Dear reader

Thank you for dropping by Sponsor A Job.

I work as an executive search consultant in Singapore, and some of you may find it strange that a professional who is normally engaged in “chasing numbers” by emplacing candidates for  his clients would take it upon himself to want to think of starting a free community service seeking to link unemployed persons with job opportunities.

In my line of work, I have encountered many a candidate who has faced unemployment due to retrenchments or being afflicted with a temporary illness that renders them unable to work, or even victims of stereotyping and prejudice at work– whatever the case, these individuals have struggled to make ends meet during their unemployment. While I emphatise with those with challenging situations, being a professional headhunter means I have to adhere to the interests of my clients, not to the plight of the candidates. To be honest, it was an inner struggle that on one hand, I have a job to do; on the other, being Christian, I would like to extend a helping hand to those I’ve come across, and often I find myself frustrated that I can’t help everyone even with my network and influence over clients.

Then some time in Nov 2009 I came across a non-profit group on Facebook called Job Angels in Canada, and what struck me was the simple yet effective idea behind the whole set-up: it’s so simple an idea that I honestly felt like kicking myself for not thinking about it sooner– referrals. Or more correctly put, it’s collective referrals through the use of social networks that are already prevalent and so easily available, thanks to the Internet and other social networking tools. Thus was born Sponsor A Job.

It is my hope that through Sponsor A Job, my fellow Singaporeans who find the going tough because  of unemployment may find opportunities that could lead to full-time gainful employment. I look forward to more people coming forth to join me in Sponsor A Job: it costs nothing more than a referral of either a job opening or telling us about someone you know who has had problems finding a job– yet it could make a big difference to the well-being, security, and self-esteem of that one person and his or her family.

Help me make Sponsor A Job a meaningful and successful endeavour. Thank you.

regards

Roy Phang