I am a qualified (BS, MBA, Proven track record of accomplishment) professional with a documented salary in excess of $130,000. I was looking for a shift in my career from contact administration to marketing.
So I have been talking to ex-military and other friends and contacts when my girlfriend sees an ad for Haldane and hands it to me. It seemed like I minimal effort opportunity so I call them. The rep on the phone asks for a summary of my work experience then cuts-in and tells me "... You know what I am going to do? I am going to set an appointment with our """"VICE PRESIDENT""""... TOMMOROW at 10:00 AM.
I walk into the office in Boston and as I am waiting I look around and take notice of the very elaborate interior decorations as well as the receptionist continual offers of MR. X... Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea?..
Joke # 1: Looking at the plethora of business cards I notice half the staff is a Vice President...
Joke # 2: I walk into the office of MY Vice president and it reminded me of a boiler room with high-end decor... Not one personal effect on the desk, wall or otherwisenot even a computer. As I waited for her to return from a trip to the front desk I looked at her bookcase and noticed a contradictory spectrum of outdated books... 5 on Pascal programming, 2 on the Naval Proceedings, Windows Version 3.1 manuals... It was definately provided by the interior decorator. When I asked her about them she commented that some where hers and some belonged to other co-workers. At the time it did not click that it was a lie...
JOKE#3: She wanted me to bring in my girlfriend of 8 months to discuss my career?!!! In the reception area I noticed quite a few couples and almost thought I had accidentally stepped into a marriage counselor's office. I strongly believe its a tactic to get the support of a partner who is not as vested in the outcome to gain reinforcement for the expense as well as prevent a request for a refund.
Joke #4: From my conversation with Vice-President # 21, and prior to the pitch for my wallet, it appeared that Haldane does not take in all the people they interview. I am no Bill Gates, but I saw some people walking in there who looked like they had just been shot in the head... One wearing a tie literally one foot above his belt. JC Penny outfitted all the way... I guess "the committee" that decides careers to be worthy of representation felt that he had other qualities worth the prestige of a Haldane affiliation...
Joke #5 From my conversation with my personal Vice-President it is my opinion the Haldane associates are encouraged if not required join various local business groups... Especially the BBB (Better Business Bureau. Mainly for the purpose of appearing legitimate as well as intercepting negative reports.
Joke #6: Ever buy a new or used car? You have the primary inexperienced salesperson and then the CLOSER. With Haldane you meet the closer first. When I reviewed the sales agreement I asked if I would be consulting exclusively with my personal Vice President in subsequent sessions. I pushed the issue and she commented that she could not be my exclusive advisor as mush of the role-playing and mock interviews would have to be conducted by third-parties ($10.00/hr) office staff who did not know me. She stated that these professional third parties could be truly objective... The theory is MY Vice President is now tainted because she knows me... The analogy would be going to a different marriage counselor every session as the previous one cannot be objective as they have already learned your (wife and you) personalities. Bottom line: She is the closer, once she closes on a client with the smooth talk and expectationsit is time to meet the real geniuses of the operation. You know the onesthey tell you to read this book, read that book, be on time to your future interviews.
ADVISE: Assuming your credentials are intact, know the company and the division your applying to, tailor your resume to match the need, nail the interview and compensation negotiations and get the job. As far as for Haldane my opinion is run... Run fast, run far, hold onto your wallet the whole time, and don't look back... GOOD LUCK!
As for me, I received a stroking about how special I was and did not pay them a dime despite the pressure tactics trying to get to my credit card and check book. I feel pretty goodthanks Haldane!
POST 2:
BTW I just remembered driving back from the gym tonight... MY "VICE PRESIDENT" admitted to me that she was a manager for Colorado Prime (I worked for them one summer when I was a teenager). COLORADO PRIME is an "exclusive" food service company that sell ground beef for over $18.00 a pound... Back in the early 80's... It's all in the numbers... You use shifty logic with "food portioning" and usage control to show a familly on a median income how to eat like the rich and famous... Sounds a little familiar... Same sales pitch AKA "... Your family deserves the best and we can provide it..."
THE BEST THING IS THEY ALWAYS TOLD SALES PEOPLE TO "SET UP APPOINTMENTS WITH THE HUSBAND AND WIFE... That way you can nail'em both at the same time..."
if you ever go to haldane ask the person behind the desk about thier credentials... They are sales people... I DOUBT THEY HAVE ANY CORPORATE EXPERIENCE LET ALONE FORMAL EDUCATION.
They lean back in thier chairs and wink talking about thier inside connections and unpublished market... WHERE IS IT ON THE CONTRACT...??? That IS after all the greatest incentive, otherwise this is academic - Determine what the going rate for counselling is and compare to HALDANE... Yeah right... Actually, Haldane calls it a CAMPAIGN... They should at least provide a nice Browning O/U so while your still unemployed you can kill time duck hunting.
It's a sham and good hardworking people trying to better themselves are in my opinion being misled daily.
It is my opinion, that thier staff have little if any serious (accreditted degreed) credentials.
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