- Recruiters Say Cultural Fit Gives Job Seekers the Biggest “Edge” -

Los Angeles, January 10, 2006 – The first of the year is the best time for a job seeker to look for a new position, according to 41 percent of recruiters who completed the eighth edition of the quarterly Executive Recruiter Index, released today by Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Spring was the second most popular response, cited by nearly one third (32 percent) of respondents, followed by fall (22 percent), summer (three percent) and the holiday season (two percent).

“The start of a new year is an ideal time for executives to consider fresh beginnings and explore new opportunities and challenges,” said Joe Griesedieck, vice chairman of Korn/Ferry International. “Additionally, employers – many of whom are embarking on a new fiscal year – are generally bullish and may be ready to pursue hiring plans that were put aside during the busy holiday season.”

The survey also examined various networking techniques and how job seekers can best attract a recruiter’s attention. According to recruiters, engaging in regular social interactions is the most effective networking method for job seekers. Also effective are membership in business or trade associations, attendance at conferences and seminars, and involvement with alumni organizations. When asked the best way for an executive to get a recruiter’s attention, the most popular response was to work for a highly regarded company (36 percent), followed by proactively developing recruiter relationships (29 percent) and being the highest performer in a department or function (20 percent).

Finally, recruiters were asked to identify what gives an executive the biggest “edge” when an employer is comparing finalists for a job opening. The largest number of respondents (42 percent) selected cultural fit. Other factors cited were character/personality (32 percent), followed by work experience (17 percent) and growth potential (eight percent). Recruiters ranked educational background last, with just one percent of responses. 

Findings from the Korn/Ferry International Executive Recruiter Index

1. Generally speaking, what is the best time of year for a job seeker to look for a new position?
The first of the year 41%
Spring 32%
Fall 22%
Summer 3%
Holiday season 2%

2. Rank the following forms of networking, in order of how effective they are for job seekers (with “1” being the most effective and “7” being the least effective).
Regular social interactions 1
Membership in business/trade associations 2
Attendance at conferences and seminars 3
Alumni organizations 4
Direct mail 5
Online networks and communities 6
Involvement with non-profit organizations 7

3. What is the best way to get an executive recruiter’s attention?
Work for a highly-regarded company    36%
Proactively develop relationships with recruiters
in your region/industry       29%
Be the highest performer in your department/function 20%
Personal branding  11%
Take on high-profile, risky assignments    2%
Acquire international experience  2%

4. When comparing finalists for an executive position, what gives one candidate the biggest “edge”?
Cultural fit 42%
Character/personality 32%
Work experience 17%
Growth potential 8%
Educational background 1%

Methodology
The Executive Recruiter Index is based on a quarterly survey of 198 Korn/Ferry International consultants, who serve the world’s largest corporations and not-for-profit organizations. This survey was conducted online within the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa from December 5 through 19, 2005.

About Korn/Ferry International
Korn/Ferry International, with 70 offices in 35 countries, is the premier 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 middle management recruitment services through its Futurestep subsidiary. For more information, visit the Korn/Ferry International Web site at www.kornferry.com or the Futurestep Web site at www.futurestep.com.

Media Contacts

Asia/Pacific: Marta Grutka, + 65 6231 6215, marta.grutka@kornferry.com
Europe and Latin America: Stephanie Cohen, + 1 310 226 2645, stephanie.cohen@kornferry.com
North America: Sabrina Tanenbaum, + 1 212 576 2700, stanenbaum@goodmanmedia.com                                                                                
UK: Sarah Tovey, + 44 (0) 20 7404 5959, kornferry@brunswickgroup.com