A terrible mistake. Totally regretted my decision to come to the firm. - Anonymous employee Korn Ferry Employee Review

1.0
21 Jun 2011
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

If you don't know anything about the search business, this is a good place to get a working knowledge. You get exposed to the best tools in the search business.

Cons

Total lack of leadership from the top. The CEO is purely a Wall Street leader with absolutely no understanding of what it's like to be one of his own Partners. The practice leadership group is a political snake-pit. The management committee has been the same for a decade. They change compensation plans mid-year, with absolutely no explanation to their Partners and pay them the least amount they think they can get away with. The compensation drops every year. Because they operate on a zero cost per-partner basis, they end up taking compensation away from profitable, high-performing partners to pay for employees who are under-performers that are part of the political hierarchy. There are several people who work at the firm where no one understands what they do. Their non-search businesses loose money every year and they treat the search partners who provide all the profit like garbage. The most politically charged consulting organization in the world. You spend 40% of your time serving clients and 60% of your time watching your back. This is a culture bred by its leaders.

Explore other reviews about Korn Ferry

5.0
10 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I am a consultant through a firm acquired by Korn Ferry and have had a great experience with both the firm (Salo) and with Korn Ferry as a parent company. Great to have benefits and PTO as a consultant and great training and resources available - good communication as well!

Cons

Transitional period during acquisition had a few bumps but nothing major and all ironed out as more time has gone on.

4.0
16 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The client diversity across industries and regions is top notch. Great brand recognition. The marketing investments in Korn Ferry Tour and LA28 paid off. Smart people. Remote work is a plus as 75% people work remotely. No push for facetime in offices. Work from anywhere! Everyone knows of Korn Ferry!

Cons

A culture of long hours and interrupted vacations. Clear demarcation between haves(fee earners) and have nots (execution). High expectations with outdated systems, manual processes, inefficient. Low pay as there are no merits due to market/company performance. Hard to get food at the holiday party so stop at Five Guys prior.

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