20 Korn Ferry Interview Questions and Answers

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm that helps companies identify and develop the talent they need to succeed. The firm offers a variety of services, including assessment, coaching, and leadership development.

When it comes to interviews, Korn Ferry has a few specific questions that they like to ask candidates. These questions help the firm get a better sense of a candidate’s skills and abilities. Here are a few of the most common Korn Ferry interview questions:

– Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client. – Describe a time when you had to manage a complex project. – Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation at work. – Describe a time when you had to lead a team.

Answering these questions well can help you stand out from the competition and land the job you want.

Korn Ferry Interview Process

The interview process at Korn Ferry can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews will involve a phone screening with a recruiter, followed by one or more formal interviews with hiring managers. You may also be asked to complete an online assessment. The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

1. What is your experience with conducting behavioral interviews?

Behavioral interviews are a common method of assessing candidates for leadership positions. They allow employers to see how you have applied your skills and abilities in the past, which can help them determine if you’re ready for their open position. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you understand what behavioral interviewing is and how it works. You should also provide an example of when you used this interview style successfully.

Example: “I’ve conducted many behavioral interviews throughout my career as a recruiter. I find that these types of interviews are helpful because they give me insight into how a candidate has applied their skills and abilities in the past. In one instance, I was recruiting for a sales manager position at a tech company. The hiring manager wanted someone who could motivate their team to achieve higher sales goals. During the interview process, I asked each candidate about a time they motivated others to succeed.”

2. How do you feel about cold calling?

Cold calling is a common practice in sales. It’s also something that many hiring managers ask about during interviews to see how you feel about it and if you’re willing to do it. If you have never done cold calling, you can explain why you would be willing to start doing it.

Example: “I’ve never had to do cold calling before, but I’m not opposed to it. In fact, I think it could be an interesting way to meet new people and learn more about the company. I know that some companies use cold calling as a way to find out what their customers want from them. I’d like to help your company do this by talking to our clients.”

3. Describe a time when you were able to persuade someone to see things from your perspective, how did you go about it?

This question can help the interviewer understand your communication skills and how you might persuade others to see things from your perspective. Use examples of when you were able to convince someone to change their mind or opinion, even if it was a small thing.

Example: “In my last role as an HR manager, I had to deal with several employees who weren’t happy with their performance reviews. In each case, I asked them what they thought about their review and listened to their concerns. Then, I explained why we rated them where we did and offered suggestions on how they could improve in the future.”

4. Tell me about a time where you had to deal with an angry client, what did you do?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time where you had to diffuse an angry client or customer.

Example: “I once worked with a client who was upset about the results we were providing for them. They felt like our company wasn’t doing enough for them and that they weren’t getting their money’s worth. I met with them in person to discuss their concerns and explain how our process works. I also provided them with some additional resources that could help them achieve their goals.”

5. Why are you interested in working for Korn Ferry?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and company. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of Korn Ferry that you admire or something about the organization that attracted you to apply in the first place.

Example: “I am interested in working for Korn Ferry because I have admired the company’s work for many years. I was impressed by how much attention they give to their clients’ needs and the innovative solutions they provide. I think my skills as a recruiter would fit well with the culture of this company.”

6. Which of your past positions best prepared you for this opportunity?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your career path and how it relates to this job. When answering, you should choose a position that is most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Example: “My current role as an executive assistant prepared me well for this opportunity because I’ve gained experience in many different areas of business operations. In my previous role, I worked with a small team of professionals who were responsible for managing all aspects of their company’s finances. This helped me develop skills in budgeting, accounting and financial management. These are valuable skills that will help me succeed in this role.”

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer and how they view their employees. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you have goals and aspirations beyond the role you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I see myself in a management position at Korn Ferry, helping other professionals reach their career goals. I’m passionate about this industry and would love to continue growing with the company as it expands.”

8. Would you be comfortable traveling 50-75% of the time?

Travel is a common part of the job, and it’s important to be honest about your willingness to travel. If you’re not comfortable with frequent travel, consider applying for another position that doesn’t require as much time away from home.

Example: “I’m happy to travel 50-75% of the time, but I would prefer to stay closer to home more often than that. I enjoy my family life, so I’d like to spend at least one night in each city I visit. However, if there are opportunities to work remotely or take shorter trips, I’d be open to those options.”

9. Do you have any experience using Salesforce?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the latest technology. If you have experience using Salesforce, explain how it helped you in your previous role. If not, talk about other software programs that are similar and what they can do for businesses.

Example: “I’ve used Salesforce before at my last job as an HR manager. It’s a powerful tool that helps companies manage their employees’ information, including performance reviews, compensation plans and employee files. I find it helpful because it allows me to keep track of important information while also allowing managers to access this data when needed.”

10. How would you describe your communication style?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of how you interact with others and your ability to collaborate. Your communication style is an important part of any job, so it’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses when answering this question.

