Bernard Haldane confirmed rip-off *REBUTTAL more drivel *UPDATE New York Times does article from Rip-off Report information on Haldane
The following is strickly my opinion.
I wish to thank those of you who have posted here opinions regarding Bernard Haldane Associates.
I too was contacted after my Resume posted on one of the job websites, "attracted their interest".
I attended the first meeting with a VP, in one of their banches in Texas.
After attending the consultation and being "set up" to bring my wife with me to the next scheduled in a couple of days, I came away with the feeling that I was being about to have my wallet "lighten up" surgically.
The thing that keyed me, is that this company is not all that it appears to be. Their presentation is smooth, they dress the sucess look and they tell you everything you want to hear.
That's when I realized that the person I met with was just like a former boss. He was all about presentation and but his depth was about 1/4" deep. Red Flags went up...
One of the main keys to their presentation is to get you to bring your spouse to a second consultation with you, so they get them "on board" with your program. This may serve to limit their liability. This "smelled" to me to be similar to the condo timeshare sales pitches that I'm always getting, stating that I won a new car, and all I have to do is come watch a presentation about the development and claim my prize-that never seems to materialize for some reason-and be sure that you bring the spouse, otherwise you can't claim the prize, that your not going to get anyway.
So words to the wise, dance around these people carefully, if you feel they have what you need and you are willing to cash in your gold to have them help you, knock youself out and good luck, but you can bet that I'm not wasting anymore time on them.
10 Updates & Rebuttals
they get mixed reviews in Colorado and California and it sounds, from your site, like they are not doing to well in Texas or New York.). However, ...
#110
Sat, January 19, 2002
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: huffman001@mediaone.net
Their name: Lee Huffman
Their relationship to the company: Supporter
Rebuttal:
I was hesitant about working with Bernard Haldane here in Atlanta because they have a mixed in other locations (I know they get mixed reviews in Colorado and California and it sounds, from your site, like they are not doing to well in Texas or New York.). However, after talking with a number of people, I decided to go with the BH&A team here in Atlanta.
I have been told by people at the BBB that BH&A is a franchised
organization and the different franchisees may have different levels of effectiveness, and even integrity.
While I cannot speak for Texas, New York, Colorado, or California, I can speak for the Atlanta organization because I did decide to go with them. Yes, the front line / sales people do "dress for success" - so do the back line career consultants. Yes, you can get some of the same information
reading through books like "What color is your parachute?" and "Rites of Passage" (Another excellent book if you want to pick one up.). But, speaking about the Atlanta team, you will get much further working with BH&A.
Their approach to creating your resume is completely the opposite from most resume books that I have read. They start with your accomplishments and what you have been successful doing in the past, work with you to recast that into solid benefits for the companies you might pursue, and then work back to your career objective statement (as opposed to starting
with your objective and then casting your results to meet that objective). It was a very educational process.
They include training on how to locate potential jobs that are not posted. Sure, you can read about this in lots of books, but their hands-on help is very beneficial and very much in tune with the times we are in right now, not six months ago (or two years ago) when the book was sent to the printers.
They coach you on networking and interviewing techniques and you practice on video tape with their CEO until you get it right.
I have just started the networking process and their input has been invaluable. The networking discussions I have had over the past few weeks have been very productive, thanks to my councilor's feedback and training, and I have more leads than I can follow-up on.
No, I have not landed the ideal executive position with the ideal company. But, I am confident that I will, and with their support, that I will land a much better job, months sooner, than I would have gotten just reading the books - been there, done that.
I cannot speak for the real-time negotiations consulting or the three years of future follow-up that comes with the package because I have not gotten that far in the process. But, I feel confident that I will continue to get the support I need and a substantial return on my investment with the Atlanta arm of BH&A.
Three final thoughts: 1) Unless you have put your money down and gone through the program, you can't really speak for how good or bad the program is. 2) Be careful because the quality of service of these types of companies may vary widely around the country and even with in a local franchise depending on the councilor you draw. 3) Like most things in life, you will get out of the best of these companies what you put into
them. If you don't do the homework, you won't get good results. If you can't bring yourself to pick up the phone and ask for the networking meeting (and get rejected a lot), you won't get anything out of any of these programs.
