Is Bernard Haldane & Associates a scam? You be the judge. After reading all of the comments here, I would say there is some validatity to the claim (s).
Here is my story. After filling out a survey on the web, I was contacted and set up for a free review with a local consultant. Yep, he was a VP. The pitch was excellent and I was instructed to bring in my spouse for the 2nd interview, again free, but where we would discuss fees.
Mark F. Adams (Schaumburg) was very good at hitting the correct insecurity buttons that I had. He was smooth in providing examples on how to talk with interviewers and how to negotiate with them (I guess after 11 years in the business he would be). I even got the leave you alone for few minutesopen the door when you are done statement from Mark after receiving the fee, which was $8,800 (guess my financial statement looked good) with two payment plans. When Mark came back in, we were uncomfortable with making that sized payment and he mentioned placing it on a credit card making monthly payments and even the, "you can get the company that hires you to reimburse this expense if you demand it". Mark through out the option (casually) about utilizing the 10% off option, then they would invoice the hiring company for the full amount and the difference would be money coming back to me (is it ethical to start out at your new company trying to screw them over?). Throughout the process Mark tossed out statistics left and right: their clients get a job within 90 days, majority of their clients obtain salaries $10 to 20K higher than their previous position, etc.
If you really want to use Bernard Haldane (and maybe paying for the service will motivate you in searching for a job), try asking these questions.
1. Mark showed me the pricing structure that the out placement firm my previous employer sent me to charged, yet I didn't see a different rate plan for them. Based on the filings here, it appears that there are different tiers at Bernard Haldane. Why is that and what is provided differently since they all follow the same methodology.
2. How about asking if Bernard Haldane will accept payment upon gainful employment at the new position they prepared you for?
Myself, I think that I will continue to utilize the out-placement firm supplied by my previous employer and hit the library for additional reference material.
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