EY Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy, tax, and transactions, dedicated to building a better working world through high ethical standards and innovative solutions.

As a Product Manager at EY, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the product vision and roadmap for various initiatives within the company’s Products and Platforms practice. This role entails collaborating with diverse teams across engineering, design, and user experience to define, develop, and deliver exceptional products and services tailored for large global organizations. You will be responsible for managing the entire product lifecycle, including prioritizing product features, creating and maintaining product backlogs, and ensuring that solutions are customer-centric and data-driven. This position requires keen leadership abilities to motivate multi-disciplinary teams while delivering quality client services, managing project budgets, and fostering long-term client relationships.

Ideal candidates will possess strong technical acumen, excellent communication skills, and a track record of leading product development initiatives in fast-paced environments. A strong understanding of user needs, market trends, and the ability to translate complex business requirements into actionable technical specifications are crucial for success in this role.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the expectations for the role, the types of questions you may encounter, and how to align your experiences with EY’s core values.

The interview process for a Product Manager role at EY is structured and thorough, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit for their teams. Typically, candidates can expect a multi-stage process that assesses both technical and interpersonal skills.

1. Application and Initial Screening

The process begins with an online application, where candidates submit their resumes and cover letters. Following this, there is an initial screening, often conducted by a recruiter. This conversation focuses on the candidate's background, motivations for applying, and alignment with EY's values and culture. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experiences and how they relate to the role.

2. Technical Assessment

After the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a combination of online assessments and video submissions where candidates answer questions related to product management, technical skills, and situational judgment. The goal is to evaluate the candidate's problem-solving abilities and understanding of product management principles.

3. First-Round Interview

The first-round interview typically takes place via video conference and involves multiple team members, including hiring managers and potential colleagues. This round focuses on behavioral and situational questions, assessing how candidates handle real-world challenges, manage stakeholder relationships, and prioritize tasks. Candidates may also be asked to present a case study or discuss a relevant project they have managed.

4. Case Study Presentation

In some instances, candidates will be asked to prepare a case study presentation. This involves analyzing a specific problem or scenario relevant to the role and presenting their findings and recommendations. Interviewers will evaluate the candidate's analytical skills, creativity, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

5. Final Interview

The final interview is often with senior management or partners and focuses on cultural fit, leadership potential, and strategic thinking. Candidates should be ready to discuss their vision for product management, how they would approach team dynamics, and their strategies for driving product success. This round may also include discussions about long-term career goals and alignment with EY's mission.

Throughout the process, candidates should expect a focus on collaboration, innovation, and the ability to navigate complex environments. Feedback may take some time, so patience is essential.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each stage of the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company Culture

EY places a strong emphasis on high ethical standards and integrity. Familiarize yourself with their core values and how they translate into everyday practices. During your interview, demonstrate your alignment with these values by sharing examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to ethical decision-making and integrity in your work.

Prepare for a Structured Interview Process

The interview process at EY typically involves multiple rounds, including behavioral and technical assessments. Be prepared for a lengthy feedback process, and don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a reasonable timeframe. Familiarize yourself with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to effectively structure your responses to behavioral questions.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Given the role's focus on managing diverse teams and stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in handling differing priorities and conflicts. Prepare specific examples that illustrate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and how you’ve successfully aligned teams towards common goals.

Emphasize Your Technical Acumen

As a Product Manager, you will need to demonstrate a solid understanding of technical concepts, especially related to product development and management. Brush up on relevant technologies, methodologies, and tools that are commonly used in product management, such as Agile, Scrum, and project management software like Jira or Azure DevOps. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these in your previous roles.

Be Ready for Case Studies and Presentations

Expect to engage in case studies or presentations during the interview process. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. When presenting, focus on how you approach problem-solving and decision-making, and be prepared to answer questions that probe deeper into your reasoning.

Foster an Open and Engaging Atmosphere

Interviews at EY are often described as informal and encouraging. Use this to your advantage by being personable and authentic. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if EY is the right fit for you.

Highlight Your Leadership and Mentorship Experience

As a Product Manager, you will be expected to lead and mentor teams. Share your experiences in guiding teams, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment. Discuss how you have motivated team members and contributed to their professional growth.

