Rich Neil is a successful operations executive who was seeking a leadership role in an organization that requires excellence in customer care, vendor management, and process control and efficiency.  As a result of networking and innovative thinking, Rich landed his ideal position as Director, Operations Support at Field Diagnostics Systems, Inc.

Can you describe your prior career background?

While I have spent the majority of my career in the telecommunications industry, I have held diverse positions in manufacturing, software engineering, quality and customer support.  Throughout the years, I have become a versatile operating executive adept at reducing cost, increasing profit and managing risk.  

What Kelleher services proved to be especially valuable during your search?

First and foremost, Mitch Wienick has been an excellent coach, always there to answer my questions or talk through a career transition scenario.  One of the firm’s most valuable services was teaching me how to provide structured responses to interview questions using the SITUATION-ACTION-RESULT (SAR) method.  By utilizing this method pre-interview, I was fully prepared for any and all questions, as opposed to having to develop “off-the-cuff” responses. 

Additionally, I learned a great deal through developing my elevator speech for networking opportunities – Kelleher coaching taught me how to make this statement concise, yet powerful enough to grab a contact’s attention.  In a similar vein, the one-page profile tool allowed me to relay not only my career successes, but also what kind of value I could bring to an organization, providing my networking contacts specific information about how they might be able to help me.

What did you learn about the importance of networking through your work with Kelleher Associates?

As a veteran operations executive, I had not been engaged in a lot of networking prior to my job search.  Through my work with Kelleher Associates, I learned that networking is essential during both the transition and post-transition process.  I was able to meet many people with diverse backgrounds and truly learned the meaning of “networking for life.”  Additionally, I learned that it is vitally important to give before you get – to be generous with your own time, follow up, share your contacts and be committed to what you say you’re going to do for others – all in a timely manner.

Your new position and title were specifically tailored to your individual career experience.  How did Kelleher Associates help you in navigating this somewhat unusual transition scenario?

It’s true that my new position and title were tailored to my individual career experience.  When I began my transition, I definitely thought this was an unusual scenario.  However, after going through the process, I realized that it is probably more common than not in today’s environment, where networking conversations often evolve into discussions of culture fit and problem-solving ability.  Through my individual experience, I learned that companies are willing to create positions when they recognize that you can help them fill a specific need. 

What did you like best about working with Kelleher Associates?

From the very beginning of our engagement, I felt very confident in the firm, and in the people with whom I worked – from the administrative staff to the executive coaches.  Everyone at Kelleher Associates was extremely helpful in making introductions, sharing their contacts and educating me on the ins and outs of the career transition process. 

Additionally, the Kelleher team provided me with the resources I needed to gather information, identify target companies, etc., which was integral to my job search success.

What were some of the key learnings during your search process, and what would you recommend to others seeking their next position or considering a major change in their career path?

One of my biggest key learnings was to be fully prepared before, during and after the search process.  As a process-oriented professional, I identified with my counselors’ advice to ensure I had my resume, target company list, elevator speech, one-page profile and practice questions in tip-top shape before embarking on any and all interviews/networking opportunities.

I also learned the importance of maintaining a positive attitude – even in the midst of uncertainty.  My Kelleher counselors taught me that attitude is everything – a positive one will get you far, and a negative one will became a major stumbling block.

Would you recommend Kelleher Associates to others and why?

I would absolutely recommend Kelleher Associates to others.  I have provided (and continue to provide) glowing recommendations of the firm using my personal experience as an example.  The entire staff is helpful, and Mitch operates his firm ethically, professionally and with the utmost level of integrity.  I would recommend Kelleher Associates without hesitation.