Job Hunting: Ernst & Young Assessment Center

During my job-hunting period I have applied for all Big4 companies but made it to Enrst & Young assessment center only, which is pretty interesting since all the companies have the same requirements. The AC took place in Leeds and was quite easy, which I did not expect. It consisted from only 3 exercises - interview, case study and group exercise. So let's have a look at those:

• Interview was typical competency based interview with partner of the company. It was lot focused on two things - teamwork (you were asked to provide examples of teamwork you were involved in) and reasons why you want to work for Ernst & Young. Big4 companies ask you a lot about why you want to work for them. The trickiest question is whether you know what are you going to do during the first 1 - 2 years. It is essential to answer this question well, otherwise you will not succeed. Quite good answer is: a) I will develop my skills in area of my interest + audit (everything what they do is connected with audit), b) I will build up a strong social network (basically teamwork) and finally c) I will gain certification like ... (by this you show that you are aware of the fact you need lot of certification for audit).
• Case study is 2 hours long - you get a lot of materials (emails, ads, analysis) about a hotel chain, which have to decide whether to sell its restaurant branch. Your task is to analyse these materials, find key issues the company faces and decide whether the company should or should not sell its restaurant branch. It is also important that you should offer ways how E&Y could help with selling the branch. I guess they do not read it, at least I am not aware of any comments from their side. This is mainly preparation for the group exercise.
• Group exercise lasts about 1 hour. In the first 40 minutes you asked to discuss your findings with the other applicants and then to come up with solution = the company should / should not sell the branch. You should also provide reasons why did you decide to do this and that. The last task is the plan, how will you proceed with your decision (the company should do this and that). Cooperation is crucial - do not force others to accept your proposal and ask others about their opinions.

It was not very difficult and it was quite short (from 9.00 AM - 13.00 PM). The lunch was not very good :-(. I passed this one and was offered a position.