and Employers, According to Global Survey of Recruiters

Recruiters Say Cultural Fit Gives Job Seekers the Biggest "Edge"

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. 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 Elliot Gordon, senior client partner in the Irvine office of Korn/Ferry. "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.