How to get a job at Aon
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Aon actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About Aon
Company overview
Aon is a leading global professional services firm providing consulting on human capital, benefits, retirement, investment, and risk. The firm combines extensive expertise in talent strategy, compensation, benefits design, and pension administration to help organisations manage human capital challenges. Aon works with corporations, governments, and institutions across industries worldwide.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Aon
Aon's culture emphasises collaborative problem-solving, client focus, and commitment to delivering practical solutions. The firm values diverse expertise, analytical rigour, and accountability for impact. Aon is committed to developing talent through mentoring, continuous learning opportunities, and clear advancement pathways. The firm celebrates diverse perspectives and inclusive team environment.
Why people want to work here
At Aon, you'll develop expertise in compensation, benefits, pension strategy, or talent analytics—highly specialised and valued skills. The firm's global scale and diverse client base create exceptional learning opportunities. Aon's collaborative culture, strong mentoring, and clear development pathways make it an excellent place to build HR consulting expertise. The firm's size provides resources and international career opportunities.
What to expect
Working at Aon
Most roles at Aon are office-based or hybrid, with teams typically splitting time between their London, UK offices and remote working. The day usually starts with team stand-ups or check-ins, followed by focused project work. Collaboration is a significant part of the role — expect cross-functional meetings, client interactions, and working alongside colleagues from different departments throughout the day. The rhythm varies by team, but most people find a mix of heads-down work and collaborative sessions. Peak periods (month-end, quarter-end, project deadlines) can mean longer hours, but the day-to-day pace is generally manageable.
With 50,000+ employees, Aon is large enough to offer diverse teams, specialisms, and career paths, but not so large that individual contributions go unnoticed. You'll typically work within a team of 6–15 people with clear reporting lines and regular feedback loops. Cross-team collaboration is common, and most people find they build a strong professional network within their first year.
The culture at Aon shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking and Benefits and compensation acumen. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Aon recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
Aon interview process
Aon's recruiting process includes case interviews, benefits discussions, and behavioural assessments to identify problem-solvers with analytical thinking and HR consulting acumen.
Online application and CV screening
VariesOnline application and CV screening
First-round interviews (case discussions and HR thinking)
VariesFirst-round interviews (case discussions and HR thinking)
Second-round interviews (complex cases and strategic discussion)
VariesSecond-round interviews (complex cases and strategic discussion)
Final round with senior consultant or director on career vision
VariesFinal round with senior consultant or director on career vision
Optional analytical or case assessment
VariesOptional analytical or case assessment
4-8 weeks from application to offer
Insider tips
Develop strong case interview skills with focus on benefits and compensation strategy. Research Aon's consulting and solutions work. Prepare examples showing HR thinking and analytical ability. Show genuine interest in compensation, benefits, pensions, or talent analytics. Build familiarity with HR and benefits landscape. Demonstrate understanding of complex organisational and employee challenges.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Aon interview
Aon's interview process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to offer. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research Aon thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in consulting & advisory and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Aon on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Aon and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking, Benefits and compensation acumen, Communication clarity and ability to advise on complex matters. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Hr Manager or Business Analyst role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering Aon's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Aon's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Aon's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What Aon looks for
Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking
Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking
Benefits and compensation acumen
Benefits and compensation acumen
Communication clarity and ability to advise on complex matters
Communication clarity and ability to advise on complex matters
Collaborative approach with strong engagement skills
Collaborative approach with strong engagement skills
Initiative and commitment to HR solutions and impact
Initiative and commitment to HR solutions and impact
Get through the door
How to apply to Aon
Start by studying Aon's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — consulting & advisory employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Hr Manager, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, research what each role involves at Aon specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Aon's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Aon offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many hr consulting employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Aon's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every hr consulting employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Aon on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
With 50,000+ employees, Aon has a large alumni network. Search LinkedIn for former employees now working elsewhere — they can offer candid insights about the interview process, team culture, and what it's really like to work there. Current employees are also worth connecting with, but former employees tend to be more frank.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Aon or consulting & advisory-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research Aon's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking and Benefits and compensation acumen — Aon uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Aon's process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to offer, and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Aon and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Aon simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Aon interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Aon candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1Tell us about your background and interest in Aon.
- 2Describe a project involving benefits, compensation, or pensions.
- 3Give an example of when you analysed HR or compensation data.
- 4How do you approach benefits or compensation strategy?
- 5Tell us about a time you advised on talent or HR decisions.
- 6Walk us through a complex benefits or compensation challenge.
- 7Why HR consulting or benefits strategy interests you.
- 8How do you balance employee needs with business objectives?
Your career here
Growth & development at Aon
Career progression at Aon follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many hr consulting organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Aon invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.
For consulting & advisory professionals, Aon offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking and Benefits and compensation acumen — are transferable across the hr consulting sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Aon started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Aon
Consultant: £42,000–£53,000; Senior Consultant: £61,000–£80,000; Manager: £105,000–£137,000+
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Aon
Frequently asked questions
What is Aon's focus on total rewards?
Aon's total rewards approach integrates compensation, benefits, pensions, and talent strategy to help organisations attract and retain talent. The firm advises on comprehensive rewards strategies that align compensation with business objectives. Total rewards consulting develops expertise in integrated HR strategy and employee value proposition.
What pension expertise does Aon have?
Aon has deep expertise in pension scheme design, administration, and risk management. The firm advises on pension strategy, scheme consolidation, and risk reduction. Pension consulting develops skills in actuarial concepts, pension policy, and financial modelling.
What do junior consultants work on?
As a Consultant, you'll support benefits, compensation, or pension projects involving research, benchmarking, data analysis, and client support. You might conduct salary surveys, analyse benefits costs, model scheme changes, or help develop recommendations. You'll work closely with senior consultants and develop strong HR consulting expertise.
How does Aon develop consultant skills?
Aon is committed to consultant development through dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, training in HR and benefits expertise, and clear advancement pathways. You'll have a mentor and manager supporting your growth. The firm provides training in compensation, benefits, pensions, and talent analytics. Emphasis is on expert knowledge development.
What is the career progression?
The progression is Consultant (2-3 years) → Senior Consultant (2-3 years) → Manager (3-4 years) → Senior Manager (3-4 years) → Principal. Advancement depends on demonstrated client impact, HR consulting expertise, and leadership capability. Aon evaluates consultants regularly with clear expectations.
Do I need HR or pensions background?
No, Aon recruits from diverse backgrounds without requiring prior HR, compensation, or pensions experience. The firm values analytical skills, business acumen, and interest in HR solutions and total rewards. Aon will develop relevant expertise through training and project work. Your analytical ability and interest in human capital matter most.
Your Aon interview is coming.
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