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October 2005
Fred Feldman
“Mitch was integral to my job search. I thank him for his wisdom, practical advice, and understanding of my goals, strengths, and skills.”
Fred Feldman was formerly a Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality at a biologicals company that markets products for use in reconstructive and orthopedic surgery. He has an international reputation among scientists, clinicians, and regulators. Fred knew what he wanted in his next position and turned to Kelleher to help get to his goal. Fred is currently Vice President of Research & Development at a pharmaceutical company in New Hampshire.
You worked with another outplacement firm before deciding to conduct your search on your own. What ultimately brought you to Kelleher?
Mitch and I crossed paths several times. After hearing him deliver a great presentation at a ChemPharma meeting and facilitate an ExecuNet meeting, I reviewed the Kelleher web site and scheduled a one-on-one with him.
It was clear to me that Mitch was the coach I wanted to help me direct and manage my campaign.
What were the initial challenges in your job search?
I needed help on three fronts:
- Reworking my resume. It was content-heavy and unimpressive in its format.
- Strategizing and targeting appropriate recruiters. I had never worked with recruiters and Mitch was a tremendous help here.
- Networking. At first, it was very intimidating. I needed to gain confidence. Networking doesn’t lead you to a job right away. I needed to trust the process.
Mitch has a tremendous network and with his help, I was able to expand my own. I still hear from contacts I made during my search.
It appears that you were clear about your priorities and your needs. Was there anything else that helped early on?
Yes, the small nudges to keep me on track and the structure of preparing for the counseling sessions. I had to show progress.
If you were to sum it up, what was the most valuable service to you?
There really are several. Organization. Constant review of the process. Feedback and encouragement. Increased confidence. Assistance with networking.
What was the biggest lesson to you?
If you loose self-confidence, you cannot be successful. Keep up the networking to keep up your confidence.
Where did you want your search to take you?
I wanted to be with a small company. More importantly, a senior executive position in the right small company.
Talk a little bit more about your work with Mitch.
- By session #3, I had sent out letters to over 100 recruiters and had responses from some in hand. I was encouraged that there were jobs out there.
- Mitch’s recommendations led me to professionals in my area. He has a tremendous network. He pointed me in the right direction and to the right people, which put me on the right track. Mitch even knew people in my exact narrow area of expertise – pharma biotech.
I owe my new position to the power of networking.
There are cycles to any job search. How did Kelleher help you through the rougher patches?
I sometimes felt demoralized and thought that I would never find a job. For a while, things were at a standstill.
Mitch’s guidance was invaluable. He helped me see the practical, the longer term view, and the value of waiting for the right opportunity. His confidence boosted my confidence.
Would you recommend Kelleher to others and, if so, why?
Yes, for many reasons -- support, encouragement, advice, networking skills development, and focus.
I received personal attention from Mitch, and often from Ed and others when appropriate. They understood my goals, fostered my determination, and helped me reach them.
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