*UPDATE, ..New York Times does article on info from Rip-off Report.com Victims
#110
Sun, January 06, 2002
They filed the following UPDATE to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their name: Anne Zavorskas
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
UPDATE:
The 1/4/02 New York Times featured an expose on Bernard Haldane
Associates[http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/04/business/04JOBS.html].
I too was "sucked in" by Bernard Haldane. The VP who inerviewed me in Tarrytown, NY preyed on me because I am a woman. He somehow got the impression that I was "divorced" when in fact I am happily married. The whole experience was absolutely ridiculous and a total waste of my time. And, though I was feeling desparate for a job, I listened to my instincts
and realized Haldane is unethical in every sense of the word. I am thankful I did not follow-through with it.
What the Bernard Haldane experience DID show me was that I needed to buy the lastest addition of the, "What Color is Your Parachute" book. It accomplishes the same thing, and only costs about $16.95.... a far cry from $4,000+ dollars !
Good luck!
EDitor's Note: The New York Times reporter apologized for the New York Times Editors leaving out our name. This happens often.
Their best moral course of action
#110
Sat, January 05, 2002
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: fhorne1@aol.com
Their name: Frank Horne
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
I hired them to assist in my job search.
Their best moral course of action would be
to file chapter VII and return everyone's money.
Frank
I would rank you a poor hiring candidate.
#110
Sun, December 30, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: willhill@aol.com
Their name: dave
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
To the lawyer and other 'supporters'. The point is that the 'service' that Haldane supplies can be had by anyone with a double digit IQ that can read for $20. Go to Barnes and Noble. Haldane provide nothing unique prey on those who are clueless about looking for a job. Actually as someone who has interviewed
and hired dozens of people if you need Haldane and blowing 4-5-10K$$ to get basicjob searching skills I would rank you a poor hiring candidate.
Give me a break. You two probably work for Haldane right now.
#110
Fri, December 28, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: JBH422@aol.com
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
The only drivel here is spewed by these Bernard Haldane apologists. No reputable firm charges you outlandish fees upfront before one single service is even performed! Yes, I was never a Haldane client. That is because I was smart enough to see through the scam before I signed on. And that was before I even found this sight! What the hell does what kind of
car I drive or how much liquid assets I have or how much do I have in my retirement plans have to do with their services? Nothing! Except to see how much they can get from me?! Give me a break. You two probably work for Haldane right now.
More Drivel: I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing.
#110
Thu, December 27, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: BarbaraB44@yahoo.com
Their name: Barbara
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
In the course of my work it is necessary for me to do research on certain types of internet sites and that is what brought me to this one.
I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing. I am employed in the legal department of a very prestigious law firm. I am earning more money than I ever though possible, I love my job and I can tell you that without the assistance of my Bernard Haldane Advisor I would not have this job today.
I went through exactly the same process as described by consumers on this website - I din/t find anything immoral, illegal or unethical by the selling practices. I knew there would be fees before I went there. I also knew that if my next job was really important to me I would hire a professional to help me get where I wanted to be. Bernard Haldane did
exactly that.
Sure I expected the fees to be a little less than they turned out to be - but hey - I got what I wanted - put a value on that.
Observe please that most of the people posting comments here have never actually been a Haldane client - and as for that former Advisor apologizing - I think that stinks a little like sour grapes!
BUT, respecting First Amendment Rights - everyone should have the right to express their feeling here. I just say this - I needed help - I expected to pay - It worked out very well for me - this internet site probably represents only a small percentage of people - take it for what its worth.
More Drivel: I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing.
#110
Thu, December 27, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: BarbaraB44@yahoo.com
Their name: Barbara
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
In the course of my work it is necessary for me to do research on certain types of internet sites and that is what brought me to this one.
I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing. I am employed in the legal department of a very prestigious law firm. I am earning more money than I ever though possible, I love my job and I can tell you that without the assistance of my Bernard Haldane Advisor I would not have this job today.
