THE job sector has claimed its fair share of casualties in recent months. Professionals, managers, executives and technicians, or PMETs, in particular, have had plenty to worry about.
Since last November, the North East Community Development Council (CDC) has noted a fivefold jump in the number of PMETs seeking employment assistance - from an average of 40 a month to 200 now.
PMETs now form close to a quarter, or 23 per cent, of all retrenched Singaporeans.
In response, the North East CDC and the Workforce Development Agency have published a career kit targeted at helping this group with their job search.
The 19-page handbook offers job search tips, advice and a one-stop directory for online job portals and search firms.
It was launched yesterday at Tampines North Community Centre, during the bi-monthly Head Hunters Programme organised by the North East CDC.
During the programme, participating PMETs are interviewed by job firms for potential employment positions, and are also given the opportunity to network with their peers.
Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mayor of North East District, was the guest of honour at the launch.
Speaking of these challenging times for PMETs, Mr Zainul said: 'The challenge now is to ensure that we have enough jobs, and to keep our people employed.'
Ms Brenda Lim, North East CDC's centre manager added that the kit is a way to place job seekers on the right path.
'Hopefully, with this book, more professionals will be more focused and guided in their job search.'
Former IT consultant Melvin Tan agreed. The 39-year-old was retrenched last August, and received a copy of the kit yesterday.
'It contains really useful tips,' he said. 'For one, I now know that my cover letter and resume need a total overhaul.'
Mr Zainul added that this partnership between job seekers and agencies is a 'potent combination'.
'That way we can not only help them, but also help them help themselves.'
The career kit will be available to the public at all five CDCs by next Friday. A soft copy of the kit will also be available at www.northeastcdc.org.sg
- The Straits Times
Showing posts with label aid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aid. Show all posts
May 4, 2009
Apr 7, 2009
Help in scouring jobs market
ASKING for the number of job vacancies is almost second nature to Ms Venus Tan.
In the past six months, she has posed the question when attending functions, while buying a meal at McDonald's and even at a supermarket checkout counter.
But the 39-year-old, who is studying traditional medicine part-time, is not looking for jobs for herself.
She is a job navigator, a role she volunteered for when her MP, Ms Lee Bee Wah, set up a scheme for the Nee Soon South ward of Ang Mo Kio GRC, to help residents find jobs close to home.
Although the scheme was put in place in January last year - before the economic crisis hit - it has since become an important tool in Ms Lee's efforts to help residents cope with the downturn.
Speaking about the scheme on Tuesday, Ms Lee said in the last six months, more then 170 people have come to her Meet-the-People sessions looking for jobs.
Of these, around half have been placed in jobs through the Job Navigator scheme. The rest have been referred to the Central Singapore Community Development Council.
Ms Lee was giving an update on various measures that have been introduced in Nee Soon South since she was elected its MP in 2006. Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will be visiting the ward in two weeks' time.
- The Straits Times
In the past six months, she has posed the question when attending functions, while buying a meal at McDonald's and even at a supermarket checkout counter.
But the 39-year-old, who is studying traditional medicine part-time, is not looking for jobs for herself.
She is a job navigator, a role she volunteered for when her MP, Ms Lee Bee Wah, set up a scheme for the Nee Soon South ward of Ang Mo Kio GRC, to help residents find jobs close to home.
Although the scheme was put in place in January last year - before the economic crisis hit - it has since become an important tool in Ms Lee's efforts to help residents cope with the downturn.
Speaking about the scheme on Tuesday, Ms Lee said in the last six months, more then 170 people have come to her Meet-the-People sessions looking for jobs.
Of these, around half have been placed in jobs through the Job Navigator scheme. The rest have been referred to the Central Singapore Community Development Council.
Ms Lee was giving an update on various measures that have been introduced in Nee Soon South since she was elected its MP in 2006. Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will be visiting the ward in two weeks' time.
- The Straits Times
Mar 3, 2009
Retrenched parents get help
SOME 200 retrenched parents will get help from a new financial aid scheme introduced by OCBC Bank and NTUC First Campus on Tuesday.
The OCBC-Bright Horizons Fund (OCBC-BHF) Retrenchment Relief Scheme aims to help those who have lost their jobs to send their children to pre-school.
The scheme is worth $500,000 over two years. OCBC Bank has donated $200,000 to the cause and the Bright Horizons Fund (BHF) will match this with $300,000 over the two years.
Parents who have been retrenched and whose net household income is below $2,200 a month or $600 per capita are eligible to receive aid when they send their children to NTUC First Campus' My First Skool. The scheme will cover three months school fees.
Depending on the child's age, school fees at My First Skool range from $480 to $585 per month.
The scheme was officially launched on Tuesday at My First Skool at Toa Payoh by OCBC Bank Chairman Dr Cheong Choong Kong and Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Chairman of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
'This scheme, very appropriately launched in these difficult times, will ensure that no child at NTUC First Campus will have to stay home because of financial problems,' said Dr Cheong.
Mr Lim pointed out the importance of pre-school education, saying it is 'vital' for children during their foundation years.
'We want to ensure that their learning process continues seamlessly, regardless of the economic situation,' said Mr Lim. 'We started this new scheme because we expect a bigger need for financial assistance for this recession.'
The OCBC-BHF Retrenchment Relief Scheme is on top of the Government's centre-based financial assistance scheme (CFAS) for low-income families.
- The Straits Times
The OCBC-Bright Horizons Fund (OCBC-BHF) Retrenchment Relief Scheme aims to help those who have lost their jobs to send their children to pre-school.
The scheme is worth $500,000 over two years. OCBC Bank has donated $200,000 to the cause and the Bright Horizons Fund (BHF) will match this with $300,000 over the two years.
Parents who have been retrenched and whose net household income is below $2,200 a month or $600 per capita are eligible to receive aid when they send their children to NTUC First Campus' My First Skool. The scheme will cover three months school fees.
Depending on the child's age, school fees at My First Skool range from $480 to $585 per month.
The scheme was officially launched on Tuesday at My First Skool at Toa Payoh by OCBC Bank Chairman Dr Cheong Choong Kong and Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Chairman of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
'This scheme, very appropriately launched in these difficult times, will ensure that no child at NTUC First Campus will have to stay home because of financial problems,' said Dr Cheong.
