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

1.0
Jun 21, 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
Feb 10, 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
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote work with good insurance plan options

Cons

Low pay for the area, low bonus or no bonus when company decided profits for investors were not high enough.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All