Prepare for Questions on Market Trends and Client Needs

Given the focus on delivering value to clients, be prepared to discuss current market trends and how they impact product development. Show your understanding of client needs and how you can translate those into actionable product strategies. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and market awareness.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interview, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only reinforces your interest in the position but also reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to navigate the interview process at EY and showcase your qualifications for the Product Manager role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Product Manager role at EY. The interview process will likely focus on your ability to manage product lifecycles, stakeholder communication, and your technical expertise. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, leadership style, and how you handle challenges in a team environment.

Experience and Background

1. How do you handle stakeholders with differing priorities?

EY values collaboration and effective communication, so they will want to know how you navigate conflicting interests.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to understanding each stakeholder's perspective and how you facilitate discussions to find common ground.

Example

“I prioritize open communication and actively listen to each stakeholder's concerns. In a previous project, I organized a meeting where we could discuss our differing priorities and collaboratively identify a solution that aligned with our overall goals.”

2. What is your leadership style?

Understanding your leadership approach is crucial for EY, as they seek managers who can inspire and guide diverse teams.

How to Answer

Describe your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you have successfully led teams in the past.

Example

“I believe in a servant leadership style, where I support my team by removing obstacles and empowering them to take ownership of their work. For instance, I encouraged my team to take the lead on a project, which resulted in increased engagement and innovative solutions.”

3. Can you provide an example of a difficult project you managed in the past?

This question assesses your project management skills and ability to overcome challenges.

How to Answer

Choose a specific project, outline the challenges faced, and explain how you successfully navigated them.

Example

“I managed a project with tight deadlines and limited resources. By implementing agile methodologies, I was able to break the project into manageable sprints, which allowed us to adapt quickly to changes and ultimately deliver the project on time.”

4. How would you improve project management within a team?

EY is interested in your ability to enhance processes and drive efficiency.

How to Answer

Discuss specific strategies or tools you would implement to improve project management practices.

Example

“I would introduce a project management tool like Jira to streamline task assignments and progress tracking. Additionally, I would conduct regular retrospectives to identify areas for improvement and foster a culture of continuous learning.”

Technical Skills

1. Describe your experience with product roadmaps and backlog management.

This question evaluates your technical expertise in product management.

How to Answer

Explain your process for creating and managing product roadmaps and backlogs, including any tools you use.

Example

“I utilize tools like Trello and Asana to create and manage product roadmaps. I prioritize features based on user feedback and business goals, ensuring that the backlog is always aligned with our strategic vision.”

2. How do you ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget?

EY will want to know your approach to project management and resource allocation.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for tracking progress and managing resources effectively.

Example

“I set clear milestones and regularly review progress against our timeline and budget. By maintaining open communication with my team and stakeholders, I can quickly address any issues that arise and keep the project on track.”

3. What is your approach to stakeholder communication in a project?

Effective communication is key at EY, so they will want to understand your strategy.

How to Answer

Describe how you keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

Example

“I establish a communication plan at the project's outset, detailing how often and through which channels I will update stakeholders. Regular check-ins and status reports help ensure everyone is aligned and any concerns are addressed promptly.”

4. Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot a project due to unforeseen circumstances?

This question assesses your adaptability and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a project pivot and the steps you took to manage the change.

Example

“During a product launch, we encountered unexpected regulatory changes. I quickly convened a team meeting to reassess our strategy, and we developed a revised plan that complied with the new regulations while still meeting our launch timeline.”

Behavioral Questions

1. How would you handle a difficult client?

EY values client relationships, so they will want to know how you manage challenging situations.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution and maintaining professionalism.

Example

“I would first listen to the client's concerns without interruption to fully understand their perspective. Then, I would work collaboratively to find a solution that addresses their needs while aligning with our capabilities.”

2. Describe a time when you faced a critical challenge in a project.

This question evaluates your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific challenge, explain the context, and detail how you overcame it.

Example

“In a previous role, we faced a significant delay due to a vendor issue. I quickly assessed the situation, communicated transparently with the team, and we brainstormed alternative solutions, ultimately finding a new vendor that met our needs and timeline.”

3. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

EY will want to know how you manage competing priorities effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization process and any tools or techniques you use.

Example

“I use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while delegating or postponing less critical tasks.”

4. What motivates you as a Product Manager?

Understanding your motivation helps EY assess your fit within their culture.

How to Answer

Share what drives you in your role and how it aligns with EY's values.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to create products that solve real problems for users. Seeing the positive impact of my work on clients and their businesses is incredibly rewarding and aligns with EY's mission to build a better working world.”