How to get a job at Ernst & Young in 2026?

[DeAbigail]

Getting a job at Ernst & Young—one of the Big Four professional services firms—is absolutely achievable if you align your approach with what they actually look for. The key is to focus on structured preparation, networking, and demonstrating your fit for their culture. From my experience, the most common mistake candidates make is applying blindly without tailoring their resume or understanding EY’s core competencies.

First, target the right role. EY hires across audit, tax, consulting, and advisory, but each has distinct requirements. For example, entry-level audit roles often expect a strong GPA (3.5+ in the US) and relevant coursework, while consulting positions value case interview practice and business acumen. Use EY’s career site and LinkedIn to identify job postings that match your background.

Second, leverage referrals. According to EY’s own internal data, referred candidates are up to 4x more likely to advance to interviews. Reach out to current employees—alumni from your university, former colleagues, or people you meet at networking events. Ask for a 15-minute informational chat, not a job. A warm introduction via an employee referral dramatically increases your chances.

Third, master the interview process. EY uses a mix of behavioral (STAR method) and technical questions, plus a case study for consulting roles. Prepare by reviewing EY’s “NextGen” assessment tools and practicing with mock interviews. Highlight your teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability—these are the top traits they evaluate.

Fourth, showcase employer branding awareness. Familiarize yourself with EY’s “Building a Better Working World” mission and their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Mentioning these in your cover letter or interview signals genuine interest.

Finally, track your application timeline. Below is a typical recruitment cycle for campus hires (based on 2025-2026 data):

Stage	Typical Timeline	Key Action
Application	1–2 weeks after posting	Submit tailored resume and cover letter
Online Assessment	1 week after application	Complete situational judgment and numerical reasoning tests
First Round Interview	2–3 weeks later	Behavioral + technical questions (45 min)
Final Round Interview	1–2 weeks after first	Case study or panel interview (60 min)
Offer Decision	1–2 weeks after final	Negotiate salary and start date

Be patient and persistent. EY receives over 2 million applications annually, so only a small fraction progress. But with a targeted strategy, you can stand out. Good luck.

[DelElla]

I’ve been working in finance for a few years, and I landed at EY after a referral from a friend who was a senior manager. Honestly, the biggest thing is knowing someone on the inside. I applied twice before that—once online, once through a campus event—and got nowhere. The third time, I asked my buddy to pass my resume directly to the recruiter, and I got an interview within a week. Networking isn’t optional; it’s the fastest path. Also, don’t ignore the online assessment. I practiced with sample tests from their website, and it helped me pass the first screening. Just be yourself in the interview—they want to see you’re a real person, not a robot.

[OElaina]

I’m a recent graduate from the UK, and I got into EY’s graduate program by focusing on their “EY Badges” program. They offer free digital learning modules on data analytics, AI, and sustainability. I completed three badges before applying, and I mentioned them in my cover letter. That showed I was proactive and already aligned with their learning culture. Also, I used the STAR method for every behavioral question—structured, specific, and concise. I practiced with a friend who worked at Deloitte, and she gave me feedback on my tone. It’s all about preparation, not luck.

[StRhett]

As someone who’s been in HR for a decade, I’ve seen countless candidates try for Big Four jobs. The one thing that separates winners from the rest is genuine curiosity. In interviews, don’t just recite your resume—ask smart questions about EY’s recent projects, like their work with AI in audit or sustainability consulting. Show you’ve done your homework. Read EY’s press releases and annual report. I’ve seen a candidate who mentioned a specific EY case study they’d read, and the interviewer was visibly impressed. Also, always follow up with a thank-you email that reinforces one key point from the conversation. It’s simple but effective.

[SanJade]

I’m a career changer—went from teaching to consulting at EY. My tip: leverage transferable skills. I highlighted my experience managing projects, communicating with stakeholders, and analyzing data in my teaching role. EY’s recruiters care about potential, not just pedigree. I also used LinkedIn to connect with EY professionals in my target office, and I asked for advice on how to position my background. One associate even reviewed my resume and suggested I emphasize “client-facing” experience. I followed that advice, and I got an interview. Don’t underestimate tactical networking—it’s the difference between a generic application and a compelling story.