Mr Lim pointed out the importance of pre-school education, saying it is 'vital' for children during their foundation years.
'We want to ensure that their learning process continues seamlessly, regardless of the economic situation,' said Mr Lim. 'We started this new scheme because we expect a bigger need for financial assistance for this recession.'
The OCBC-BHF Retrenchment Relief Scheme is on top of the Government's centre-based financial assistance scheme (CFAS) for low-income families.
- The Straits Times
Feb 18, 2009
CDCs see surge in job seekers
IN THE past three months, more people — especially those aged 40 and above — have come forward to ask for help.
The five Community Development Councils (CDC) have reported an increase of nearly 50 per cent in the number of residents seeking help to land a job and about 40 per centincrease in those needing social assistance, in January.
In October last year, there were 2,470 applications for social assistance and 1,985 applications for job assistance, compared to 3,483 and 2,954 for last month. Most of them have education levels of O-levels and below, and more than 60 per cent were above 40 years old, said North West CDC mayor Teo Ho Pin
To cope with the increase in cases, more staff and resources have been put in place. And beyond the local schemes already in place at each CDC, all five CDCs have put together a Recession and Resilience Roadmap, aimed at providing a help directory for residents.
“Sometimes people say they don’t know where to ask for help when they get retrenched,” said Dr Teo, who launched the guide on behalf of the CDCs yesterday.
“Of course if they work for a company where the workers are unionised, the unions would have moved in to help them. But for those who are not unionised, they may sometimes be lost as to where to go for help, so this will provide a help directory.”
The guide — illustrated with cartoons — consolidates information on where to seek job training, the sectors still hiring, job search and budgeting tips, and helplines for various organisations like Credit Counselling Singapore and the HDB.
By far, the most effective programme in helping residents get back on their feet has been the Work Support scheme, which provides interim financial assistance while residents actively searched for jobs, said Dr Teo.
The scheme has a successful job placement rate of 70 per cent. “All of us have increased resources for the Work Support programme,” he said. “We are prepared because in a way, the CDCs have been quite conservative in the utilisation of funds.
“At present the measures we have should be quite comprehensive ... it’s only the load, how many will come.”
The guide is free, and available in all four languages at all CDC service centres and Community Clubs.
Meanwhile, 3,400 students will benefit from $400,000 worth of South West CDC bursary assistance this year, up from 1,700 students last year, thanks to more donations from the corporate partners.
For residents unsure of where to seek assistance, call the ComCare helpline at 1800-222-0000.
- TODAY newspaper
The five Community Development Councils (CDC) have reported an increase of nearly 50 per cent in the number of residents seeking help to land a job and about 40 per centincrease in those needing social assistance, in January.
In October last year, there were 2,470 applications for social assistance and 1,985 applications for job assistance, compared to 3,483 and 2,954 for last month. Most of them have education levels of O-levels and below, and more than 60 per cent were above 40 years old, said North West CDC mayor Teo Ho Pin
To cope with the increase in cases, more staff and resources have been put in place. And beyond the local schemes already in place at each CDC, all five CDCs have put together a Recession and Resilience Roadmap, aimed at providing a help directory for residents.
“Sometimes people say they don’t know where to ask for help when they get retrenched,” said Dr Teo, who launched the guide on behalf of the CDCs yesterday.
“Of course if they work for a company where the workers are unionised, the unions would have moved in to help them. But for those who are not unionised, they may sometimes be lost as to where to go for help, so this will provide a help directory.”
The guide — illustrated with cartoons — consolidates information on where to seek job training, the sectors still hiring, job search and budgeting tips, and helplines for various organisations like Credit Counselling Singapore and the HDB.
By far, the most effective programme in helping residents get back on their feet has been the Work Support scheme, which provides interim financial assistance while residents actively searched for jobs, said Dr Teo.
The scheme has a successful job placement rate of 70 per cent. “All of us have increased resources for the Work Support programme,” he said. “We are prepared because in a way, the CDCs have been quite conservative in the utilisation of funds.
“At present the measures we have should be quite comprehensive ... it’s only the load, how many will come.”
The guide is free, and available in all four languages at all CDC service centres and Community Clubs.
Meanwhile, 3,400 students will benefit from $400,000 worth of South West CDC bursary assistance this year, up from 1,700 students last year, thanks to more donations from the corporate partners.
For residents unsure of where to seek assistance, call the ComCare helpline at 1800-222-0000.
- TODAY newspaper
Feb 17, 2009
CDCs prepare job seekers for interviews
A JOB seeker might turn up for a walk-in interview after spotting a recruitment advertisement, only to find himself unprepared to handle the questions asked and how to present himself. Others might find that they lack the required skills for the vacancies available.
To help job seekers maximise their chances, at least two Community Development Councils (CDC) are taking steps to better prepare them for recruitment opportunities.
North East CDC kicked off the first of its Recharge sessions yesterday, which are free one-day programmes providing motivational talks and interview tips to job seekers, so that they can present themselves well at job interviews.
“Some job seekers haven’t gone for a job interview in years,” said the CDC’s senior manager Brenda Lim. “So, we do role-play and give them tips to help them build confidence.”
Each session — targeted at rank-and-file workers — are industry-specific and employers are present at the sessions to talk about the jobs available. These are then followed by a recruitment exercise the next day. One such exercise for security jobs is being held at Punggol Community Club today, with 150 vacancies on offer.
Over at the North West CDC, job seekers can prepare themselves through its “Trial, Train & Transit” (T3) package, which allows them to take part in a job trial for three days to see if it suits them.
And to increase their employment chances, targeted groups, such as those with GCE O-level qualifications and below, will be sent for training that matches the available job openings. The CDC is planning four large-scale job fairs, each with at least 30 employers participating.
- TODAY newspaper
To help job seekers maximise their chances, at least two Community Development Councils (CDC) are taking steps to better prepare them for recruitment opportunities.
North East CDC kicked off the first of its Recharge sessions yesterday, which are free one-day programmes providing motivational talks and interview tips to job seekers, so that they can present themselves well at job interviews.
