EY Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services, dedicated to building a better working world.

As a Software Engineer at EY, you will be responsible for developing and implementing robust software solutions that align with the company's commitment to integrity, high ethical standards, and innovative technology. Your key responsibilities will include designing, testing, and maintaining software applications, with a focus on delivering quality code while managing risk. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that software meets both business needs and technical requirements, while also staying updated on industry trends and technological advancements.

To excel in this role, you will need strong programming skills in languages such as Java and Python, along with a solid understanding of data structures and algorithms. Experience with cloud-based technologies and familiarity with web development frameworks will be advantageous. Additionally, strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and a proactive approach to learning and adapting are essential traits that will help you thrive in the EY environment.

This guide serves as a strategic tool to help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role and expected competencies, ultimately enhancing your confidence and readiness for the process.

The interview process for a Software Engineer position at EY is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a phone call or video interview with a recruiter. This round focuses on understanding your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to EY. Expect to discuss your resume, educational background, and any relevant projects you have worked on. The recruiter will also assess your communication skills and cultural fit within the company.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates usually undergo a technical assessment. This may involve an online coding test or a technical interview where you will be asked to solve programming problems and answer questions related to data structures, algorithms, and specific programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++. The technical assessment aims to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and your proficiency in relevant technologies.

3. Technical Interview

If you successfully pass the technical assessment, you will be invited to a more in-depth technical interview. This round typically involves one or more technical interviewers who will ask scenario-based questions and delve deeper into your technical knowledge. You may be asked to explain your previous projects, discuss your approach to software development, and demonstrate your understanding of software engineering principles. Be prepared to answer questions about cloud technologies, system design, and any specific tools or frameworks mentioned in your resume.

4. HR Interview

The final round usually consists of an HR interview, which may be conducted over the phone or in person. This interview focuses on behavioral questions and assesses your alignment with EY's values and culture. Expect questions about your career aspirations, teamwork experiences, and how you handle challenges. This round is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the role.

5. Offer and Background Check

If you successfully navigate the interview rounds, you may receive a job offer. Following the offer, EY will conduct a background check to verify your qualifications and work history before finalizing your employment.

As you prepare for the interview process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked in each round.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at EY typically consists of multiple rounds, including an initial screening, a technical interview, and an HR discussion. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. The first round often includes an aptitude test, followed by a technical assessment that dives deep into your resume and relevant projects. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and energy effectively throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the emphasis on technical skills, especially in programming languages like Java and Python, ensure you are well-versed in data structures, algorithms, and system design principles. Review common coding problems and practice explaining your thought process clearly. Be ready to discuss your previous projects in detail, as interviewers often focus on your hands-on experience and the technologies you've used.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

EY values strong communication skills, so be prepared to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the HR round, you may be asked behavioral questions that assess your soft skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and teamwork experiences.

Emphasize Your Projects

Your projects are a key part of your application, so be ready to discuss them in depth. Highlight your role, the technologies you used, and the impact of your work. Be specific about challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also your ability to contribute to team success.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically under pressure. Practice answering questions that require you to analyze a situation and propose a solution. This will help you demonstrate your analytical thinking and technical expertise, which are crucial for a software engineering role at EY.

Research EY's Culture and Values

Understanding EY's commitment to integrity, inclusivity, and continuous learning will help you align your responses with the company's values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values and career aspirations align with EY's mission to build a better working world. This will show that you are not only a good fit for the role but also for the company culture.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

At the end of your interview, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about team dynamics, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development. This shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to EY.

Stay Calm and Professional

Lastly, maintain a calm and professional demeanor throughout the interview process. Even if you encounter challenging questions or a less-than-ideal interview experience, staying composed will reflect positively on you. Remember, interviews are as much about finding the right fit for you as they are about the company assessing your qualifications.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview at EY with confidence and clarity, increasing your chances of success. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at EY. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, technical knowledge, and how you can contribute to EY's mission.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between an abstract class and an interface in Java?

Understanding the nuances between these two concepts is crucial for any Java developer.

How to Answer

Discuss the key differences, such as that an abstract class can have both abstract and concrete methods, while an interface can only have abstract methods (prior to Java 8). Mention the use cases for each.

Example

“An abstract class can provide some method implementations, while an interface is a contract that classes must follow. For example, if I have a base class that provides some default behavior, I would use an abstract class. If I want to ensure that multiple classes implement certain methods, I would use an interface.”

2. What is the purpose of the 'final' keyword in Java?

This question tests your understanding of Java's access modifiers and their implications.

