CTP Enterprises

Has anyone used CTP Enterprises? They're a career management service in Atlanta that helps with resumes, targeting decision makers at companies, interview coaching and salary negotiations. But they seem expensive. Any feedback, positive or negative?

I also have the same question and am looking forward to reviewing the responses as they come in.

I went through two meetings with there services. The first was a hour and the second meeting lasted a hour and a half. They almost had me convinced to sign a contract but I cancelled the third visit and requested a call back to vrify the last two questions but never heard back from the rep. I even sent an e-mail and never got a response. I am curious as to their dedications to new clients at this point. There are other sites that have offered mixed opinions of the service but you make the call.
I believed in their services till the request to call back never happen.

The only site I've found mentioning CTP is consumerfraudreporting, and it was one negative, then one positive refuting that. BBB rating is satisfactory.

Have you checked out any other career consultant places in Atlanta?

Interesting.. I had the very same experience. Never heard back on the questions I posed both in email and voice mail prior to the 3rd meeting; so I canceled it. This was a significant investment to not have all of my questions addressed.

Does anyone recommend others in metro Atlanta?

Just curious - for both of you, what were the last few questions you asked that didn't get answered?

•Client referrals from others you and CTP has worked with in a similar capacity.
•Timing of next steps in meeting with counselor

Pretty simple...

Lynette in Hiram, Georgia said: •Client referrals from others you and CTP has worked with in a similar capacity.
•Timing of next steps in meeting with counselor

Pretty simple...

I just had a meeting with them this morning. I wish I could find more information on them. You would think that there would be more info if they have been in business for 22 years. The guy I met with was very convincing, it wasnt high pressure at least for this initial meeting. He stated that the retainer never exceeds 5000. He said he could get me 3-5 interviews a week with companies that fit my criteria of 70-85k mid level management positions. He said that the process would take 5 weeks to 3 months, before I saw results. During this time they offer coaching, resume writing and other services.

I need more information before I consider session number 2. I'd really like to hear valid testimony of folks that have used their services and benefited from the experience.

I would like more info as well. I have searched the internet as thorough as I know and can't find anything more. I also asked the receptionist for references, but was directed back to the sales person (who, by the way, did his job well). I was offered a discount of 10% if I paid in full on the day I accepted, which would take me down to the $5000. Again, it sounds like a great program with wonderful services, but I need someone other than the sales person to tell me this; especially when making this type of investment.

Now wait, he said he would offer you a 10% discount that would take you down to 5000? Or, off of the 5000? He told me that the retainer NEVER exceeds 5000. So is this an inconsistency already?

Yes, 10% to get me to $5000! This may be different b/c I am looking for position between $90K to $110K. If I got a position over a certain amt, then I would be responsible to another $2000 fee.
See why I am concerned??

Lynette - run. I was told the fee was the same, whether you are a millionaire or average Joe. And the fee was $4800. One thing, I did get a reference and called, and the guy said he was employed and very happy with the service.

Also was not told he could "get me" any interviews, but I'd have access to a database with the contact info of the decision makers at various companies.

Same here. Were the initials of your "salesperson" L.D? Keep me updated on your decision and experience.

Initials are J.D.

Has anyone checked out a different service in the Atlanta area, such as Two Roads, Executive Impact or D&B Consulting?

searchinginATL in Austell, Georgia said: Has anyone used CTP Enterprises? They're a career management service in Atlanta that helps with resumes, targeting decision makers at companies, interview coaching and salary negotiations. But they seem expensive. Any feedback, positive or negative?

I'm currently under contract with CTP. They have developed a different format for resume and provide as much 1:1 consulting on proactively finding a job as you can handle; everyone's different and before you commit you need to be ready to manage your job hunt as their product/services are oriented to you PROACTIVELY seeking positions by affording you access to information and key contacts at corporations. They do not offer placement services but rather the ins and outs of finding a job and building your resume, comprehensive interviewing techniques, market intelligence, communicating with perspective rmployeers, negotiating the best deal and hand-holding. While I'm still in-the-hunt, I've found their services compared to others impactful.

Very helpful..thank you. How long have you been working with CTP?