“Some job seekers haven’t gone for a job interview in years,” said the CDC’s senior manager Brenda Lim. “So, we do role-play and give them tips to help them build confidence.”
Each session — targeted at rank-and-file workers — are industry-specific and employers are present at the sessions to talk about the jobs available. These are then followed by a recruitment exercise the next day. One such exercise for security jobs is being held at Punggol Community Club today, with 150 vacancies on offer.
Over at the North West CDC, job seekers can prepare themselves through its “Trial, Train & Transit” (T3) package, which allows them to take part in a job trial for three days to see if it suits them.
And to increase their employment chances, targeted groups, such as those with GCE O-level qualifications and below, will be sent for training that matches the available job openings. The CDC is planning four large-scale job fairs, each with at least 30 employers participating.
- TODAY newspaper
Feb 12, 2009
Aid measures aimed at helping the vulnerable ride out difficult times
vulnerable groups that will receive new help from the Government this year.
But many of the aid measures are conditional and aimed at getting the recipients back on their feet as quickly as possible - a longstanding policy of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Still, the new lifelines being tossed in this recession suggest the ministry is also ready to be flexible.
It is letting breadwinners who are laid off stay twice as long on the ComCare Work Support Scheme, from which they can receive monthly cash grants.
Another major enhancement is letting low-income divorced women, with up to two children, enter a programme that will give grants of up to $100,000, which encompass housing and bursaries.
Also, poor families on Public Assistance will get up to $120 more a month.
However, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the MCYS minister, stressed that zero entitlement is the overriding policy.
'Our social assistance policies must continue to encourage empowerment, not entitlement; dignity, not dependence; self-reliance, not state-reliance.'
He struck this deliberate balance throughout the six-hour debate on his ministry's $1.9 billion budget.
Still, his decision to increase Public Assistance - a third time since 2007 - cheered MPs such as Dr Lily Neo (Jalan Besar GRC) and Mr Sam Tan (Tanjong Pagar GRC). It is a consistent focus of both.
From April 1, the sums will rise by between $30 and $120 a month.
An elderly person living alone can expect $360, up from $330. A family of four will get $950 instead of $830.
These changes help 2,900 households meet basic living expenses. But they also have a web of extra aid, from rental rebates to free medical care.
On the new rate, Mr Tan asked the minister to 'stretch this kindness by raising the amount to $400' so the needy may have a reasonable quality of life.
Saving jobs is a prime focus of the Budget's Resilience Package. In this light, MCYS will let laid-off breadwinners stay on the Work Support Scheme for up to one year, instead of six months.
While they find a job or upgrade their skills, their families get temporary aid including cash, medical care and education.
'We recognise that in this year, it may be difficult for some people to get jobs, no matter how much we train them,' Dr Balakrishnan said, explaining the flexibility. He also made a special pitch for 'investing in children'. Besides new subsidies for young children, his ministry will boost the supply of childcare centres. Another 200 centres will open by 2013.
To build stronger families, the Home Ownership Plus Education (Hope) scheme will be extended to divorced mothers with no more than two children.
He announced this move in response to Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC), who had campaigned for it.
Originally, Hope was for low-income intact families with two children at most.
They get incentives of up to $100,000. This includes a $50,000 housing grant, training grant, and bursaries for children covering pre-school to university - to help them break out of the poverty cycle.
The situation for the squeezed lower middle class, however, is less clear.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah GRC) said a family staring at a wage cut - for example, from $5,000 to $2,500 - will not get social assistance.
He suggested: 'For a period of time, can MCYS be flexible on the upper cap, increasing ComCare's upper limit to $3,500 or more for short-term assistance.'
The minister replied: 'The key imperative for this group is a job - not welfare...Let me also be blunt, I cannot give the middle class more than I give to those who can barely make ends meet.'
However, he returned to the idea of flexibility at several points in the debate, which saw some 30 MPs rise to engage him on various issues, including sports.
He said the ministry was being 'more flexible at the edges'. Parents with adult children who cannot support them will get a closer look, for instance.
He will consider whether the Maintenance of Parents Act should get more legislative teeth.
- The Straits Times
But many of the aid measures are conditional and aimed at getting the recipients back on their feet as quickly as possible - a longstanding policy of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Still, the new lifelines being tossed in this recession suggest the ministry is also ready to be flexible.
It is letting breadwinners who are laid off stay twice as long on the ComCare Work Support Scheme, from which they can receive monthly cash grants.
Another major enhancement is letting low-income divorced women, with up to two children, enter a programme that will give grants of up to $100,000, which encompass housing and bursaries.
Also, poor families on Public Assistance will get up to $120 more a month.
However, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the MCYS minister, stressed that zero entitlement is the overriding policy.
'Our social assistance policies must continue to encourage empowerment, not entitlement; dignity, not dependence; self-reliance, not state-reliance.'
He struck this deliberate balance throughout the six-hour debate on his ministry's $1.9 billion budget.
Still, his decision to increase Public Assistance - a third time since 2007 - cheered MPs such as Dr Lily Neo (Jalan Besar GRC) and Mr Sam Tan (Tanjong Pagar GRC). It is a consistent focus of both.
From April 1, the sums will rise by between $30 and $120 a month.
An elderly person living alone can expect $360, up from $330. A family of four will get $950 instead of $830.
These changes help 2,900 households meet basic living expenses. But they also have a web of extra aid, from rental rebates to free medical care.
On the new rate, Mr Tan asked the minister to 'stretch this kindness by raising the amount to $400' so the needy may have a reasonable quality of life.
Saving jobs is a prime focus of the Budget's Resilience Package. In this light, MCYS will let laid-off breadwinners stay on the Work Support Scheme for up to one year, instead of six months.
While they find a job or upgrade their skills, their families get temporary aid including cash, medical care and education.
'We recognise that in this year, it may be difficult for some people to get jobs, no matter how much we train them,' Dr Balakrishnan said, explaining the flexibility. He also made a special pitch for 'investing in children'. Besides new subsidies for young children, his ministry will boost the supply of childcare centres. Another 200 centres will open by 2013.
