Exhibit 99.1

For Immediate Release

Contacts: For investors:

Gary Burnison (310) 226-2613

For media:

Anneli Ballard (212) 984-9350

Korn/Ferry International Announces a 38% increase in

First Quarter Earnings

Highlights:

Los Angeles, CA, September 7, 2005 - Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), the leading provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions, announced first quarter fiscal 2006 diluted earnings per share of $0.27 compared to $0.20 in Q1’05.

“Global demand for senior executives remained steady in the quarter, reflecting ongoing confidence among corporations in the face of economic challenges including continued high fuel prices,” said Paul C. Reilly, Chairman and CEO of Korn/Ferry. “We’re also seeing increased demand for our recruitment process outsourcing services at Futurestep, as our clients search for more cost-efficient ways to quickly fill multiple job openings for large-scale projects.”

Financial Results

Actual Results

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

Fee revenue of $122.2 million increased $19.4 million, or 19%, from Q1’05 of $102.8 million. Fee revenue improved in all regions due to increases in the number of new engagements opened and engagements billed. Exchange rates impacted fee revenue favorably by $1.6 million compared to prior year.

Compensation and benefits of $78.0 million increased $13.1 million, or 20%, compared to $64.9 million in Q1’05. The increase reflects the hiring of new consultants in addition to increased profitability and retention awards. Exchange rates impacted compensation and benefit expense unfavorably by $1.0 million compared to last year.

General and administrative expense of $22.7 million increased $1.9 million, or 9%, from $20.8 million in Q1’05 as a result of increased business development costs and other professional fees. Exchange rates impacted general and administrative expenses unfavorably by $0.3 million compared to prior year.

Operating income was $18.7 million, an improvement of $4.1 million, or 28%, compared to Q1’05. Operating margin for the quarter increased to 15.3% from 14.2% in the prior year quarter.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was $162.1 million at July 31, 2005 compared to $206.9 million at April 30, 2005. The majority of the Company’s annual bonus compensation is paid in the first quarter of each fiscal year.

Interest expense, primarily related to borrowings under Korn/Ferry’s convertible securities and Company Owned Life Insurance (COLI) policies, was $2.5 million consistent with prior year. At July 31, 2005, Korn/Ferry had no outstanding borrowings under its credit facility.

Results by Segment

Selected Executive Recruitment Data - Actual

(dollars in millions)

Fee revenue was $105.4 million, an increase of $14.3 million, or 16%, from $91.1 million in Q1’05. Fee revenue improved in all regions due to an increase in the number of engagements billed and average fees. Exchange rates impacted fee revenue favorably by $1.3 million in Q1’06 compared to Q1’05.

Executive recruitment operating income improved $3.7 million, or 19%, to $22.8 million compared to $19.1 million in Q1’05. Operating margin for the quarter improved to 21.6% compared to 21.0% in the prior year.

The total number of consultants at July 31, 2005 was 421, an increase of 29 consultants from July 31, 2004.

Selected Futurestep Data - Actual

(dollars in millions)

First quarter fee revenue was $16.8 million, an increase of $5.1 million, or 44%, from Q1’05. Fee revenue improved in all regions driven by an increase in the number of new engagements opened and advancement in Futurestep’s recruitment process outsourcing.

Futurestep operating income was $1.9 million in the current and prior year quarter. Operating margin declined to 11.5% from 16.3% in Q1’05, as we continue to make significant investments in our people.

Outlook

Assuming constant foreign exchange rates, Korn/Ferry estimates that second quarter fiscal 2006 fee revenue is likely to be in the range of $118 million to $124 million and diluted earnings per share is likely to be in the range of $0.22 to $0.27.

Earnings Conference Call Webcast

The earnings conference call will be held today at 9:00 AM (EDT) and hosted by Paul Reilly, Chairman and CEO, and Gary Burnison, Chief Operating Officer. The conference call will be webcast and available online at www.kornferry.com, accessible through the Investor Relations section.

Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), with 70 offices in 36 countries, is the leading 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.

Statements in this press release and our conference call that relate to future results and events (“forward-looking statements”) are based on Korn/Ferry’s current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Actual results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected or desired because of a number of risks and uncertainties which are beyond the control of Korn/Ferry. The potential risks and uncertainties relate to competition, the dependence on attracting and retaining qualified and experienced consultants, the portability of client relationships, local political or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, risks related to the growth and results of Futurestep, restrictions imposed by off-limits agreements, reliance on information systems and employment liability risk. For a detailed description of risks and uncertainties that could cause differences, please refer to Korn/Ferry’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Korn/Ferry disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

[Tables attached]

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL SUMMARY BY SEGMENT

(in thousands)

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)