Complaint Review: McKenzie Scott - Englewood Colorado

I engaged Mckenzie Scott in the 4th quarter 2000. I was a President of a company in Houston, Texas and this was my first occasion of being let go from a company. The connection to McKenzie Scott was through their Executive Openings website where I filled out an extensive online form and pasted my resume. I was given the understanding that this was to register me in the site to have access to job opportunities. However, this site was a convenient way for the local associates/partners of McKenzie Scott to have background information on you. Soon thereafter I was contacted by a 'partner' in their Houston offices where I was asked to meet them to better discuss the services they could offer to find new employment. I agreed to the meeting, subsequently agreeing to meet with the representative another two times, the last time with my wife. Both my wife and I were given the very strong impression that McKenzie Scott would actively assist me in my job search, linking me up to employers and recruiters from their breadth of contacts. The host of services they would employ included a 'professional' re-write of my resume in various versions, sample cover letters and responses, techniques on using search tools and contract guidance. I would be assigned a person within McKenzie Scott who I could use as a resource and would provide guidance to me through this process. This package of services was only $29,000!! Unfortunately, I was extremely eager to get re-employed, had contacted other firms for assistance and came away wih the feeling that McKenzie was the most professional. However, it was just a smoother presentation and con job than the other firms! My fee was based on my income level and the services they would provide. However, it did not include the plane fare and hotel stay for 2 days near their Englewood Offices to receive this training. All in all, I did not receive half of the services promised to me. I always had great difficulty in getting follow-up contact with my 'advisor', Mr. Fred Boyer. Lastly, the links to firms and select recruiters turned out to only be their web site which allows you access to the free job boards on the internet. In looking back on this service, I strongly felt that I was duped into expecting to receive a host of services only to end up with much less than promised. In fairness, I am also very frustrated with myself that I did not realize the warning signals during the process---the strong sales pitch, signing a service contract before receiving any services, obligating you to a financial commitment of at least 35% before meeting with anyone at the Colorado offices. I will give McKenzie credit---their pitch is well re-hearsed, comes across as sincere and preys to a person's weaknesses at a time when they typically are looking for guidance and assistance. This company, while smooth in the delivery is a complete sham of a service for people trying to find the next assignment. While not promising you a job, they over-promise and hype the services and expertise you will receive. It was a poor investment on my part with no return to show for the effort expended. I strongly advise anyone considering McKenzie Scott to stay away from this company. There are much more professional and significantly less costly services out there to choose from for employment assistance. Do not be taken in with their spiel and routine!! Do your homework, investigate their services and compare against other companies and I am confident you will find other, more reliable and reputable companies to choose from in the future. Greg Chattanooga, Tennessee