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.
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
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
How they hire
What it's like interviewing at Aon
Aon hires steadily across the year, with busier periods aligned to business cycles and project wins. As a 50,000-person employer, they have established recruitment teams and structured processes — expect professionalism at every stage. They're selective but not inaccessible: candidates who prepare thoroughly and demonstrate alignment with the company's priorities have a genuine chance.
Aon's interview culture is formal and competency-driven. Expect structured questions against a scorecard, with interviewers trained to assess Analytical rigour and HR consulting thinking and Benefits and compensation acumen through specific examples. The atmosphere is professional but not hostile — they want to find the right candidate, not catch you out. Come prepared with evidence-based answers and you'll be in a strong position.
Life at the company
Work-life balance at Aon
Aon offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements for most roles. The specifics vary by team and function — some roles are predominantly remote, others require regular office presence — but the overall direction is towards flexibility. This isn't just policy on paper: employees generally report that managers support flexible working in practice, not just in the handbook. Notable extras include dedicated wellbeing and mental health support, generous annual leave.
Be realistic about pace: consulting & advisory is demanding, and Aon is no exception. Peak periods — whether that's deal closings, audit season, or major project deadlines — can mean long hours and high pressure. Outside those peaks, the rhythm is more sustainable, and the organisation generally supports recovery time. The trade-off is clear: the work is demanding but the experience, compensation, and career progression reflect that.
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.
What is the work-life balance like at Aon?
Work-life balance at Aon varies by role and team. The hr consulting sector is demanding, and peak periods can mean long hours. Outside those peaks, most employees report a manageable workload with increasing support for flexible and hybrid working.
Does Aon sponsor work visas for UK roles?
Aon is a licensed visa sponsor and regularly supports visa applications for roles where they can't find suitable UK-based candidates. Check individual job listings for sponsorship eligibility — not all positions qualify, and the requirements can change. Immigration policy changes can affect eligibility, so verify current requirements with Aon's HR team during the application process.
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