After more than 12 years with the same organization, a change in management led Jim McCabe to look for a new position. Kelleher Associates, Inc. worked with him to develop a comprehensive job search strategy, resulting in a new senior level financial position with a utilities company.

Describe your career history

I worked with a publicly traded industrial company for more than 12 years, starting in finance and worked in various positions through the years. Eventually, I was running the organization’s aerospace division until a change of management and subsequent restructuring led me to seek a new position.

How did you end up working with Kelleher Associates?

Outplacement services were offered with the severance package I received. I knew that my previous HR team sent people to Kelleher and they came highly recommended. I had also sent a few people to Kelleher after they had left my employ and I knew they were satisfied and had found attractive positions. I decided to meet with Kelleher as well as with the organization suggested by my past employer.

The other organization had a junior level person meet with me whom I felt could not relate to my experience. I did not connect with her at all. When I met with Kelleher Associates, I met not only with Ed Kelleher, but with all the partners. They said they work together as a team, and they proved it. I felt very comfortable right away and knew that their experience enabled them to understand what I was feeling.

What did you like best about working with Kelleher Associates?

I felt that the whole team was very experienced, including line business experience, and understood my transition. There was a level of attention and respect and they took a holistic approach, looking at me as a person, not just as a potential client. Ed knew just what I needed—when to be a coach, when to be a motivator and when to be a friend. I really felt like I was visiting with family every time I walked through the door.

What was the most valuable part of the whole process for you?

As a senior level executive, I am used to having resources at my disposal. I really missed all of that experience and knowledge I felt that I needed someone to bounce ideas off of, and Ed became that personal resource.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your job search?

Job search was a new experience for me. Ed made it comfortable to ask him anything. He taught me that there really was no such thing as a dumb question.

I also learned that when you are looking for a new job, a week is forever. I worked with Kelleher for seven months before I found my current position, and I did get discouraged at times. I would get frustrated when I did not hear back from people right away. Ed would remind me that when I was running a company, calling prospective employees back wasn’t always my main priority either.

Did you stay within your previous industry?

I did not. I went back to my core function of finance and changed industries. Although I moved from industrial manufacturing to utilities, Kelleher helped me find the common denominator. They taught me to package and sell myself and to develop a complete marketing plan for myself. With this plan, I could see where my overall strengths were, regardless of the industry.

Would you recommend Kelleher Associates?

Absolutely—I already have. I really liked the culture there. You are treated like a person—not a number. And to me, that’s the most important thing of all.