Robert H. Johnson Career Florida Almost Dropped $275 on This Guy Jacksonville Florida

Having been recommended him by a coworker who had recently changed employment, I gave Mr Johnson a call. I missed him and he missed me on the return call but, left me a voicemail listing off all of his qualifications; creative writing and psychology degrees plus the wide range of professionals he has helped so far. Impressed, I eagerly called him back as soon as I could.

During the conversation, I let Mr. Johnson know that I was having a hard time entering into my preferred field (Software Development/Computer Science) and as I was explaining my situation, he immediately interjected, asking whether or not I had an A+ certification. I responded by letting him know that the field of work I'm looking to enter into doesn't involve working on hardware and an A+ cert would not be helpful in this respect. Our conversation went on like this a couple of times where he'd entirely had no idea what I was talking about, gave me strong but irrelevant strategic recommendations and my having to force into the conversation a clarification of what it is I intended. During the conversation, I began to question this man but, having had a word of mouth recommendation and him having his listed qualifications, I set up an appointment with him anyway. I'd like to go ahead and mention that he quoted me $275 for my resume with a guarantee that he could get me in the door within 45 days using his "aggressive job hunting strategy". He also mentioned "key words" and resume filtering software. This will be relevant later.

Upon entering Mr. Johnson's office, we begin our discussion. I had been pretty busy that day and didn't have time to change my clothes before going to see him, so I looked a bit disheveled. As I went to appologize for my appearance, he cut me off and let me know that HE was working for ME and the interview is all I have to worry about. I brought a book listing off all of my relevant courses from college, my work history, and my goals and achievements and a few resumes I've had professionally written in the past. It was a thick little stack of well organized information because I really, really want the work. Mr. Johnson grabbed only the professionally written resume, not bothering to get any more information from me about what I intended and began critiquing this resume.

As our conversation went on, I found myself explaining my intended job to him a few times. He tried to sell me on seeking a project management related job, which I'm not qualified for, at all and do not intend on getting. I explained to him this much. He then, let me know that I needed to be up front with people; letting them know that I want an entry level position as if I had not been doing this all along. He then GOOGLED keywords for my type of work, right there in front of me. He didn't even know what to Google. He input IT in the google search terms so he could get an idea of what it is I do!

Mr. Johnson, asked me, very seriously, if I knew what kind of companies would be looking to hire someone like me. He asked me this a couple of times, as if he was at a loss for who even to solicit my kind of work to. I told him I didn't know which was why I was coming to him. At least, three times, I had to explain to him what it is my kind of work would require, the level I'm at, and the kinds of companies most likely to hire me. When he realized it was showing that he had no clue what I do, he began to tell me about his "agressive job hunting strategy" and using the right "key words" and resume filtering software in almost the exact same words he used on the phone.

At one point, early on in the discussion, I was looking down and thinking on what he was saying, not making eye contact. This visibly upset him and, with red face and highly restrained tone, he sternly told me "Never do that during an interview. The quickest way to lose a chance is not to pay attention during an interview". This lecture lasted upwards of five minutes. I attempted to explain to him that I was merely thinking about what he was saying. He told me it was alright to do with him but, not to do during an interview. Two times later, whenever I got pensive, he would stop talking, very upset that I was not locking eyes with him the whole time and clued me in on making certain that I maintained steady eye contact.

After listening to his pitch about keywords and resume filters for a fourth or fifth time, I recognized that this was far too expensive a gamble and this guy would cost me much more than I'd ever have to gain. I stopped him and politely thanked him for his time. As I was closing the discussion, he interjected asking if I had seen his credentials and letting me know that, as a psychology major, he could tell that I was losing interest. He sternly told me that I'm getting in my own way and began his pitch again, to include resume filters, keywords, aggressive job hunting and who he was but, in a very stern voice. I listened and explained to him that I need someone who understands my field of work and that I didn't think he was qualified to put my resume together. I thanked him again and went to shake his hand. He angrily told me good luck and with my attitude I was going to need as much as I could get.

I'd like to note that Mr. Johnson does not accept credit or debit cards. That you have to pay him in cash, money order, or personal check which, one can't really get back in the case of poor work or having been scammed. I walked into that office with $275, cash. I'm so very happy that I walked right back out with the same amount of money. I'd also like to note that Mr. Johnson never got to know anything about me, he never even looked at my information that I'd brought to him.

I'm not sure what he does and I'm not sure exactly how helpful he was to my coworker. What I can say is he just doesn't strike as a healthy risk. If you are going to pay $300 for a piece of paper, make certain the person is all the things you need. I would not recommend him, at all. Your experience of him won't be the least bit pleasant.