To build stronger families, the Home Ownership Plus Education (Hope) scheme will be extended to divorced mothers with no more than two children.
He announced this move in response to Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC), who had campaigned for it.
Originally, Hope was for low-income intact families with two children at most.
They get incentives of up to $100,000. This includes a $50,000 housing grant, training grant, and bursaries for children covering pre-school to university - to help them break out of the poverty cycle.
The situation for the squeezed lower middle class, however, is less clear.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Hong Kah GRC) said a family staring at a wage cut - for example, from $5,000 to $2,500 - will not get social assistance.
He suggested: 'For a period of time, can MCYS be flexible on the upper cap, increasing ComCare's upper limit to $3,500 or more for short-term assistance.'
The minister replied: 'The key imperative for this group is a job - not welfare...Let me also be blunt, I cannot give the middle class more than I give to those who can barely make ends meet.'
However, he returned to the idea of flexibility at several points in the debate, which saw some 30 MPs rise to engage him on various issues, including sports.
He said the ministry was being 'more flexible at the edges'. Parents with adult children who cannot support them will get a closer look, for instance.
He will consider whether the Maintenance of Parents Act should get more legislative teeth.
- The Straits Times
Feb 5, 2009
THE Government should provide temporary financial relief of up to $500 a month for workers who have lost their jobs in the recession, said Non-Constit
THE Government should provide temporary financial relief of up to $500 a month for workers who have lost their jobs in the recession, said Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim yesterday.
'In this most trying of times, this will be an important relief to job seekers while they continue their job search,' said the Workers' Party chairman, mooting the idea of a 'Job Seekers' Allowance'.
Noting that the Government rolled out programmes that paid jobless older and low-skilled workers a small allowance while they retrain, she said there were still gaps in the system that a Job Seekers' Allowance would plug.
For instance, in the case of the government-sponsored training programme, called Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur), workers will still have to pay a small course fee, she said.
Courses may end before the economic situation improves, and along with them, the allowances paid to the jobless.
'While it is right that these unemployed Singaporeans must be upskilled wherever possible, full employment at the national level is unlikely.
'The Government will have to provide a policy response and safety net to these citizens in the medium to long term.'
To ensure that the scheme is a targeted one, she suggested a means test be implemented to weed out those who have high levels of savings and assets. And only those looking for a job will qualify.
Three People's Action Party MPs rose to challenge her on the suggestion, including labour chief Lim Swee Say.
Ms Ellen Lee (Sembawang GRC) wanted to know how this scheme would be funded and whether more funds would have to be drawn from the reserves.
Ms Lim said that assuming 100,000 people were helped at the cost of $500 a month over six months, this would amount to $300 million - less than one-tenth of the $4.5 billion Jobs Credit scheme.
'Some of that money (from Jobs Credit) is better used in this instance, to put it directly into the hands of people who need it most rather than to companies who may have no intention of retaining anyone.'
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang (Aljunied GRC) pointed out that the needy already had channels they could turn to for help, including jobs matching and financial assistance from government agencies.
But Ms Lim said the current amount of assistance varied greatly, whereas her scheme had clear guidelines on how much help can be given, depending on an applicant's last-drawn salary.
Mr Lim said he could not see a link between Ms Lim's scheme and how it could save jobs for Singaporeans.
He also rejected her claims that this scheme would be superior to Spur.
He said: 'Not only will they receive the $600 per month of training allowances, they will also have a new skill. But most importantly, we believe that many will be able to secure new jobs.'
Help for retrenched workers was also a call made by other MPs, including Madam Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) and Dr Amy Khor (Hong Kah GRC).
Both wanted the Government to be more flexible towards retrenched workers who cannot make their HDB housing mortgage payments on time.
Madam Ho asked the Government to let them make just the interest payments on their loans.
- The Straits Times
'In this most trying of times, this will be an important relief to job seekers while they continue their job search,' said the Workers' Party chairman, mooting the idea of a 'Job Seekers' Allowance'.
Noting that the Government rolled out programmes that paid jobless older and low-skilled workers a small allowance while they retrain, she said there were still gaps in the system that a Job Seekers' Allowance would plug.
For instance, in the case of the government-sponsored training programme, called Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (Spur), workers will still have to pay a small course fee, she said.
Courses may end before the economic situation improves, and along with them, the allowances paid to the jobless.
'While it is right that these unemployed Singaporeans must be upskilled wherever possible, full employment at the national level is unlikely.
'The Government will have to provide a policy response and safety net to these citizens in the medium to long term.'
To ensure that the scheme is a targeted one, she suggested a means test be implemented to weed out those who have high levels of savings and assets. And only those looking for a job will qualify.
Three People's Action Party MPs rose to challenge her on the suggestion, including labour chief Lim Swee Say.
Ms Ellen Lee (Sembawang GRC) wanted to know how this scheme would be funded and whether more funds would have to be drawn from the reserves.
Ms Lim said that assuming 100,000 people were helped at the cost of $500 a month over six months, this would amount to $300 million - less than one-tenth of the $4.5 billion Jobs Credit scheme.
'Some of that money (from Jobs Credit) is better used in this instance, to put it directly into the hands of people who need it most rather than to companies who may have no intention of retaining anyone.'
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang (Aljunied GRC) pointed out that the needy already had channels they could turn to for help, including jobs matching and financial assistance from government agencies.
But Ms Lim said the current amount of assistance varied greatly, whereas her scheme had clear guidelines on how much help can be given, depending on an applicant's last-drawn salary.
Mr Lim said he could not see a link between Ms Lim's scheme and how it could save jobs for Singaporeans.
He also rejected her claims that this scheme would be superior to Spur.
He said: 'Not only will they receive the $600 per month of training allowances, they will also have a new skill. But most importantly, we believe that many will be able to secure new jobs.'
Help for retrenched workers was also a call made by other MPs, including Madam Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) and Dr Amy Khor (Hong Kah GRC).
Both wanted the Government to be more flexible towards retrenched workers who cannot make their HDB housing mortgage payments on time.
Madam Ho asked the Government to let them make just the interest payments on their loans.
