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Ernst & Young - Partner Interview - Tips
 

To : Students attending Ernst & Young's Partner Interview for the post of Staff Accountant,

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the partner interview. Please read on. Check out standard advice at <http://www.hku.hk/cepc/NEW/forstudent/intech.html>.

Note: Only students who are going on exchange in Jan 2003 were invited to attend for a Partner Interview before Christmas. Other shortlisted candidates would be contacted in early January.


Format of interview

  • Language used last year: English and Cantonese
  • Duration of interviews varied between 20 to 35 minutes


What is EY looking for?

When answering questions, focus on what EY is looking for, viz.

  • Motivation
    • Drive - ability to set realistic and challenging targets and achieving them
    • Interest in the job - ability to demonstrate a fair understanding in the field with enthusiasm in the post
    • Attitude - being sincere, courteous and proactive

  • Task Skills
    • Language skills - fluency in Chinese and English
    • Presentation - being confident and able to organize ideas in a logical manner
    • Communication - ability to listen actively with adequate eye contact as well as ability to lead discussions

  • Practical Intelligent
    • Problem solving ability - ability to use past experience to demonstrate ability to solve problems analytically and pragmatically
    • Adjustment - ability to use past experience to demonstrate flexibility, stress management and skills in exploiting positive aspects of changes


In what form will the questions take?

They may be organised around your experiences, skills, career objective... etc.

  • Questions about your work experience
    Example:

    - Can you share with us your working experience at HSBC? What did you do as a part-time Audit Trainee? How do you feel about this experience?


  • Questions about choice of careers
    Example:

    - What field are you interested in besides accounting?
    - Which area of financial accounting are you most interested in?
    - What other jobs/professions have you considered?
    - What is the difference between an Accountant and an Auditor?
    - You are not majoring in accounting. Why do you choose accounting as your career?
    - What do you know about auditing?

  • Questions about EY
    Example:

    - Given the choices of Hong Kong, SE Asia and Mainland offices, where do you think you would be most suitable for? Where would you learn most?
    - Why do you choose EY?
    - Why do you think EY would fit you?

  • Questions about your course of studies
    Example:

    - Which area of accounting do you find most difficult?
    - What have you done in the past to prepare yourself for an accounting / auditing career?
    - You studied Science subjects in your secondary school, why did you choose to study Accounting and Finance at HKU?
    - How was your experience studying at xxx College?

  • Questions about extra-curricular activities
    Example:

    - Have you joined any extra-curricular activities?
    - What responsibilities did you undertake?
    - How did you deal with problems?

  • Questions about current affairs / issues
    Example:

    - Some people say that graduates from the Mainland are better than graduates form HK? What do you think?
    - How can local students make the most out of the Hong Kong's strengths as a business / financial center?
    - Please share with me a piece of recent financial news.

    Note: Topical issues change from time to time. Be aware of major current issues. For example, recent current affairs include:
    • Security law
    • Battle to secure good quality water between Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta cities
    • International Racing
    • Government's proposed tax levy on domestic helpers Shanghai being awarded the right to stage the 2010 World Exposition
    • Measures taken by the Government to stabilize property prices
    • Blueprint for further development of higher education in Hong Kong
    • The Director of Audit's report... etc

  • Other types of questions (e.g. situational questions)
    Example:

    - What is the difference between working in Hong Kong and the Mainland?
    - How many second interviews have you had?
    - What is Mentorship Program? Who is your mentor?
    - Have you traveled to any other places?
    - What have you gained from the traveling experience / opportunities?
    - If we have an annual dinner, would you join?
    - If I offer you a contract right now, would you sign it?
    - Why should I employ you?

Be prepared to face a series of follow-up questions from the interviewer to elicit an in-depth analysis of the topic from you.


Dressing for Interviews

Dress formally and professionally. i.e. business suit.


Interview Demonstration / Mock Interviews / Sharing by Alumni

  • Interview Demonstration / Mock Interview

    The Careers and Placement, CEDARS has organized a preparation session to help you prepare for the interview. At this session, a career advisor will conduct interview role-plays with students who are prepared to be interviewed in front of other students.

    Details are as follows:
    Date : 17 December, 2002 (Tuesday)
    Time : 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Venue : MW315, Meng Wah Complex

    Students who wish to observe interview demonstrations should sign up at <http://www.hku.hk/cepc/events/regist.html>.

    Students who wish to participate in the mock interview should send an e-mail to Elaine Leung <elaine.leung@cepc.hku.hk> before 11:30 a.m. on 17 Dec (Tue) with your application letter sent to EY.

  • Interview Experience Sharing by an Alumnus

    To help you prepare for the final round of partner interviews, we invited a recent graduate, who received all job offers from the Big Five before, to talk to students in early December.
    He shared with students the types of questions asked, how he tackled them and how students might prepare themselves for the partner interviews of Big Four. If you have missed this talk, you are welcome to view the video recording. The tape is available for loan at the Careers Library Enquiry Desk.


Careers and Placement, Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)