Bob Kempf had been Business Manager for the Kutztown University Foundation since 1995, responsible for all business operations and financial reporting.  He networked into a similar role at Turning Point in the Lehigh Valley. 

Name three things provided by Kelleher Associates that added value to you in your search.

First and foremost, Kelleher Associates gave me the opportunity to network at monthly, company-sponsored ExecuNet meetings.  These were a great asset because they gave me the opportunity to talk with other professionals who were also in transition. From the very first day, Kelleher Associates’ counselors emphasized that I would likely find my next job though networking – and they were right.

Second, Kelleher Associates gave me psychological support.  It’s never easy to sever a working relationship, and employers rarely handle the process well.  But my counselor, Ellen Mallin, helped me work through this difficult time, reassuring me that I was not alone in my experience.  She reminded me that I needed to put my lay-off completely behind me in order to move forward to my next career opportunity.

Finally, Kelleher Associates taught me how to move forward, preparing me for that next position.  I knew it wasn’t going to be an overnight process, but more like a work in progress. However, Ellen consistently reminded me that finding my next opportunity was – at this point – my “new job.” But she didn’t rush me; I spent the first week simply re-adapting to my new schedule.  Then, Ellen helped me update my resume for the first time in 15 years – teaching me how to best present myself to potential employers, even in the midst of a challenging economic climate.

Describe the level of service and accessibility of Kelleher Associates consultants.

Ellen was the ultimate professional. She made me feel completely at home in the Kelleher Associates office and checked in with me at least once a week.  On a scale of 1-10, the service Ellen provided would rate 9.5.

Describe the overall knowledge level of your coach.

Once again, Ellen would rate 9 out of 10.  Since she has worked in human resources for years and once owned her own business, Ellen’s interviewing techniques are top-notch.  She even taught me to be aware of body language – such as my nervous energy, leg-twitching habit – during interviews.

Ellen was the essence of professionalism, and I felt like I could say anything to her during our sessions together.

Describe and rate the resources and support available to you at Kelleher Associates.

The support the Kelleher Associates’ staff provided me was incredible. Marcella and Karen, both members of the administrative team, always made me feel at ease, lending me a laptop when I needed one, having copies of my resume on-hand, etc.  The entire firm is comprised of very receptive, genuinely nice people. They make you feel like their office is your own and offer a number of resources that go well beyond computer and Internet use.  Even after my allotted time with Ellen had expired, she continued to check in, and that meant a lot to me.

Describe your comfort level with your coach.

Again, I’d rate my comfort level with Ellen a 10+.  Not only is she the ultimate professional, she is also very perceptive.  She could always tell how I was feeling – especially when I became discouraged by the job search – and she knew exactly how to help me work through it. 

What did you learn during this search process that you will take forward in the future?

I would have to say networking.  I got involved in many networking groups because of my association with Kelleher Associates, especially in the Lehigh Valley where I live and work.  And as the counselors at Kelleher Associates predicted, I landed my new position through networking.  While working with Ellen and her team, I learned the importance of “networking for life” and constantly maintaining connections.  This is something I will definitely carry into the future.