- The Straits Times
Feb 3, 2009
Jobless and glum? Talk to us
TWO friends who know first-hand what it's like to be unemployed, now want to help others in the same boat.
Mr Terence Tay, in his late 40s, has not held a full-time job since 2002. And certified counsellor Gilbert Goh, 47, was previously unemployed for about 20 months between 2003 and 2005.
The two men have recently started a website - www.transitioning.org - to help the unemployed network, find emotional support and get work.
Said Mr Goh, now a teacher at a private school: 'The unemployment situation seems set to get worse, and there will be many people who will be hit with morale and psychological problems, on top of financial woes.
'We hope to form a support group through the site, offer online counselling to those going through difficult times, and eventually get employers to publicise job openings online.'
The site, which was started only last week, will be officially launched in late February, said Mr Goh. It cost the two friends a few hundred dollars each to set up.
For both men, surviving unemployment had not been easy. Mr Tay quit his job as a bank officer in 2002 because he was then facing 'personal family problems'. He was then taking home more than $100,000 a year.
For the next five years, he survived by trading in the stock market and other investments, but his ventures eventually failed when the market crashed.
Mr Tay, who is an engineer by training, has been spending the past six months looking for full-time jobs in engineering and banking.
Said Mr Tay, who has three children below 15: 'I'm willing to settle for less than half of what I was earning in the finance sector previously, but it's still difficult and demoralising.
'Employers in engineering say I don't have sufficient experience in the field, while those in banking say I've been unemployed for too long.'
Mr Tay said he has been surviving on his savings. His wife has also been working part-time as an administrative officer.
He got to know Mr Goh through an online forum when he was looking for a job in December last year.
Said Mr Goh: 'We started chatting online and realised we had similar experiences. That was when the idea for the website started.'
Mr Goh was previously an insurance agent, earning up to $6,000 a month. He left his job for further studies, and returned in 2003, but could not find a job for almost two years.
He recalled: 'Back then, my expectations were too high. I was looking for work that would pay me the same as what I was previously earning. That's why it was tough.'
For six months, Mr Goh, who is married with a 15-year-old daughter, was depressed and refused to leave his home. He was irritable and often argued with his family members.
It was through the support of friends and family that he eventually snapped out of his depression.
He decided to make a career switch. He got a diploma in psychology at a private school, and became a certified counsellor. He settled for about half of his last-drawn salary, and joined a voluntary welfare organisation here in 2005.
He left the social service sector in 2007 for a teaching position in China.
He returned to Singapore last year for a teaching position at a private school. He now earns about $4,000 a month.
Said Mr Goh: 'People who are unemployed for long periods will face morale and esteem problems.
'And in these hard times, there will be an increasing number of white collar workers who will be hit.'
The website currently offers the latest economic news, tips on how to manage finances and interview skills, and a forum to network.
Those facing emotional problems can also e-mail a volunteer counsellor for advice. The site's founders hope to eventually get employers onboard to publicise job openings.
Said Mr Goh: 'We want people who lose their jobs to know that they are not alone. There are people out there who can help them, and get them back on their feet.'
- The New Paper
Feb 2, 2009
Union leaders say retrenched workers need to manage job expectations
With more retrenchments expected after the post-festive period, union leaders said they will do their best to help those affected. But they stressed that workers need to approach the job market with an open mind to increase their chances of getting hired.
Some workers who lost their jobs last month attended their first day of a week-long retraining course, from February 2 to 9, which will prepare them for jobs in other industries.
The customised course is fully subsidised by the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and will provide these workers with career advice as well.
However, unionists said that workers must also learn to manage their expectations in the new job.
Josephine Teo, executive secretary, SISEU, said: "There is the expectations gap, which means that the workers can do the job but they find that the terms and conditions of those jobs may not be acceptable to them.
"For example, the pay could be too low and after deducting their expenses, they may find that it's not possible for them to take those jobs."
Although unionists are expecting a slump in the number of manufacturing jobs available, they are predicting an increase in job opportunities in the service sector.
The e2i currently has more than 6,000 immediate vacancies available in their jobs database.
Despite more retrenchments expected after the Lunar New Year, workers can look forward to more help. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will be doubling the number of training places from 110,000 to 220,000 under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) to retrain workers.
- Channel News Asia
Some workers who lost their jobs last month attended their first day of a week-long retraining course, from February 2 to 9, which will prepare them for jobs in other industries.
The customised course is fully subsidised by the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and will provide these workers with career advice as well.
However, unionists said that workers must also learn to manage their expectations in the new job.
Josephine Teo, executive secretary, SISEU, said: "There is the expectations gap, which means that the workers can do the job but they find that the terms and conditions of those jobs may not be acceptable to them.
"For example, the pay could be too low and after deducting their expenses, they may find that it's not possible for them to take those jobs."
Although unionists are expecting a slump in the number of manufacturing jobs available, they are predicting an increase in job opportunities in the service sector.
The e2i currently has more than 6,000 immediate vacancies available in their jobs database.
Despite more retrenchments expected after the Lunar New Year, workers can look forward to more help. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will be doubling the number of training places from 110,000 to 220,000 under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) to retrain workers.
- Channel News Asia
Jan 17, 2009
Top 5 hiring industries and where to go for help
HOSPITALITY: 20,000 jobs
Positions: Croupiers, butlers, doormen, chefs, waiters, retail assistants, animal trainers
Monthly Salary Range: $800 to $1,600
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION: 7,500 jobs
Positions: Teachers, teaching assistants
Monthly Salary Range: $1,200 to $2,700
HEALTH CARE: 6,000 jobs
Positions: Nurses, health-care assistants, physiotherapists
Monthly Salary Range: $1,000 to $3,100
RETAIL: 4,000 jobs
Positions: Sales assistants, cashiers
Monthly Salary Range: $900 to $1,600
SECURITY: 3,500 jobs
Positions: Security officers, auxiliary police
Monthly Salary Range: $1,200 to $1,800
TO LEARN more about how you can re-train in a different industry, or pick up new skills, go to:
Employment and Employability Institute (e2i)
141 Redhill Road, Block A, #01-01
Open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm; Saturdays, 9am to 1pm
Call 6474 0606
For job-matching and career counselling and assistance, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency's career consultants can be found islandwide at your neighbourhood Community Development Council:
Central Singapore CDC
HDB Hub Bizthree, 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #04-10
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6370 3410
North East CDC
3 Tampines Grande, #01-02, AIA Tampines
Open Mondays to Thursdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Fridays, 8.30am to 5pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 12.30pm
Call 6424 4000
North West CDC
900 South Woodlands Drive, #01-04, Woodlands Civic Centre
Open Mondays to Thursdays; 8.30am to 6pm; Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6767 2288
South East CDC
10 Eunos Road 8, #02-01, Singapore Post Centre
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6243 8753
South West CDC
The JTC Summit, 8 Jurong Town Hall Road #03-11
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6316 1616
For general enquiries, call the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sport's ComCare Call, a 24-hour social assistance helpline, on 1800-222-0000; or Singapore Workforce Development Agency on 6883 5885 during office hours.