Example: “I would describe my communication style as direct but empathetic. I believe that being empathetic helps me understand what other people are thinking or feeling, which makes it easier for me to communicate effectively. However, I also think it’s important to be direct in order to avoid misunderstandings. For example, if someone asks me a question, I try to give them a clear answer without beating around the bush.”

11. Have you worked remotely before?

Working remotely is a common practice in the business world. Employers may ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with working from home or another location. In your answer, explain how you would handle working away from the office. Explain that you are willing to do so if necessary.

Example: “I have worked remotely before and I’m very comfortable doing it. I find that I am able to get more work done when I’m not distracted by coworkers. However, I also understand that sometimes face-to-face communication is important. If I were hired for this position, I would be happy to work at an office as well.”

12. Are you willing and able to work overtime, including some weekends?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your willingness to work hard and put in extra time when needed. It’s important to be honest about your availability, but also highlight how you would use that time productively.

Example: “I am willing to work overtime if it means getting the job done. However, I believe there are more effective ways of working late than just staying at the office until midnight. For example, I could stay late one night to complete a task, then spend the next day working from home or on other tasks so I can get ahead. This allows me to still meet deadlines while giving my team members some flexibility.”

13. How familiar are you with different recruitment strategies?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of different recruitment strategies and how you apply them to a company. Use examples from previous work experience or explain what you would do if you were unfamiliar with any strategies.

Example: “I have used several recruitment strategies in my past positions, including social media recruiting, job boards, referrals and networking events. I also use employee referral programs as part of my hiring process because it’s an effective way to find qualified candidates who are already familiar with the company culture. In my last position, we implemented a new strategy where we offered employees incentives for referring other potential hires.”

14. What does success look like to you?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s values and goals. It can also help you determine if they are a good fit for Korn Ferry, as it allows you to see how their vision aligns with the company’s mission statement.

Example: “Success looks like being able to make an impact on my team members’ lives. I want to be someone who helps others grow in their careers and find fulfillment in their work. I think that when people feel fulfilled at work, they’re happier overall, which makes them better employees.”

15. How would you handle a situation where a recruiter was having trouble finding candidates for a search?

This question can give the interviewer insight into how you handle challenges in your work. Your answer should show that you are willing to take initiative and solve problems when they arise.

Example: “If a recruiter was having trouble finding candidates for a search, I would first ask them what their strategy is for finding qualified people. If they have already tried some methods but haven’t had success, I would offer my help by researching other sources of talent or reaching out to contacts who may know someone who fits the job description. I would also encourage the recruiter to reach out to me if they need any additional support.”

16. What kind of experience do you have with relationship building?

This question can help the interviewer understand your interpersonal skills and how you interact with others. Showcase your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively and build relationships with clients and coworkers.

Example: “I have several years of experience working in a team environment where I had to work closely with my colleagues on projects. In my last role as an HR manager, I was responsible for managing employee relations and implementing company policies. I also worked with clients to develop their hiring processes and create job descriptions.”

17. Tell us about a time where you had to learn or use new technology to accomplish a task at work.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your adaptability and willingness to learn new things. Use examples from previous jobs or describe how you would approach learning something new at this job if it’s something you haven’t done before.

Example: “At my last job, I was tasked with creating an online database for our sales team to use as a resource. This was something that we hadn’t done before, so I had to research different platforms and decide which one would be best for us. After researching several options, I decided on using Salesforce because it could integrate with other programs we used and offered features that were beneficial to our company.”

18. What would you say is the most challenging role you have ever taken on?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you overcame a challenge or faced a setback and what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “The most challenging role I’ve ever taken on was when I became the manager for my department at my previous job. It was a promotion from my previous position, so there were some additional responsibilities that came with the new title. However, I knew that if I wanted to succeed in my new role, I would have to put in the work. So, I started by learning everything I could about my team members and their strengths. Then, I set goals for myself and my team and developed a plan to achieve them.”

19. How would you approach an employee who has not been meeting their goals?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to hold productive conversations. In your answer, try to highlight your communication and interpersonal skills by describing how you would approach this employee in a positive way.

Example: “I would first ask them what they are struggling with and if there is anything I can do to help. If it’s something that I can assist with, I will offer my assistance or resources to help them meet their goals. If it’s something they need to figure out on their own, I will encourage them to take as much time as they need to get back on track. This helps me avoid micromanaging employees while also ensuring they’re not neglecting their responsibilities.”

20. In what ways do you think our company can improve?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of engagement with Korn Ferry and how you might contribute to its success. When answering this question, it’s important to be positive about the company and focus on ways that you could improve processes or implement new ideas.

Example: “I think Korn Ferry is a great company with many talented employees. I would love to see more collaboration between departments. For example, I noticed that there are some opportunities for cross-selling products within the sales department. If I were hired as an organizational consultant, I would work with the sales team to develop strategies for increasing revenue through existing clients.”