Call for help.

Dear Reader

Sorry for the lack of updates recently.

I finally found some time off a busy schedule the past couple of months to pen (type?) down some thoughts, and I felt I needed to share what’s been on my mind.

Those people who know me personally would know that I used to be a consultant at an executive search agency. I probably represented the most mercenary of all creatures who walk the face of the corporate world, and I do admit, I was having a good time while I was still in the business, money-wise.

Up until some close friends of mine got retrenched, and then I realized I lacked the capacity to help them even though I thought I was a top biller in my industry, did it strike me that perhaps I had let the mercenary part of the business get the better of me. I could have been using my networks and contacts to be doing something more meaningful to help others, but I guess being selfish, and wanting to be comfortable myself, it didn’t occur to me that I could have used the skills that I picked up professionally to help those in need.

For the past months since March 2010 (last recorded activity here on Sponsor a Job), I joined another headhunting firm, and recently I decided to quit for good. It may sound crazy, but after 5 years of being a gun for hire, I decided to quit an industry where I was adept at and making good money—because honestly I am getting sick of what I was becoming.

I’ll be starting a new business venture in the media industry soon, and at the same time, I would like to make Sponsor a Job a more active venture than a passive cry for assistance.

Which brings me to my next point. I’m wondering if there are people out there who believe in what I hope to do and achieve with Sponsor a Job, and if anyone would be keen to join me on this little mission. Ultimately, I am a one-man band, but I think having more on board would mean we can make that little difference.

I am still pretty much a one-man crusade. I need more people to believe in what Sponsor a Job can do, and come on board to help me achieve the vision of helping those in need seek gainful employment—without asking anything in return.

Granted, I may not be able to garner a large team to help me on this, but even if it is just one or two individuals who are willing, I think it’s a good start, and I welcome anyone to join me in this.

If you are keen to be part of Sponsor a Job, please write me at roy.phang@yahoo.co.uk.

Everything else, I hope that 6 months down the road, Sponsor a Job can become a credible platform to help fellow Singaporeans in their quest for finding jobs in an increasingly crowded job market.

Sincerely,

R.P.

Admin & Accounts Assistant

ADMIN & ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

• Able to manage accounts, banking and finance updating, responsibility of invoice monitoring, payment processing and petty cash
• Day-to-day book-keeping which includes AR, AP and GL functions (manual and program)
• Perform month end closing activities (ie monthly accural for sales & expenses, entries for adjustments & correction)
• Other ad hoc duties as and when assigned
• Provide on-going administrative support

Requirements:

• Min GCE “O” Levels with certified accounting qualifications
• Have accounting knowledge with experience in above position min 2 years
• Merticulous with an eye for detail
• Strong analytical skills
• Highly organized and proactive with “can-do” attitude
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Powerpoint, Word, Excel)
• Preference for those who are immediately available.
• Singaporean citizens and Singaporean PRs only.

To apply for the position, please forward latest CV to tpsg_jobs@teleperformance.com.sg.

URL: http://www.teleperformance.com.sg

CNA: Employment prospects set to become vibrant this year

SINGAPORE: According to the Hudson Report, hiring expectations have not been so high since 1998 when it first started issuing such reports.

Of the over 1,500 key employment decision makers in Asia surveyed, 51 per cent of bosses expect more hiring to take place in the first quarter of this year.

This is quite a contrast indeed from the previous quarter when the figure was 34 per cent.

Last year, employees suffered pay cuts and restructuring seemed to be the order of the day. It was even worse for graduates entering the workforce for the first time.

But now, besides better hiring prospects, employees can expect more money as well. Respondents in most industries expect to pay higher salaries to attract talent. In fact, only eight per cent said they will not be increasing wages.

According to the survey, most are planning to give out much higher bonus payments this year. In fact, about 74 per cent of them plan to pay discretionary year-end bonuses for 2009.

Even though the overall mood seems buoyant, some analysts remain cautious.

Jimmy Koh, UOB economist, said: “It is recovering and it is normalising – even the expectations of hiring is a normalisation process, but it will take a while because 70 per cent of global GDP is still struggling.”

David Ang, executive director, Singapore Human Resource Institute, said: “You’ll probably get these people on contract basis, on part-time basis, on project basis and so on.

“So, while there’s increased hiring, I think one also needs to see in what way these are the permanent employment opportunity vis-a-vis other types of employment opportunities.”

