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January 2005
Jim Trusdell is Director of Finance and Administration for Temple University’s School of Dentistry. His responsibilities include heading up the Office of Administration and Fiscal Operations for the school. After working with a national outplacement agency and not being completely satisfied with the results of his job searches, Jim approached Kelleher to help him figure out exactly what he was looking for in his career.
How did you end up working with Kelleher Associates, Inc?
My position at a large insurance company was eliminated after 9/11. After going back to work for that same company again a short time later, I was subsequently laid off. I then went to work for another insurance company. That position was not a good fit and I felt I had not really done the proper research and soul-searching in finding the right job for me. I had worked with a national outplacement firm contracted by my former employer, but it was not what I needed.
It was actually my coach at the earlier outplacement firm who recommended Kelleher. When I left my last position, I agreed to stay through a crucial period in exchange for them allowing Kelleher to be part of my compensation package, instead of the national agency in their contract.
What made Kelleher helpful to you in your job search?
When I first went through outplacement with the national firm, I felt that I was given the same generic tools, but nothing was customized for me. It was a very “cookie-cutter” program and not really what I needed. Kelleher is for executives. It’s for the type of positions where you need a customized approach. It wasn’t about how 30 people should do things—it was about how I should conduct my personal campaign. Ed Kelleher, my counselor, helped me perform personal due diligence and see where my strengths were. I understood where I was successful, where I was headed and why it made sense to switch from business to academia. If the national firm is “Outplacement 101”, Kelleher is “Outplacement 505”. The value at Kelleher was exceptional
Did Kelleher help during the interview process?
Ed was instrumental in helping my think through all the questions we determined I might be asked and in gaining the confidence I would need for the interview. They taught me how to prepare for an interview, how to research the company, and most importantly, how to make an impression to a prospective employer. My first interview was a home run, and Ed was a big part of that. I felt prepared and really right for this position.
Would you recommend Kelleher? Why?
I would absolutely recommend Kelleher and I already have. The staff is what makes it so unique there—they really care about you from the minute you walk in the door. There is a commitment there, from the administrative support staff to the other consultants. And that makes it easier to give the commitment back. For me, that’s what made it worthwhile.
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