- The Straits Times
Positions: Croupiers, butlers, doormen, chefs, waiters, retail assistants, animal trainers
Monthly Salary Range: $800 to $1,600
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION: 7,500 jobs
Positions: Teachers, teaching assistants
Monthly Salary Range: $1,200 to $2,700
HEALTH CARE: 6,000 jobs
Positions: Nurses, health-care assistants, physiotherapists
Monthly Salary Range: $1,000 to $3,100
RETAIL: 4,000 jobs
Positions: Sales assistants, cashiers
Monthly Salary Range: $900 to $1,600
SECURITY: 3,500 jobs
Positions: Security officers, auxiliary police
Monthly Salary Range: $1,200 to $1,800
TO LEARN more about how you can re-train in a different industry, or pick up new skills, go to:
Employment and Employability Institute (e2i)
141 Redhill Road, Block A, #01-01
Open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm; Saturdays, 9am to 1pm
Call 6474 0606
For job-matching and career counselling and assistance, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency's career consultants can be found islandwide at your neighbourhood Community Development Council:
Central Singapore CDC
HDB Hub Bizthree, 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #04-10
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6370 3410
North East CDC
3 Tampines Grande, #01-02, AIA Tampines
Open Mondays to Thursdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Fridays, 8.30am to 5pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 12.30pm
Call 6424 4000
North West CDC
900 South Woodlands Drive, #01-04, Woodlands Civic Centre
Open Mondays to Thursdays; 8.30am to 6pm; Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6767 2288
South East CDC
10 Eunos Road 8, #02-01, Singapore Post Centre
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6243 8753
South West CDC
The JTC Summit, 8 Jurong Town Hall Road #03-11
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 5.30pm; Saturdays, 8.30am to 1pm
Call 6316 1616
For general enquiries, call the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sport's ComCare Call, a 24-hour social assistance helpline, on 1800-222-0000; or Singapore Workforce Development Agency on 6883 5885 during office hours.
- The Straits Times
Jan 15, 2009
A nod to PMEs
THEY have the experience and are highly educated. So, sourcing information for jobs, in the event of retrenchment, should not be a problem. Professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) do not need employment assistance.
That is what the North East Community Development Council used to think — until now, that is.
After 43 PMEs approached the CDC in November — and90 last month — it has decided to offer such assistance, hitherto reserved for the needy, to this group.
PMEs can now register and state their employment requirements with the NECDC, which will then refer them for interviews with headhunting companies.
The CDC has found three partners — Sequoia Associates, CareerLink Consultancy and Corporate Headhunters — who possibly can match applicants to jobs as high up as a general manager position.
The NECDC expects to engage another six headhunters within the next six months.
This new PME programme — which can be found in a similar vein at Central CDC — is part of an extended economic relief package for retrenched residents in the North East that was unveiled yesterday.
The NECDC has doubled the budget set aside for such social assistance to $3 million and increased the total amount for its local schemes, which covers initiatives such as community bonding, from $7 million to $7.9 million.
In addition to PMEs, the North East Economic Relief package will help a wider group of residents now that per capita income criteria has been raised from $400 to $500 per household for schemes, for example, which provide assistance for daily provisions and transport.
NECDC expects 400 more residents to qualify under the new criteria. It now helps 2,000 residents.
Another new programme, the North East Dare To Venture Fund, offers seed funding of up to $10,000 to residents in the district to start up small social enterprises that can provide employment to the needy and benefit the community.
One successful applicant, Ms June Lim has been teaching handicraft since 1975 at community centres and was given a $5,000 grant for her business proposal to help others pick up the skill — and extra income.
One of the beneficiaries of her proposal, 48-year-old Josephine Toh, said: “By selling handicrafts, I’m able to add to my family income as my husband earns around $1,000 working overseas, and I have two children who are still in primary school.”
The NECDC has redeployed its staff from other grassroots programmes to devote more resources to these social assistance efforts. It is also looking to hire at least four full-time staff and six part-time staff to cope with the greater numbers seeking help.
North East District Mayor Zainul Abidin Rasheed said, “The assistance we give is not much. (Residents) may get $100 more. But at least they feel they get some help while they get retraining or a job. At least they can settle part of their bills such as power bills or take care of their children’s educational needs.”
Mr Zainul also hopes more corporate partners come on board. The CDC has had to dip into its reserves to cater to its bigger budget this year.
- TODAY newspaper
That is what the North East Community Development Council used to think — until now, that is.
After 43 PMEs approached the CDC in November — and90 last month — it has decided to offer such assistance, hitherto reserved for the needy, to this group.
PMEs can now register and state their employment requirements with the NECDC, which will then refer them for interviews with headhunting companies.
The CDC has found three partners — Sequoia Associates, CareerLink Consultancy and Corporate Headhunters — who possibly can match applicants to jobs as high up as a general manager position.
The NECDC expects to engage another six headhunters within the next six months.
This new PME programme — which can be found in a similar vein at Central CDC — is part of an extended economic relief package for retrenched residents in the North East that was unveiled yesterday.
The NECDC has doubled the budget set aside for such social assistance to $3 million and increased the total amount for its local schemes, which covers initiatives such as community bonding, from $7 million to $7.9 million.
