A job-seeker who transformed himself into a roadside advert has been offered a position by charity – The Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Smile Foundation.

When Craig Driver positioned himself on the A165, in Coniston, carrying a banner asking for work, a Smile Foundation staff member driving by recognised him.

She immediately called her boss to say Craig was a perfect fit for the charity which had one building related post unfilled and was about to attempt to recruit to another role.

HEY Smile Foundation’s CEO Andy Barber and Head of Business and Communications, Ann Newlove looked into Craig’s CV and after speaking at length, agreed he was an ideal candidate.

Ann said: “Craig’s unusual approach to job seeking made him stand out. But it wasn’t his suit, tie and roadside vigil, that made us snap him up! Craig has exactly the skills we’re looking for and haven’t been able to find.  He comes to us with experience of construction and facilities project management as well as the softer skills we need from a previous role as a housing officer.”

She added: “The charitable sector has a recruitment crisis and finding people with a can-do attitude that will help us to build stronger, healthier, and happier communities is important to our success. Craig is just what we need. We wish him and his family well.”

Craig left his job in construction after suffering a stroke in 2019. He has applied for scores of jobs since then and had more than a dozen interviews, but he faced tough competition because of the pandemic.

Craig, who lives with his wife Diana and their seven-year-old son in Brandesburton, hit the headlines when his desperation to find a job led to him standing by the road for six hours a day, for a week earlier this month.

He said: “I am ecstatic to have been offered a job by Smile. It is an inspirational organisation and it is amazing to be a part of something that makes a difference in so many lives. Like anyone starting a new job, I am nervous because I want to do the best possible job, but I know I have found an amazing team to work with.”

“I’ve been despondent and dejected and I needed that to change. I have a wife and a little boy I want to look after them. I now have that chance.”

Craig’s post has been shared hundreds of times on LinkedIn and Facebook. He has received an overwhelming level of support, one man stopped in the pouring rain to give him an umbrella, and others offered him financial support, connections, and advice.

He said: “The respect I have for the communities of this region is incredible. People showed me so much kindness. I don’t know how to say thank you. I am glad I have a job that will help me to give back. I’m so very grateful for all the help I have received.”

Smile manages a diverse portfolio of projects that reach thousands of people in need. Craig’s work will be focused on its diverse property estate which includes J B Willows Working Men’s Cottages, Hull Youth Support Trust, a community of start-ups, in High Street, Hull, and Crown Community a centre that unites charities in Quay Road Bridlington.