Executives Say 3-5 Years into a Job is When They Are Most Productive

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2006 – Just 30 percent of global executives surveyed are positive about their employer’s onboarding and assimilation process for new hires, according to the latest Executive Quiz from Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), a premier global provider of talent management solutions. The largest percentage of respondents (38 percent) call their employer’s onboarding and assimilation process for new hires average, with 22 percent calling it below average and ten percent calling it poor.

Additionally, more than half of executives (54 percent) believe that they do not reach maximum productivity until three to five years into their tenure with a company. Another 33 percent of respondents believe executives are most productive at one to two years, eight percent say five to ten years, four percent say six months and two percent say it takes more than ten years.

“A thorough onboarding process can dramatically reduce the amount of time a new executive needs to reach full capacity and ultimately increase their chances of success within an organization,” said Bob Damon, president of North America for Korn/Ferry. “Our findings suggest that too many employers miss out on the unique opportunities for building relationships, clarifying expectations and establishing priorities that formalized onboarding efforts afford.”

The survey also examined several common issues around job interviews. Three in five (60 percent) executives say that the most important thing they do before a job interview is conduct research on the potential employer, followed by reaching out to contacts who have knowledge of the employer (20 percent), formulating responses to possible interview questions (19 percent) and personal grooming (one percent). Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of executives report either always or very often sending “thank you” notes to potential employers following interviews, with 63 percent of those notes being e-mailed as opposed to mailed.

Finally, when asked what is the best excuse to use when one is out of the office at a job interview, the largest percentage of respondents (34 percent) say they give no excuse and just sneak out. Other popular responses included child- or family-related commitments (27 percent), doctor’s or dentist’s appointment (23 percent) and taking a long lunch (15 percent).

Methodology

The Korn/Ferry International Executive Quiz is based on a global survey of executives registered within the firm’s online Executive Center, ekornferry.com. Respondents from more than 80 countries, representing a wide spectrum of industries and functional areas, participated in the most recent Executive Quiz between February and May 2006.

About Korn/Ferry International

Korn/Ferry International, with more than 70 offices in 40 countries, is the premier global provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions.Based in Los Angeles, the firm partners with clients worldwide to deliver unparalleled senior-level search, management assessment, coaching and development, and recruitment outsourcing services through its Futurestep subsidiary.

Media Contact:  
Stephanie Cohen
(310) 226-2645
stephanie.cohen@kornferry.com