In addition to PMEs, the North East Economic Relief package will help a wider group of residents now that per capita income criteria has been raised from $400 to $500 per household for schemes, for example, which provide assistance for daily provisions and transport.
NECDC expects 400 more residents to qualify under the new criteria. It now helps 2,000 residents.
Another new programme, the North East Dare To Venture Fund, offers seed funding of up to $10,000 to residents in the district to start up small social enterprises that can provide employment to the needy and benefit the community.
One successful applicant, Ms June Lim has been teaching handicraft since 1975 at community centres and was given a $5,000 grant for her business proposal to help others pick up the skill — and extra income.
One of the beneficiaries of her proposal, 48-year-old Josephine Toh, said: “By selling handicrafts, I’m able to add to my family income as my husband earns around $1,000 working overseas, and I have two children who are still in primary school.”
The NECDC has redeployed its staff from other grassroots programmes to devote more resources to these social assistance efforts. It is also looking to hire at least four full-time staff and six part-time staff to cope with the greater numbers seeking help.
North East District Mayor Zainul Abidin Rasheed said, “The assistance we give is not much. (Residents) may get $100 more. But at least they feel they get some help while they get retraining or a job. At least they can settle part of their bills such as power bills or take care of their children’s educational needs.”
Mr Zainul also hopes more corporate partners come on board. The CDC has had to dip into its reserves to cater to its bigger budget this year.
- TODAY newspaper
Jan 9, 2009
Helping mentally ill find jobs
EVEN in good times, job opportunities do not come easily for those suffering from mental illness, which is often stigmatised in the workplace.
But in the past few months, their job prospects have been hit further. They must compete with the recently retrenched, and companies have fewer jobs to offer.
However, at least three organisations here have made it a point to lend a helping hand. The Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), the Tze Hng Wellness Studio and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) are working with potential employers to find work for the mentally ill.
Next Monday, IMH will launch its latest rehabilitation programme, under which patients will undergo a three-month training stint at the hospital's Secret Recipe cafe. They will learn food-preparation and customer-service skills, earning $3 an hour. They will be guided by an occupational therapist or therapy assistant.
Hard at work too are staff at Bukit Gombak Group Homes, run by the SAMH. Executive director Rajeswari K. is having a hard time finding firms able to offer large contracts for simple jobs such as product assembly or packing. She fears 'the situation will get bleaker after Chinese New Year'.
Some, like social worker Helen Yong, 47, help to secure short- term or odd jobs. She said: 'They (patients) now have to compete with the elderly and foreigners.'
Staff are even making cold calls to firms to get jobs for their residents - recovering mental patients who are unable to live with their families. They ask the firms to 'give these people a chance' and help to coach job seekers.
- The Straits Times
But in the past few months, their job prospects have been hit further. They must compete with the recently retrenched, and companies have fewer jobs to offer.
However, at least three organisations here have made it a point to lend a helping hand. The Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), the Tze Hng Wellness Studio and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) are working with potential employers to find work for the mentally ill.
Next Monday, IMH will launch its latest rehabilitation programme, under which patients will undergo a three-month training stint at the hospital's Secret Recipe cafe. They will learn food-preparation and customer-service skills, earning $3 an hour. They will be guided by an occupational therapist or therapy assistant.
Hard at work too are staff at Bukit Gombak Group Homes, run by the SAMH. Executive director Rajeswari K. is having a hard time finding firms able to offer large contracts for simple jobs such as product assembly or packing. She fears 'the situation will get bleaker after Chinese New Year'.
Some, like social worker Helen Yong, 47, help to secure short- term or odd jobs. She said: 'They (patients) now have to compete with the elderly and foreigners.'
Staff are even making cold calls to firms to get jobs for their residents - recovering mental patients who are unable to live with their families. They ask the firms to 'give these people a chance' and help to coach job seekers.
- The Straits Times
Dec 29, 2008
Middle class gets help from CDC
SOUTH West Community Development Council (CDC) is the first council in Singapore to offer a help package for residents affected by the recent economic downturn, including those from the usually neglected middle-class group.
Retrenched Singaporeans whose monthly household income is $2,500 and below, and are deemed to be in need of help, qualify for the South West CDC's Interim Coping Package for Economic Downturn (iCope).
This is unlike most national financial aid schemes where only those with monthly household incomes of $1,500 and below qualify.
'We want to reach out to more people who may need help,' said Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of the South West District.
'The lower-middle class may face difficulties with mounting bills, but they don't qualify for national help schemes.'
Next year, South West CDC has budgeted $1.5 million - more than treble the amount spent this year - to fund the iCope package for up to 10,000 retrenched workers and poor families.
Its help package combines new initiatives and existing ones. Among the new initiatives are a one-off transport grant of $50, workshops for retrenched workers and an internship scheme.
Some job seekers were apprehensive about switching to a different industry, said Dr Khor, so it is hoped that the internship scheme will give them an understanding of a new industry.
Besides the new initiatives, retrenched workers living in areas such as Jurong and Chua Chu Kang, can also access the CDC's existing help schemes.
These include food rations and vouchers for utilities.
- The Straits Times
Retrenched Singaporeans whose monthly household income is $2,500 and below, and are deemed to be in need of help, qualify for the South West CDC's Interim Coping Package for Economic Downturn (iCope).
This is unlike most national financial aid schemes where only those with monthly household incomes of $1,500 and below qualify.
'We want to reach out to more people who may need help,' said Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of the South West District.
'The lower-middle class may face difficulties with mounting bills, but they don't qualify for national help schemes.'
Next year, South West CDC has budgeted $1.5 million - more than treble the amount spent this year - to fund the iCope package for up to 10,000 retrenched workers and poor families.
Its help package combines new initiatives and existing ones. Among the new initiatives are a one-off transport grant of $50, workshops for retrenched workers and an internship scheme.
Some job seekers were apprehensive about switching to a different industry, said Dr Khor, so it is hoped that the internship scheme will give them an understanding of a new industry.
Besides the new initiatives, retrenched workers living in areas such as Jurong and Chua Chu Kang, can also access the CDC's existing help schemes.
These include food rations and vouchers for utilities.
