EY · Data
EY Data Scientist Interview Questions & Preparation
Quick answer
A EY Data Scientist interview combines EY's 4-stage process — online application, online assessments, job simulation, assessment day — with the technical and behavioural bar for a Data Scientist. Expect EY to assess integrity and respect, alongside core data scientist skills like statistics & probability and sql. Prepare data scientist answers framed around what EY specifically looks for.
How EY interviews Data Scientists
EY is a Big Four firm and major graduate employer. Its strengths-based process focuses on natural aptitudes and values fit, assessing commercial reasoning and collaboration, with qualification funding on most routes.
For a Data Scientist specifically, EY pairs its standard assessment with a technical bar focused on statistics & probability, sql, python. Data science interviews test whether you can turn ambiguous business problems into measurable analyses. Strong candidates pair technical depth (stats, ML, SQL) with clear communication and product judgement.
The EY interview process
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Online application | Application and role selection. |
| Online assessments | Strengths assessment plus numerical and reasoning tests. |
| Job simulation | A realistic preview exercise for your area. |
| Assessment day | Group exercise, case and a strengths-based interview. |
What EY assesses
Data Scientist questions at EY
Expect a blend of EY's signature questions and core data scientist questions:
- 1Why EY, and why this service line?
- 2Tell me about a time you solved a complex problem.
- 3How do you stay commercially aware?
- 4Explain p-values to a non-technical stakeholder.
- 5Write a SQL query to find the second-highest salary per department.
- 6How would you design an A/B test for a new feature?
- 7When would you use precision vs recall?
- 8Tell me about a time your analysis changed a business decision.
- 9How do you handle missing data?
Example STAR answer
Example answer to: “Tell me about a time your analysis changed a business decision.”
Skills assessed
How to prepare for a EY Data Scientist interview
- Engage authentically with the strengths-based format.
- Structure the case clearly and commercially.
- Define the metric and success criteria before reaching for a model.
- Practise SQL window functions and probability puzzles.
- Explain technical concepts in plain language — it's tested directly.
- Tie every analysis to a business decision.
Data Scientist salary
UK data scientists typically earn £45k–£85k, with senior and specialised roles exceeding £100k.
Frequently asked questions
What does the EY Data Scientist interview process involve?
EY's process runs through online application, online assessments, job simulation, assessment day. For a Data Scientist, the technical rounds focus on statistics & probability, sql, python, and behavioural rounds assess integrity and respect.
What is the EY assessment day?
EY's final stage — a group exercise, a case study and a strengths-based interview assessing commercial reasoning, collaboration and fit.
Is SQL tested in data science interviews?
Yes — SQL is almost always tested, including joins, aggregations and window functions.
How much machine learning do I need?
Enough to choose appropriate models, explain trade-offs and evaluate them properly. Depth scales with the role's seniority and specialism.
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