Just a little over three months

And on the fee -- everyone her's different things. Check to see if you pay 1/2 now and the rest in 30 days if the price is better suited to what you're thinking. Negotiate the service!

And if your check out other services -- say those "guaranteeing interview" remember they aren't promising the interview will necessarily be what you're looking for. And, many of the placement management groups recieve a feee from the business placement and therefore just might be anxious to get you out the door. Not that way at CTP as you do the search/set interviews, etc using the skills the from coaching. All for now and goodnight!

During 2nd meeting with CTP was the first I had heard it was a fee based operation. I thought they should have been more upfront about that. Fee $4,800, but $4,500 if paid up-front or $2,400 down with some sort of un-specified payment plan. From some of the comments on this thread it is unclear to me if CTP is actually arranging interviews or just providing access to decision makers/hiring managers thru their database

They do not arrange interviews, as I found out at the meeting. But they do provide access to decision makers through their database. You might want to ask when the database was last updated. I couldn't find much info when I googled them, but for similar companies in other parts of the country, some people complained that the service they used had an outdated contact list.

A couple of weeks ago, I was quoted a $5400 fee, $5000 if I paid upfront. Also, a $2000 additional fee if I secured job paying over $100K. I passed!

I was just called today about scheduling a meeting with CTP. The lady who called was very sketchy about any details on what this meeting would entail. Which got me a bit cautious, luckily I read this thread before actually going. It saved me the time and effort, as there is no way I would be able to afford these fees at this time anyway.

Thanks for the heads up everyone!!

Ok My thoughts. The service may have some value, but at what cost. 5,000.00? The manner in which they solicit the service is sketchy in itself. When you post a resume and get a call from a company, and the person calling you wont talk about base salary, job requirements etc. its a sketchy deal. Ive been searching for employment for the last month and i avoid those calls. If they don't want to discuss anything over the phone yet want you to come in for an interview or meeting, don't do it. They just want to sell you on the job or in this case the service. Did they tell any of you that it was 5000 over the phone? no way. Unless your totally unemployed and have nothing better to do, avoid them. Its all 100% commission jobs etc. They want you to take a risk on them, but they wont invest in you with a base salary? Nonsense, our time is valuable too.

Any company that requires that they pay you for job searching services($5k is a rediculous amount and you are and idiot if you pay them much) is a scam. Any company that is worth their salt, get's their commission from the company that they already have an agreement with and there is no money you need to pay 'up front' to do anything.

This thread leaves me confused! I have read from two people who actually use the service and both responses have been positive about the service. No one raves about the jobs that they have obtained. I met with this company today. I must admit the lure was ambiguous and the sales pitch was slick and convincing. If they deliver on their promise, might be worth the $4800.00. I would like more information concerning the database and contacts provided.

Tom,
Not sure if you are asking the folks posting there comments or your expressed your curiousity to the posters. If you have the $4800 to put out for a luck then please take the plung. You might have to pay part to get a peak at what they have as far as a data base and their contacts. Good luck and please keep us posted on your success.

I have continued to watch the blog to read of success stories. Unfortunately, haven't seen any yet. Personnally, I did not feel at all comfortable putting out $5000 up front or $5500 in a payment plan with no guaranteed outcome. I found no incentive for the firm to find me employment. Other than the additional $2000 I was to give them once I secured a position with a salary greater than $100K. No, I don't yet have a job, but I do have $7000 that I can keep in my household while still looking for employment.

Job search in Cumming, Georgia said: Tom,
Not sure if you are asking the folks posting there comments or your expressed your curiousity to the posters. If you have the $4800 to put out for a luck then please take the plung. You might have to pay part to get a peak at what they have as far as a data base and their contacts. Good luck and please keep us posted on your success.

I suppose that I wanted someone to tell me this is a good deal. Like everyone else I can sell myself provided contact/interviews with the right people. Once you reach a certain level (100K), getting to the right people is tough! If this company can actually provide what they offer, then $4800/$4500 w/discount would be a deal. I was told that I should be able to secure 3-4 interviews a week with appropriate target companies. It was explained to me that I would have to do the work, but, contacts with decision makers was their job of which they have plenty! However, like MLS, I prefer to feed my family. If this is a scam, I want no part of it.

