What attracted you to apply at SGV/EY and how do you see yourself aligning with our company values?
RoleConsulting Associate
DifficultyEasy
TopicCultural Fit
Asked at
Why This Is Asked
EY invests heavily in its culture and wants to see if you truly understand and embody their core values. This question helps assess if you will thrive in their environment and contribute positively. It's also a chance to gauge your genuine interest in the firm beyond salary and brand.
General Approach
Research EY's values deeply: integrity, respect, teamwork, inclusiveness, and building a better working world. Choose one or two values that align with a specific personal or academic experience. Avoid memorizing slogans; instead, tell a story that demonstrates that value in action. Be prepared to ask a question back about the culture.
General Answer
EY's stated purpose is 'building a better working world,' and its core values center on integrity, respect, and teaming, paired with the energy and courage to drive change. A strong answer to this kind of question does two things: names one or two specific values that genuinely resonate, rather than reciting the full list, and connects that value to a concrete, specific reason for wanting to join this firm rather than a Big 4 firm in general, for example an interest in the breadth of client exposure and structured mentorship that early-career roles at large professional services firms typically offer. It should avoid generic statements ('I want to grow my career') that could apply to any employer, and should not claim familiarity with specific internal programs or initiatives that cannot be verified from public sources. Closing with a genuine question back about the firm's culture, for instance how teams balance client deadlines with learning and development, signals real engagement rather than a rehearsed answer.
PH Interview Gotcha
Avoid generic answers like 'I want to work in a Big 4' or 'SGV is a prestigious firm.' Don't try to flatter excessively in Taglish, like 'Sobra pong nakaka-inspire...' It can sound insincere. Also, don't use 'po' in 'I believe in your values po'; it undermines professionalism. Use English firmly: 'Your value of integrity resonates with me because...'
Sample STAR Answer▾
S
Situation
My interest in SGV/EY began when a senior from my university, now an Audit Associate here, shared how the firm's culture of continuous learning shaped her career. Later, I attended an EY campus career talk where partners spoke about 'building a better working world' through client service and community initiatives such as the EY Ripples program.
T
Task
I needed to demonstrate that my personal values align with EY's, especially around integrity, teamwork, and developing people.
A
Action
I did further research on EY's official website and LinkedIn, watching employee testimonials and reading about the firm's projects in the Philippines, like supporting MSMEs through business consulting. I reflected on my own experiences: as the president of our university's entrepreneurship club, I implemented a mentorship program where senior students coached freshmen in business planning, which mirrors EY's focus on developing talent and giving back. I prepared specific examples of how I practice integrity in group projects by always crediting sources and owning mistakes.
R
Result
During the interview, I was able to connect my club leadership experience directly to EY's value of 'teamwork' and 'building relationships.' I felt the conversation became more genuine, and the interviewer appreciated the concrete link. I also learned more about EY's diversity and inclusiveness initiatives, which further affirmed my fit.
Key Takeaway
I realized that thorough company research combined with honest self-reflection creates an authentic narrative. It's not just about knowing the company's values, but about showing how you have lived them, even in small ways.
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