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July 2005
Vi Bird had been vice president of manufacturing for mid-size and Fortune 500 metal-working companies before downsizing interrupted her career. Vi found guidance and support at Kelleher and got her career back on track.
How did you find Kelleher Associates?
It was mostly word of mouth. I called up a recruiter who referred me to Kelleher Associates. Then I spoke with an employment counselor who also mentioned Kelleher, so I gave them a call.
A few years earlier, I had worked with a placement service that was very impersonal. It was a scam and they were more concerned with collecting a fee than helping someone find a job, so I was reluctant to go down that path again. But when I visited Kelleher and met some of their clients, I was impressed that they were all extremely positive about being there.
So, did you get more personal service at Kelleher than you did with the placement service?
Absolutely. You can’t beat the one-on-one attention you get at Kelleher. They make themselves available for you when you need them, and they make you feel important. Kelleher is very good at assessing your strengths and identifying what your weaknesses are.
What was the value in assessing your strengths and weaknesses?
Well, I’ll give you one example. I’m really awful at writing resumes and they helped me create a resume I am proud of because it is really me. I have friends who have paid people who know nothing about them as much as $1,000 to write their resume and it doesn’t work. At Kelleher, you don’t get to the resume until you’ve honestly evaluated what you are good at and what you really want to do with your career. Now, I get compliments on my resume, something that’s never happened before.
Besides building a better resume, how else did Kelleher help you in your transition?
Kelleher helped me change my behavior in a positive way. I’ve never been a good networker. When you’re in transition, it’s easy to stay inside your house and avoid making the connections you need to make. With just the right amount of pushing—and without overdoing it—Kelleher got me to go out and meet people. Now, I can’t believe it, I actually enjoy networking.
Was this a long process?
Since I’m not willing to relocate and I’m not in an entry-level candidate, it can take a good while to find a position. The last time I was job hunting, I was out for a year. With Kelleher’s help, it took only 5-½ months. I’m pleased with that.
Once you had your first offer, was your time with Kelleher over, or did they help you evaluate the opportunity?
Oh, that part was especially good! When you are out for a while, your natural tendency is to jump on the first opportunity that comes along. I was very excited about one offer I received but the folks at Kelleher encouraged me to ask some insightful questions and take a closer look. As I talked with more people I started to get a bad feeling about the place. As it turned out, the company would have been an awful fit for me. Kelleher really kept me from making a bad decision. And when the right one came along, they helped me feel secure with it.
Would you recommend Kelleher Associates to other senior executives?
I already have! A short while after I left my former job, my CEO was downsized. He came to Kelleher and has been happy with his decision. I would recommend Kelleher to anyone.
What is your final thought on Kelleher Associates?
If there is one thing I can say about Kelleher, it is that you are not ground out in a mill. You get very personal coaching and attention – excellent coaching that really works.
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