It seems as though the most inconsistent quality of CTP is the price. I was quoted $5000 and was told that was because I was working overseas. I was also told that they offered a 10% discount for full payment. I spoke with the president and had two meetings. I was not pressured into making a decision but I will agree that he was very convincing. He kept telling me that he would love to tell me "I told you so." I am not sure if this is a scam or not but the more I read the more it seems so.

In my opinion, "I told you so" by a saleman is quite offensive and sarcastic. You may not have felt direct pressure from a sales pitch, but sounds like they were using guilt for not choosing them as the mode of pressure. I am sure this is the right program for some. Just wish we would hear from them with success stories in this blog.

Has anyone heard about RL Stevens it appears to be like CTP. $500 is just too much money for help in getting a job.

Diana in Washington, District of Columbia said: Has anyone heard about RL Stevens it appears to be like CTP. $500 is just too much money for help in getting a job.

I THINK RL Stevens has a better reputation, I am awating a call back from them very soon.

But it is VERY unsettling to see so many people ( like myself) who are facing difficult times in job-hunting and being preyed on by some of these scum operations.

Pls keep the blog going with updates. This is great networking for all of us.

Here is another company to avoid. TEKsystems. I met with a recruiter about a month ago. It went really well, I thought, but the follow up email was her requesting contact information from my previous employers. Just before I sent my contacts, which I thought was weird because she had no prospects for me yet, I sent her an email asking why. She said that TEKsystems validates at least one employer on your resume so when they connect you with an opportunity, the prospective company knows that at least one of your former employers is real and that you actually worked there. That sounded legitimate to me. Then I checked some blogs and found out that TEKsystems take those contacts and solicits them to try and establish business services contracts. With this info, I decided to first get an email confirmation from the recruiter that the contacts I send would only be used for reference purposes and no solicitation of any kind would occur. My email wasn't negative in any way and was merely a clarification/confirmation email. She never responded to my email and never heard from her again, even after repeated attempts to contact her.

I contacted TEKsystems in SF by phone and happened upon a great agent. We had an almost immediate understanding and I felt he would be a great representative. In short, I believed he would not just file my info away. Unfortunately, his area of practice was web development, which I have worked in as an analyst, but is not my strong point as I have absolutely no coding or programming experience. I am adament about not misrepresenting myself in any way. It does no one any good. He told me that he would send me to someone in his office to represent me in a training/help desk position. The person he referred me to immediately struck me as the true definition of "bad agent". She was surly, disbelieving of my experience, even made a suggestion that I not "embellish" my resume. Ignoring the insult there, I explained that, in fact, I'd toned down some of the actual accomplishments I'd performed in an attempt to keep my resume to a single page. She actually said "huh" under her breath and immediately asked me to email my reference list which she would have to review before even setting up a meeting. No Thanks!

It didn't seem to make much sense to continue any relationship. I have no faith in her. I'm seriously looking for employment. In order for that to happen, I'd prefer a situation where I can meet an individual from a hiring company. Someone who is actually capable of judging whether my qualifications are suited to the position.

It's unfortunate that the new cottage industry is employment agencies that are not really about placing candidates in employment! Go figure.

Anyone familiar with www.allenandassociates.com? After registering with sixfigurejobs.com, I received a call from an associate of this recruiting firm. I am scheduled for a more indepth conversation later this week. In the meantime, I thought I would check with my fellow bloggers.

Interest turn of events. I had the same situation with contract agencies here in Atlanta. They will call you about an opening, build you up about the position and then say that they will follow up with you with any updates. But never call back. I have learned that with rude or unprofessional individuals that they to have a manager or owner who would be interested in the way that the individual is representing their company. I would suggest sharing this with them as it may be one bad apple in the cart. TEK has had some good possible leads so work around that stump(person) and find another source in the company.

RIP OFF ---------- RIP OFF ----------- RIP OFF

Will you people ever learn ? These scam -ss companies exist because of innocent , gulible people like yourselves .
GROW UP ...... GET REAL ..... TELL THESE COMPANIES TO F OFF .