The survey said hiring expectations are very high for the banking and financial sector. Another sector reflecting major expectations of job opportunities is the media, advertising and public relations industry. – CNA/vm

Product Packing and Mechanical Technician (Permanent role)

Global broadcasting and digital television equipment company seeking experienced individuals for the position of Product Packing & Mechanical Technician (permanent role)

Details:

• 5 day workweek, 9.30am – 6.30pm
• Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager
•  Product packing for shipment
•  Receiving of incoming parts
• Product mechanical assembly
• Inventory material count
• Product testing
• NITEC or Higher NITEC (mechanical or electronic)
• requires an organized person with good workmanship
• basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel is required

Interested applicants, please contact Roy at roy@thomas-j.com

Interview cancelled, but why?

A friend of mine who has a hearing-impairment problem was supposed to have an interview with Xilinx on Wednesday, and he had been looking forward to a change in his career after spending 10 years with his company.

The friend of mine currently works as an operations executive, and the position he applied for with Xilinx was for Data Analyst. The position is a lot different from what he was doing, but I had advised him to go for it, as it may represent an opportunity for a different job scope that enhances his work experience.

On Friday, he was supposed to send over an application form and confirm his attendance at the interview, and it was there and then he was told the interview was cancelled, and that “the position is closed”. We went to check out the Xilinx job posting on JobsDB.Com, and it’s still listed as open [see link here]

Now, in my years of headhunting, I have never come across a company that says it’s interested in interviewing a candidate one moment, and in a matter of 2 days, before you even met the candidate you scheduled to meet, says the position is closed and the interview is cancelled.

Here’s the email correspondence forwarded to me by my friend (names omitted):

 

—– Forwarded Message —-
From:
To:
Sent: Fri, December 11, 2009 4:40:07 PM
Subject: RE: Cancelled: Your interview confirmation – 16 Dec’09 (Wed) 3pm – Application for Data Analyst (Code :IRC42049)

The position is closed.

---

From:
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 4:20 PM
To:
Subject: Re: Cancelled: Your interview confirmation – 16 Dec’09 (Wed) 3pm – Application for Data Analyst (Code :IRC42049)Hi,May I know the reason for this cancellation?
Please do feel free to be frank as it would help me to fine tune my job search.

With best regards,

---

From:
To:
Sent: Fri, December 11, 2009 9:20:12 AM
Subject: Cancelled: Your interview confirmation – 16 Dec’09 (Wed) 3pm – Application for Data Analyst (Code :IRC42049)HiI am sorry that this appointment has to be cancelled.

Please feel free to browse our website for other positions.  If you found another position you are keen on, please re-send your resume to jobs@xilinx.com .

Thanks & Best regards,

---

From: Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 8:59 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Your interview confirmation – 16 Dec’09 (Wed) 3pm – Application for Data Analyst (Code :IRC42049)Hi,Thank you for confirming the interview timing.
I have completed the job application form and attached it in PDF format with this email.

With best regards,

---

From:To:
Sent: Thu, December 10, 2009 3:36:21 PM
Subject: Your interview confirmation – 16 Dec’09 (Wed) 3pm – Application for Data Analyst (Code :IRC42049)Hi,

Your interview with Xilinx has been scheduled on 16 Dec, 3pm at:

Please print and complete the attached application form.  Thereafter, please scan and send it back to me.  If you do not have a scanner, please bring the form on the day of interview.  Alternatively, you may arrive 10min before the interview to get a copy from our reception and fill it up at our place.

• Do a registration at main lobby and the security will bring you up to the 4th floor 

Unemployed for 12 mths, looking for career change in training

Hi,

I have been unemployed since Nov 2008. I have 14 years experience in Project Management and Customer Quality. I worked 3 years in Shenzhen China as Sect. Mgr Customer Quality before returning to Singapore in Dec 2007 after my contract expired. I am now looking for a career change in Training and Development. I completed the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) course in Jul 09. Currently I’m a freelance Trainer conducting Cover Letter & Resume Writing and Interview & Jobsearch skills course at South East CDC to help the unemployed better equip themselves to find a job.

I am looking for a full-time job to have a stable income. I’m able to facilitate training in soft skills such as communication, presentation and personal effectiveness skills as well as manufacturing skills in process and quality improvements.

If you know of any opportunities, do email me at tangim@singnet.com.sg. I would be glad to send you my Resume.

Thanks for your help.

Regards

Gim Leong