I went through exactly the same process as described by consumers on this website - I din/t find anything immoral, illegal or unethical by the selling practices. I knew there would be fees before I went there. I also knew that if my next job was really important to me I would hire a professional to help me get where I wanted to be. Bernard Haldane did
exactly that.
Sure I expected the fees to be a little less than they turned out to be - but hey - I got what I wanted - put a value on that.
Observe please that most of the people posting comments here have never actually been a Haldane client - and as for that former Advisor apologizing - I think that stinks a little like sour grapes!
BUT, respecting First Amendment Rights - everyone should have the right to express their feeling here. I just say this - I needed help - I expected to pay - It worked out very well for me - this internet site probably represents only a small percentage of people - take it for what its worth.
More Drivel: I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing.
#110
Thu, December 27, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: BarbaraB44@yahoo.com
Their name: Barbara
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
In the course of my work it is necessary for me to do research on certain types of internet sites and that is what brought me to this one.
I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing. I am employed in the legal department of a very prestigious law firm. I am earning more money than I ever though possible, I love my job and I can tell you that without the assistance of my Bernard Haldane Advisor I would not have this job today.
I went through exactly the same process as described by consumers on this website - I din/t find anything immoral, illegal or unethical by the selling practices. I knew there would be fees before I went there. I also knew that if my next job was really important to me I would hire a professional to help me get where I wanted to be. Bernard Haldane did
exactly that.
Sure I expected the fees to be a little less than they turned out to be - but hey - I got what I wanted - put a value on that.
Observe please that most of the people posting comments here have never actually been a Haldane client - and as for that former Advisor apologizing - I think that stinks a little like sour grapes!
BUT, respecting First Amendment Rights - everyone should have the right to express their feeling here. I just say this - I needed help - I expected to pay - It worked out very well for me - this internet site probably represents only a small percentage of people - take it for what its worth.
More Drivel: I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing.
#110
Thu, December 27, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: BarbaraB44@yahoo.com
Their name: Barbara
Their relationship to the company: Consumer Suggestion
Rebuttal:
In the course of my work it is necessary for me to do research on certain types of internet sites and that is what brought me to this one.
I just cannot sit by any longer and say nothing. I am employed in the legal department of a very prestigious law firm. I am earning more money than I ever though possible, I love my job and I can tell you that without the assistance of my Bernard Haldane Advisor I would not have this job today.
I went through exactly the same process as described by consumers on this website - I din/t find anything immoral, illegal or unethical by the selling practices. I knew there would be fees before I went there. I also knew that if my next job was really important to me I would hire a professional to help me get where I wanted to be. Bernard Haldane did
exactly that.
Sure I expected the fees to be a little less than they turned out to be - but hey - I got what I wanted - put a value on that.
Observe please that most of the people posting comments here have never actually been a Haldane client - and as for that former Advisor apologizing - I think that stinks a little like sour grapes!
BUT, respecting First Amendment Rights - everyone should have the right to express their feeling here. I just say this - I needed help - I expected to pay - It worked out very well for me - this internet site probably represents only a small percentage of people - take it for what its worth.
Drivel in disguise: I believe that some of the people posting comments on this location are sincere and have legitimate complaints.
#110
Thu, December 27, 2001
They filed the following rebuttal to the above Rip-Off Report:
Their email: shightowerz@home.com
Their name: sadie
Their relationship to the company: Supporter
Rebuttal:
I believe that some of the people posting comments on this location are sincere and have legitimate complaints. I also note that most comments are from people who have never actually become Bernard Haldane Clients.
I am a Bernard Haldane Supporter, and a long term employee - I believe that this old old company has done, and continues to do, very good work. I can only speak for myself and my co-workers - but we work hard to assist our clients and I can tell you that not everything you read here is true.
I also believe that our services are not for everyone - but that does not make them a ripoff, a scam, immoral, unethical, or illegal in any way.
I would simply say this - if you need professional assistance in your career search, whether you are employed or unemployed - it is appropriate to retain professionals to help you.
Make your own decision about what is right or wrong for you.
Bernard Haldane is the oldest and the largest, but it is not the only. Compare services and then choose the firm that is right for you.
Don't let someone else's experience cheat you out of assistance that could change the course of your life in a very positive way.
Use your own good judgment!