Job search in Cumming, Georgia said: Interest turn of events. I had the same situation with contract agencies here in Atlanta. They will call you about an opening, build you up about the position and then say that they will follow up with you with any updates. But never call back. I have learned that with rude or unprofessional individuals that they to have a manager or owner who would be interested in the way that the individual is representing their company. I would suggest sharing this with them as it may be one bad apple in the cart. TEK has had some good possible leads so work around that stump(person) and find another source in the company.

Thanks for the suggestion. I emailed the first person I spoke to (the good one) and without mentioning the exchange with his referral, just thanked him for the time and constructive input, said it was unfortunate we were not able to work together and wished him well. Very shortly I received a call from the referral, who surprisingly, had an entirely different attitude. She actually treated me like a person! I'm not really sure what happened here, but her reversal was so complete that I did decide to try again with them. I'll let you know what happens.

OMG....I am glad I found this. I have been through 2 meetings with CTP. The sales pitch is very slick! For me it was $6000 plus a bonus when I am hired. I had a very sketchy feeling about both L.D and CTP. Actually I set up the 3rd meeting and was about to pay....but being careful I made one last call to L.D with a few more questions.... he became very defensive. I will add that after finding these comments I did some more research and found similar replies. I also found that the few positive responses were very scripted!!. hmmmm this is very fishy.
This is a scam

In these times of the economy and the number of individuals who are looking for work the idea of a magic fix for a successful search is really seductive. Mid stream in my search I had the two meetings with CTP and really thought that I had found my pot of gold to get my next position. The pitch was supportive, promising in the results that could happen but it just did not sound real. In stead of continuing with the road of hope I found a great resource in connecting on LinkedIn.com, Atlanta_Linking and have found a great support group to help in giving directions. And you know what I have $5975.00 in my pocket out of the $6000.00 that CTP asked for. You can order business cards for free on Vistaprint.com and then my suggestion is to go to Manpower Professionals and hook up with a recruiter to get suggestions on your resume. That is free as well. The final approach is to attend Job fairs regularly, even if you are not sure about the companies. What you are doing is networking and getting to know the ropes of a job search. After eight months and following these steps I have gone through 20 plus revisions on my resume and connected with a company at a IT job fair for a manager position not relating to IT. I also connected with a government job through connecting with every contract company out there that were on the job boards and landing a offer for a permanent job with a government contract company. So in short, drive determination and networking has landed two job leads, offering more money and I still have most of that $6000.00 in my pocket. In the end I have paid it forward to others who are looking, landed a few job offers for others and learned a life experience that looking for a job is a full time job that you have to be positive about while you work 8 hours a day looking.

interested in hearing more in Pine Lake, Georgia said: I just had a meeting with them this morning. I wish I could find more information on them. You would think that there would be more info if they have been in business for 22 years. The guy I met with was very convincing, it wasnt high pressure at least for this initial meeting. He stated that the retainer never exceeds 5000. He said he could get me 3-5 interviews a week with companies that fit my criteria of 70-85k mid level management positions. He said that the process would take 5 weeks to 3 months, before I saw results. During this time they offer coaching, resume writing and other services.

I need more information before I consider session number 2. I'd really like to hear valid testimony of folks that have used their services and benefited from the experience.

we met with them for the second time and I have a feeling that they really don,t have clients that come to them looking for people to fill positions. I got the impression that they're a research firm, guessing what markets are going to be up and coming. Another red flag was when they said "if we get you a job with Harry and later have another client who we feel may be a good fit with Harry, we expect you to help them get in". So, if you are dependent on the "net work" who's working for who?

Job search in Cumming, Georgia said: In these times of the economy and the number of individuals who are looking for work the idea of a magic fix for a successful search is really seductive. Mid stream in my search I had the two meetings with CTP and really thought that I had found my pot of gold to get my next position. The pitch was supportive, promising in the results that could happen but it just did not sound real. In stead of continuing with the road of hope I found a great resource in connecting on LinkedIn.com, Atlanta_Linking and have found a great support group to help in giving directions. And you know what I have $5975.00 in my pocket out of the $6000.00 that CTP asked for. You can order business cards for free on Vistaprint.com and then my suggestion is to go to Manpower Professionals and hook up with a recruiter to get suggestions on your resume. That is free as well. The final approach is to attend Job fairs regularly, even if you are not sure about the companies. What you are doing is networking and getting to know the ropes of a job search. After eight months and following these steps I have gone through 20 plus revisions on my resume and connected with a company at a IT job fair for a manager position not relating to IT. I also connected with a government job through connecting with every contract company out there that were on the job boards and landing a offer for a permanent job with a government contract company. So in short, drive determination and networking has landed two job leads, offering more money and I still have most of that $6000.00 in my pocket. In the end I have paid it forward to others who are looking, landed a few job offers for others and learned a life experience that looking for a job is a full time job that you have to be positive about while you work 8 hours a day looking.

