Ernst & Young>Careers>Frequently asked questions - Ernst & Young - United Kingdom

Applying to Ernst & Young

Q:

How can I find out which graduate vacancies are available?

A:

For a complete list of open positions, go to 'Job search'.

Q:

How do I start the application process?

A:

Search our website to identify your area of interest, then go to 'Job search' and apply online. You'll find specific requirements in the job description. For more detailed information on our recruiting process, click here.

Q:

How has the current economy affected your graduate recruiting efforts?

A:

People are our most valuable resource so we plan to maintain our current intake of graduates this year. We’re focused on identifying and hiring the most qualified and suitable talent from outstanding universities around the world to support our business now and in the future.

Q:

Can I speak to someone about your recruiting process and available programmes?

A:

There are several ways to find out more about our process and programmes. Attend one of our events on campus to meet some of our current graduates and ask them questions, or talk to one of our Student Ambassadors who've been on one of our internship programmes. And you can contact the graduate recruitment team or call 0800 289 208. All these people can help you make an informed decision about pursuing a career with Ernst & Young.

Q:

What happens once we receive your application?

A:

Our interview process varies slightly according to which business area you apply to join. As soon as we receive your application, we'll acknowledge it by email. If your qualifications meet our requirements, we'll invite you to the first stage of the recruitment process, which may be an online test or an interview. At each stage we'll let you know the decision within 72 hours at most.

Q:

Can I apply for graduate positions in the UK if I need a work permit?

A:

If you need a work permit, Ernst & Young will apply for one on your behalf. But you’ll need to have received and accepted an offer from us by the published deadlines, because of the time it takes to apply for a work permit. We can't begin the process until we have certified proof of your degree.

The deadline is Monday 3 May 2010

To join one of our graduate programmes, you must have a full, permanent work permit. If you’re unsure about your eligibility to work in the UK, please see www.ukvisas.gov.uk for more information.

Q:

Do I need a business, finance or accountancy degree to apply for a graduate position at Ernst & Young?

A:

No, we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds: it's your intellectual ability and natural strengths that matter to us. Some of our most successful people have studied subjects totally unrelated to the work they do.

However, we do require a Quantity Surveying or similar degree for our Capital Allowances position.

Q:

Can I apply for deferred entry?

A:

We understand that not everyone is ready to start their career the day after graduation. If we offer you a job, we'll be happy to talk to you about deferred entry.

Q:

What are you minimum academic requirements? If I don't meet them, can I still apply?

A:

Most of our graduate and undergraduate vacancies require at least 300 (24) UCAS points at A level / Scottish Higher (excluding General Studies and re-sits), a minimum B grade in GCSE Mathematics and English Language and a 2:1 honours degree (predicted or obtained). Some business units require more, or ask for specific degree subjects. For example, our Business Advisory and Corporate Finance roles require 320 (26) UCAS points.

Our policy is to be strict about academic requirements, but in very exceptional circumstances we'll accept applications from people who don't meet these. If this is your case, you'll need to provide strong justification for why we should consider your application: where applicable, you'll need to provide documentary evidence of any mitigating circumstances.

Q:

If I'm not successful this time, can I apply again?

A:

Yes, but we accept only one application per person within a 12-month period. If you are not offered a graduate position following a summer internship or industrial placement, you can re-apply for a graduate position 12 months after the completion of your placement.

Q:

I wasn't invited to the next stage of the recruitment process – can I get feedback on my application?

A:

We receive around 16,000 applications a year for around 1,000 positions. Unfortunately, the sheer number of applications we receive means we can't give individual feedback at the early stages of our recruitment process. If you’re unsuccessful after your assessment centre or final interview, one of our graduate recruiters would be happy to give you personal feedback over the phone.

Q:

I graduated a few years ago. Can I still apply for a graduate position?

A:

Absolutely. We are very happy to accept applications from students who have already graduated.

Q:

Do you accept CVs?

A:

No – to ensure we treat all applicants equally and fairly, you must use our online application form. If you’re unable to complete your form online because of a disability, please contact our recruitment team at 0800 289 208 or gradrec@uk.ey.com

Q:

What if my personal details change?

A:

You can change your personal details online at any time; just log on to your account and make your amendments.

Q:

Which original academic certificates will I need to produce before joining the firm?

A:

You’ll need to provide original certificates for your GCSE Mathematics and English, A level and degree qualifications on your first day with us.

Q:

I’ve looked everywhere on this site, but I can’t find the answer to an important query. Can I contact you directly?

A:

Yes. If you’ve looked carefully and can’t find an important piece of information, you can contact us at gradrec@uk.ey.com or on 0800 289 208.

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Working at Ernst & Young

Q:

How is Ernst & Young structured?

A:

Ernst & Young is a global organisation made up of member firms in 140 countries. Each member firm is owned by its partners, who have operational control of their business, but we have a global governance structure in order to maintain the same high standards of service quality and delivery in all our locations. This consists of five geographic Areas, each with an Area Executive which collaborates with our Global Executive, headed by our CEO, Jim Turley. To support our efforts as a global organisation, we also have an entity, Ernst & Young Global, which works strategically with all our Areas to support consistency and excellence in all our activities around the world.

Q:

Where does Ernst & Young have offices around the world?

A:

Ernst & Young has 144,000 people working in 140 countries around the world. Take a look at our location map.

Q:

How do I choose which service line to join?