- The Straits Times
Dec 27, 2008
'Help, we're jobless'
MATCHING people with jobs here is usually done by the public and private agencies and welfare organisations.
But would it be a good idea for lower-income workers who don't fit in the conventional categories to display their skills at a 'flea market' for jobs? Self-help is to be lauded but should people hit the streets to hunt for jobs when the situation here isn't grim?
A New Yorker, aged 59, did just that last month in Manhattan by wearing a large sign that read, 'Almost homeless'. For nine months, he had looked for work with no success. So he turned to the streets. His effort landed him interviews and encouragement from fellow New Yorkers.
We don't want Singaporeans to do the same here because we are socially organised in a different way. But what about the idea of a job fair on the streets for lower-income workers with special skills or needs? Since their numbers are small, going public might help to match them directly with those who can use such one-of-a-kind skills.
But are Singaporeans ready to announce their search for a job publicly? We put it to a test.
Two undercover reporters, one aged 25 and the other 43, stood outside Raffles Place MRT from noon to 1.30pm yesterday. Each wore a sign which said he was 'looking for a job'.
How did people react?
WILL a flea market for lower-income workers with special skills and needs work? This remains to be seen.
But I stood on the streets with a jobless sign and three people offered me jobs.
One, a bank employee who did not want to be named, said he would give my telephone number to some people he knew who managed private bank accounts in the Middle East. He told me: 'Go to the Middle East, that is where they are hiring people.'
Insurance agent Dave Tiang, who is in his 40s, gave me his name card and invited me to call him. He was looking for financial consultants or insurance agents.
Two lifestyle promoters, who looked to be in their early 20s, were curious. One of them later asked me what work I was willing to do.
I replied that I was willing to do anything that was honest. He gave me a name card belonging to Mr Justin Colond and asked me to call him.
The three did not ask about my age or experience.
When told about the purpose of the experiment, they took it in good spirit.
Mr Tiang said: 'The method caught my attention. I gave you both job offers since I am looking for people for my organisation.'
The bank employee said: 'Well, it might be better to send resumes to prospective employers.'
Mr Colond, 24, managing director of a firm organising promotional tie-ins with merchants here, felt that while such signboards would attract attention, he did not think it would lead to many job offers.
A woman in her 40s said: 'Go overseas and work, but don't go to Hong Kong as the employment situation is bad there.'
Wearing a sign in the street might get sympathy, said Mr Adrian Tan, managing director of employment agency RecruitPlus Consulting, but not jobs.
He said: 'It is unlikely to work among large numbers of people as the general reaction of Singaporeans is to ignore them altogether or just take photographs.'
Ms Kathleen Chew, assistant vice-president of JCGSearch International, said the method was out of the box. Such methods are common in the US, she said, but unlikely to be popular among Asians.
Ms Chew said: 'Many people, especially Asians, will not be willing to do it because they are afraid of losing face. They would not like highlighting the fact they are jobless.'
Ms Amy Hoon, a consultant with JAF Consulting Pte Ltd, said using such signboards can be effective in getting people to be interviewed by potential employers or HR consultants, but suitability for employment would still have to be decided on resumes and work experience.
- The New Paper
But would it be a good idea for lower-income workers who don't fit in the conventional categories to display their skills at a 'flea market' for jobs? Self-help is to be lauded but should people hit the streets to hunt for jobs when the situation here isn't grim?
A New Yorker, aged 59, did just that last month in Manhattan by wearing a large sign that read, 'Almost homeless'. For nine months, he had looked for work with no success. So he turned to the streets. His effort landed him interviews and encouragement from fellow New Yorkers.
We don't want Singaporeans to do the same here because we are socially organised in a different way. But what about the idea of a job fair on the streets for lower-income workers with special skills or needs? Since their numbers are small, going public might help to match them directly with those who can use such one-of-a-kind skills.
But are Singaporeans ready to announce their search for a job publicly? We put it to a test.
Two undercover reporters, one aged 25 and the other 43, stood outside Raffles Place MRT from noon to 1.30pm yesterday. Each wore a sign which said he was 'looking for a job'.
How did people react?
WILL a flea market for lower-income workers with special skills and needs work? This remains to be seen.
But I stood on the streets with a jobless sign and three people offered me jobs.
One, a bank employee who did not want to be named, said he would give my telephone number to some people he knew who managed private bank accounts in the Middle East. He told me: 'Go to the Middle East, that is where they are hiring people.'
Insurance agent Dave Tiang, who is in his 40s, gave me his name card and invited me to call him. He was looking for financial consultants or insurance agents.
Two lifestyle promoters, who looked to be in their early 20s, were curious. One of them later asked me what work I was willing to do.
I replied that I was willing to do anything that was honest. He gave me a name card belonging to Mr Justin Colond and asked me to call him.
The three did not ask about my age or experience.
When told about the purpose of the experiment, they took it in good spirit.
Mr Tiang said: 'The method caught my attention. I gave you both job offers since I am looking for people for my organisation.'
The bank employee said: 'Well, it might be better to send resumes to prospective employers.'
Mr Colond, 24, managing director of a firm organising promotional tie-ins with merchants here, felt that while such signboards would attract attention, he did not think it would lead to many job offers.
A woman in her 40s said: 'Go overseas and work, but don't go to Hong Kong as the employment situation is bad there.'
Wearing a sign in the street might get sympathy, said Mr Adrian Tan, managing director of employment agency RecruitPlus Consulting, but not jobs.
He said: 'It is unlikely to work among large numbers of people as the general reaction of Singaporeans is to ignore them altogether or just take photographs.'
Ms Kathleen Chew, assistant vice-president of JCGSearch International, said the method was out of the box. Such methods are common in the US, she said, but unlikely to be popular among Asians.
Ms Chew said: 'Many people, especially Asians, will not be willing to do it because they are afraid of losing face. They would not like highlighting the fact they are jobless.'
Ms Amy Hoon, a consultant with JAF Consulting Pte Ltd, said using such signboards can be effective in getting people to be interviewed by potential employers or HR consultants, but suitability for employment would still have to be decided on resumes and work experience.
- The New Paper
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