How to Answer

Explain that the 'final' keyword can be applied to classes, methods, and variables, and it restricts the user from modifying them.

Example

“The 'final' keyword in Java is used to declare constants. For instance, if I declare a variable as final, it cannot be reassigned. Similarly, a final class cannot be subclassed, and a final method cannot be overridden.”

3. How do you handle exceptions in Java?

This question assesses your knowledge of error handling in Java applications.

How to Answer

Discuss the try-catch block, the importance of finally, and how to create custom exceptions.

Example

“I handle exceptions using try-catch blocks to catch specific exceptions and provide meaningful error messages. I also use the finally block to ensure that resources are released, regardless of whether an exception occurred.”

4. Can you explain the concept of multithreading in Java?

Multithreading is a key concept in Java, and understanding it is essential for performance optimization.

How to Answer

Discuss the benefits of multithreading, such as improved performance and resource utilization, and mention how to implement it using threads or the Executor framework.

Example

“Multithreading allows concurrent execution of two or more threads, which can significantly improve the performance of applications. I typically use the Executor framework for managing thread pools, which simplifies thread management and improves resource utilization.”

5. What are some common data structures you have used, and how do they differ?

This question tests your knowledge of data structures and their applications.

How to Answer

Discuss various data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, and hash maps, and explain their use cases.

Example

“I have used arrays for fixed-size collections, linked lists for dynamic data storage, stacks for LIFO operations, and queues for FIFO operations. For example, I prefer hash maps for quick lookups due to their average O(1) time complexity.”

Problem Solving

1. Describe a technical project you worked on and the challenges you faced.

This question allows you to showcase your experience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Outline the project, your role, the challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

Example

“I worked on a web application that required real-time data processing. One challenge was ensuring data consistency across multiple users. I implemented a locking mechanism to manage concurrent access, which significantly improved data integrity.”

2. How would you optimize a slow-running SQL query?

This question assesses your database knowledge and optimization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

“To optimize a slow SQL query, I would first analyze the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I would consider adding indexes on frequently queried columns and restructuring the query to reduce complexity, such as avoiding subqueries when possible.”

3. Can you explain the concept of RESTful services?

Understanding REST is crucial for modern web applications.

How to Answer

Discuss the principles of REST, including statelessness, resource-based URLs, and standard HTTP methods.

Example

“RESTful services are designed around resources, which are identified by URLs. They use standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations. A key principle is statelessness, meaning each request from a client must contain all the information needed to process it.”

4. How do you ensure code quality and maintainability?

This question evaluates your approach to software development practices.

How to Answer

Discuss practices like code reviews, unit testing, and adhering to coding standards.

Example

“I ensure code quality by conducting regular code reviews and writing unit tests for critical components. I also follow coding standards and best practices to maintain readability and consistency across the codebase.”

5. What strategies do you use for debugging?

This question assesses your problem-solving approach when issues arise.

How to Answer

Discuss systematic approaches to debugging, such as using logging, breakpoints, and isolating variables.

Example

“When debugging, I start by reproducing the issue and using logging to gather information. I also set breakpoints to inspect variable states and isolate the problem area. This systematic approach helps me identify the root cause efficiently.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work under pressure.

This question assesses your ability to handle stress and meet deadlines.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on the situation, your actions, and the outcome.

Example

“During a critical project deadline, our team faced unexpected technical challenges. I organized daily stand-up meetings to track progress and reallocated tasks based on team strengths, which helped us meet the deadline successfully.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using tools or frameworks.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use tools like Trello to visualize my workload and ensure that I focus on high-impact tasks first. Regular check-ins with stakeholders also help me adjust priorities as needed.”

3. Can you give an example of how you contributed to a team project?

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Highlight your role in the project and how you supported your team.

Example

“I contributed to a team project by taking the lead on the front-end development. I collaborated closely with the back-end team to ensure seamless integration and organized weekly demos to gather feedback, which improved our final product.”

4. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to addressing conflicts constructively.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I prefer to address them directly by facilitating a discussion between the parties involved. I encourage open communication to understand different perspectives and work towards a mutually agreeable solution.”

5. What motivates you to perform well in your job?

This question assesses your intrinsic motivation and alignment with the company culture.

How to Answer

Discuss what drives you, such as personal growth, team success, or contributing to meaningful projects.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and contribute to projects that have a positive impact. I find fulfillment in collaborating with my team to achieve our goals and continuously improve my skills.”