A:

The right choice for you will reflect your area of interest and specialisation. Have a look around our website to get a feel for who we are and what services we offer, and speak to us on campus to gather all the information you need to understand where you may fit best. Ernst & Young is expanding into new and exciting business areas, so there are lots of options to consider. Take the time now to research the possibilities so you can make an informed choice later on.

Q:

Can I apply for a job outside my home country?

A:

You may apply for any open positions you see in any one of the 140 countries in which we hire graduates. Your eligibility though depends on the hiring country’s qualification requirements, employment laws, work permit and/or visa requirements.

Q:

What is the organisation’s policy on flexible working?

A:

We're committed to helping our people succeed professionally and personally. We have a pragmatic approach to enabling individuals to meet commitments in and out of the office. We work together to agree on a framework which meets the needs of our business, our teams, our clients and our people. This approach allows you to manage family commitments or pursue personal passions outside work. We’re proud that some of our people have participated in the Olympics, written novels or recorded albums while pursuing a career at Ernst & Young.

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Programmes

Q:

Do you offer work experience? What program would suit me best?

A:

We strongly believe in offering work experience to help students make the transition from education to business. Please go to student programs to find out more about our two-week work experience programme.

Q:

Where can I find information about internships?

A:

If you're looking to jump-start your career, participating in one of our internship programmes will give you valuable experience. If you're a top performer, you'll be offered a position with us upon completing your studies. Take a look at the different programmes available and apply now.

Q:

What responsibilities do interns have?

A:

Interns work in teams as do all other new graduate staff. This means you'll collect data, complete analyses, prepare presentations and participate in meetings. Rest assured you will also receive intensive training to help get you started as well as extensive coaching from advisors in your team along the way. We aim to give you work similar to that of a graduate so you can find out exactly what it is like to work at Ernst & Young.

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Developing your career

Q:

How will I continue to grow as a professional?

A:

We're committed to your ongoing learning and development. We take your individual strengths and learning requirements into account in order to provide you with the right blend of experience, training and coaching. This approach, which we call EYU (Ernst & Young and You), reflects a mutual commitment to your development and will speed up your progress towards your career goals. You're responsible for articulating your needs and aspirations and we'll provide the tools and opportunities you need to fulfil them.

Q:

What training is on offer?

A:

For most of our graduate programmes you will be required to take a professional qualification in addition to relevant technical training, Training is a core element of EYU. On our award-winning learning and development programmes you receive the formal training you need through a variety of approaches in the classroom and online. You'll also receive valuable informal training through new experiences and on-the-job coaching and mentoring. See EYU for more information.

Q:

What influence will I have over my career progression?

A:

You're in charge of your career at Ernst & Young but developing it is a mutual commitment. You're responsible for articulating your development needs and aspirations. We provide a supportive, high-performing, team learning environment to help you become a highly competent and successful professional. We offer many career options and we allow flexibility wherever possible, so you can balance the demands of work and your personal life. In return, you take responsibility for your professional and personal growth and for performing at your best every day.

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Life at Ernst & Young

Q:

What hours will I work a week?

A:

There's no typical week at Ernst & Young. Your hours will vary according to the work or engagement in which you're involved. Occasionally you may need to work at weekends, particularly during busy periods. We encourage teams at all levels to work flexibly and discuss how to meet the demands of each engagement. By talking to your team and supervisor, you'll know what's expected of you and be able plan your time effectively.

Q:

What is the social life like in the office?

A:

Here you'll find individuals with a variety of backgrounds and opinions united by a shared set of values. There are many groups and networks built around shared issues and interests, ranging from hobbies, sports and creative or intellectual pursuits to volunteer and support groups, for example for working mothers. Regardless of your background or areas of focus, you'll find colleagues who share them.

Q:

What is Ernst & Young's approach to diversity and inclusiveness?

A:

We're committed to creating an environment where all people feel valued, are part of the community and are able to perform at their best. Diversity and inclusiveness are about everyone. It's about welcoming and harnessing diverse viewpoints, and about how this leads to making better decisions for us and for our clients. It's also about operating in a way that helps people to achieve their potential and make a difference, wherever they come from and whatever their characteristics. We believe in developing our people's cultural awareness and skills, including helping them to be aware of their own assumptions, frames of reference and behaviors. To us, diversity and inclusiveness make business sense: it helps us to engage with clients and teams in a global economy. And in a world of shifting demographics, it allows us to navigate efficiently across boundaries.

Q:

The environment is very important. What is Ernst & Young's approach to sustainability?

A:

We recognise our corporate responsibility to the environment and believe in making it possible for our people to contribute to it individually. As an organisation we’ve implemented various strategies: for example, developing carbon neutral buildings; reducing the need for overseas travel through the use of video and teleconferencing; and sourcing green energy suppliers wherever possible. As an individual, you can participate in one of the eco-teams promoting responsible practices in our offices, or you can contribute your time to a charity or body that benefits the environment.

Q:

How can I get involved with my local community?

A:

We have a philosophy of volunteering and strongly encourage you to support your community in any way you can. Each Ernst & Young employee is given two days' paid leave each year to dedicate to corporate responsibility.

Q:

I have personal commitments which matter to me. How will that work at Ernst & Young?

A:

We understand that success means more than just what you achieve at the office. That's why we support one another in attaining life balance, reaching our personal goals and carrying out our personal commitments. The key to balancing your professional and personal commitments is talking to your team and supervisor and remaining flexible.

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