Congratulations Job Search! Thanks for the information on Vistaprint and Manpower. You're right, looking for a job is a full time job

rena73@live.com in Athens, Georgia said: we met with them for the second time and I have a feeling that they really don,t have clients that come to them looking for people to fill positions. I got the impression that they're a research firm, guessing what markets are going to be up and coming. Another red flag was when they said "if we get you a job with Harry and later have another client who we feel may be a good fit with Harry, we expect you to help them get in". So, if you are dependent on the "net work" who's working for who?

I just met with them this afternoon. I felt this was a portion their business model. Today was $5k spread out over vague terms or $4.5k if paid up front. I requested & was giver a copy of their 'contract' to review... no terms... write in fee... hmmmm...

searchinginATL in Austell, Georgia said: Has anyone used CTP Enterprises? They're a career management service in Atlanta that helps with resumes, targeting decision makers at companies, interview coaching and salary negotiations. But they seem expensive. Any feedback, positive or negative?

I would also like to know if anyone out there has a copy of the CTP style resume? I got a chance to briefly look at one during my second meeting, that was just before I was told of the $4,800 cost. I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me where to find one so I could use it as a template for my resume. Thanks.

I met with them this past Tuesday and from the jump I got the sales pitch. I was told that I need to be scheduled for a second meeting that was last for 1 1/2 this upcoming Monday. I must admit after sitting in this recruiter's office for at least 30minutes, I felt uncomfortable; especially after he mentioned that I can bring my husband along to attend this meeting. That didn't make any sense. Needless to say, I want be attending the second meeting.

sacreblu4 in Douglasville, Georgia said: It seems as though the most inconsistent quality of CTP is the price. I was quoted $5000 and was told that was because I was working overseas. I was also told that they offered a 10% discount for full payment. I spoke with the president and had two meetings. I was not pressured into making a decision but I will agree that he was very convincing. He kept telling me that he would love to tell me "I told you so." I am not sure if this is a scam or not but the more I read the more it seems so.

I have had two appointments with them already. The initials of the person I am dealing with are J.D. I was advised $4500 total. Their retainer is $1800 with up to 6 months to pay back. Their retainer can be taken as low as $1500 or $1200 but you have to pay the remaining $300 or $600. I'm not sure about this company

I have been through 2 meetings as well. My 2nd was this morning. My boyfriend sent me this blog as I am seriously considering hiring this firm. I was not told about the $ up front in my first meeting. I was told "we work for you; you are our client; we are not a recruiting agency; we do not work for companies." I guess that was his way of telling me that there would be a fee. Only after I directly inquired at the very beginning of our 2nd meeting was I told. I do not feel I was given a sales pitch at all but maybe I'm just desperate to find a job. I've been unemployed for 3 weeks and the $ is running low. As for the fee itself, I was told $4800 total. If I paid in full up front, it would be $4500. I could pay as little as $2400 up front, defer my next monthly payment for 1 month and pay the remaining balance over 6 or 8 months. I was told I would be doing most of the work and utilizing their resources. They never "promised" me anything except that they work with you for a year and the agreement states "you are our client until we find you a job." I am glad I saw this. other methods have not worked but now I am wondering if the fee is worth this service with no actual guarantees. My rep's name was R.L.

Hi folks,

I am checking into career coaching places that charge by the hour. I figure I'll end up spending a lot less than $4800+, and I'll still be getting help refreshing my resume, writing cover letters and deciding on companies to target. I found some by googling: career coaching atlanta.

Rather than spending the $$ with CTP, I went the same route in searching for a career coach. After lots of research and interviews, I'm working with Mickey Parsons of Parsons Associates Coaching. I recommend giving him a call...couldn't hurt.