Complaint Review: Bernard Haldane

I contacted Haldane thinking they were headhunters. The individual I met with gave me a very smooth presentation - too smooth. I was suspicious and, on my follow-up appointment, felt very pressured to sign a contract with them. I only did so after receiving a written guarantee that all the deposit I paid would be reimbursed in full if, within 3 weeks, I was not fully satisfied with Haldane's services. I had 3-4 meetings with a career advisor who was very pleasant but the meetings consisted of just being given the next assignment - frankly, it could have been done by fax or e-mail.

Even when I had a job I wanted to apply to and gave her my resume and cover letter to review, she did not make one comment. With research, I certainly found a lot of complaints but, equally important, I discovered other places who would offer me the services I wanted from Haldane but for a lot cheaper and by the hour so I didn't have to use the services that I didn't want (like follow-up after my employment - who cares!).

In Haldane's defence, I received my full refund in a prompt manner and without complaint. Maybe the fact that I am a lawyer freaked them out a bit.