During my recent job search utilizing the major web resume submittal sites, I clicked on a Pop-Up Ad for BERNARD HALDANE ASSOCIATES.
I don't remember the ad specifically, but it lead me to believe they were a recruiting firm.
The wording said something to the effect that some wording in my resume "Matched" specific requirements for current positions with their "clients".
I registered, entered all my personal information, and submitted it.
I received a confirmation of submission, and I went on my merry way continuing my search.
The very next morning, I received a phone call from Thomas Beadreau (not sure of exact spelling).
He said (best I can recall) "I see you emailed us your resume yesterday, and I think we have a match".
"I see you entered your salary requirements as $xx, 000 per year."
I said, yes, somewhere around that amount.
"So, $xx, 000 a year would be in the ballpark"
I said, Yes.
He said, "Ok, I would like to set up a time for you to meet with Sue Reynolds in her Nashville office today. That is in Brentwood. You are in Brentwood correct?"
I said yes.
He said, "Can you meet with her today?"
I said, Yes. Anytime.
He said "Great, here is the address. 9005 Overlook Blvd in the Office Suites Plus building right across from the Hilton. Do you know where that is?"
I said, Yes.
He said, "Meet with Sue at 11AM. Go to the receptionist and ask for Sue. It is professional dress, and please take a clean copy of your resume."
I agreed and told him THANKS!
I assumed I was headed for a job interview. He had asked me my salary requirements, told me the name and address of the person to meet with, told me what to wear, and reminded me to take a copy of my resume.
All factors needed for a job interview.
What I found when I got there, I had to fill out a questionaire stating my personal information, why I was looking for a job, my credit standing, and where I felt I was at in my job search. At that point, Sue came out to greet me and once I was in her office (after the usual introductions and trival chatter making me feel welcome) I started feeling I was mislead.
Turned out Sue Reynolds is Vice President of Bernard Haldane Associates - Brentwood, TN. Office.
To make a long story short, she stated the Bernard Haldane Associates is a 50 year old company. "You don't stay in business for 50 years unless you know what you are doing"."We are the most respected firm in the industry".
(Funny, I had never heard of them)
Much talk about the competition and how the competition doesn't care about their clients. She kept going back to my financial situation. I told her since we just moved there 5 months ago, and I hadn't found work since we moved, and we are still paying for our house back in Texas, things were really getting tight.
She said "Well, we need to get your wife in here so we can talk about your career."
We set up an appointment for the next week.
I talked with my wife and agreed that we were not in a position to pay for search firm to find me work. I have the resources and determination to do it myself.
I decided to do a web search to see if others felt about them as I did. WOW, was I suprised to find all the complaints!
I found this web site "usacomplaints.com" during a google search and found out exactly who they are and how my feelings that I was getting suckered in were absolutely true.
I called Sue and left a message that I was cancelling my meeting because I don't feel I need to pay for a search firm to find me a job.
Sue called me back immediately, and did the hard sell, but she could tell I was on to them. She politely did her sales speech and we ended the call nicely, but abruptly.
THANKS usacomplaints.com!
BEWARE OF BERNARD HALDANE ASSOCIATES unless you have exhausted all other means of job search.
Neil
Brentwood, Tennessee
U.S.A.
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