance, planning, controversy, transfer pricing, and indirect tax — designed for candidates with tax law, accounting, or economics expertise. Choose based on your educational background, certifications, and career interests, and tailor your resume accordingly.
How competitive is EY's hiring process and what is the acceptance rate?
EY's hiring process is highly competitive, particularly for early-career and consulting roles. While EY does not publish official acceptance rates, industry estimates suggest that major professional services firms accept approximately 3 to 5 percent of applicants for competitive programs. The online assessment stage is typically the highest-elimination point, where the majority of candidates are filtered out. To improve your chances, invest significant preparation time in aptitude and reasoning tests, tailor your resume with precise keyword alignment to the job description, and prepare thoroughly for behavioral and case interviews. Networking through EY-hosted events, campus recruiting sessions, and professional associations can also strengthen your candidacy by helping you understand the firm's culture and expectations before applying.
Can I apply to multiple EY positions at the same time?
EY officially recommends limiting yourself to two applications within a six-month period. This policy reflects the firm's preference for candidates who have carefully researched and targeted specific roles rather than applying broadly. Each application should be tailored to the specific position — including a customized resume highlighting relevant experience and skills for that particular service line and role. If you are genuinely qualified for two different positions, it is acceptable to apply to both, but ensure each application is distinct and well-targeted. Submitting numerous generic applications may negatively impact how your profile is perceived by the recruitment team.
What is EY wavespace and does it affect hiring for technology roles?
EY wavespace is a global network of over 45 innovation and experience centers where EY brings together business, design, and technology expertise to help clients accelerate digital transformation. These centers create immersive experiences designed to break through barriers to innovation and align teams around measurable outcomes. For candidates applying to technology consulting, digital transformation, or innovation-focused roles, familiarity with EY wavespace demonstrates awareness of the firm's strategic investments. Mentioning wavespace in interviews or cover letters — particularly if you have relevant experience in design thinking, emerging technology, or innovation management — signals that you understand EY's differentiation in the consulting market and are aligned with the firm's forward-looking approach to client service.

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  2. How we hire | EY - US — How we hire | EY - US
  3. Application and interview information | EY - US — Application and interview information | EY - US
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