By Emily Mentzer, Lebanon Express writer | Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 12:00 am
When Jeff Roberts graduated from Lebanon Union High School in 1973, he wanted to do something different.
He joined the U.S. Army.
Although Roberts said his experiences in the military were rewarding, they did very little to enhance his civilian career.
After 20 years, he said he found the Army's promise of civilian employers looking to ex-military as the next generation of corporate leaders to be a myth.
"I struggled for the first two years to find gainful employment," Roberts said. "The experiences from military life and the specific training we received do not translate well into the corporate world, despite what military recruiters tell you."
Roberts' trials and tribulations as a job-seeker inspired him to write a book, "I Need a Job, Badly!"
Being rejected for "one job after another will cause you to rethink some of the things that seemed to have worked in the past, but no longer do and why they don't," Roberts said.
"Writing this book was an extension of my journey down the road of 'real-life adventures' in the corporate world."
He said the job market has turned into an employers' market, where they can wait to select the perfect candidate, or wait until the economy turns around before hiring.
"Many companies are just not willing to hire yet," Roberts said.
Roberts said his book is different from other publications addressing interviewing and resume writing.
"The majority of the authors … have worked for the same company all their lives," he said. "They haven't got a clue what the remainder of the corporate world is looking for in a candidate right now."
Others, Roberts said, are consultants who are on the speaking circuit.
"Many of the so-called experts are rehashing the same old 'Peter Pan' advice, 'Second star to the right and straight on till morning,'" he said. "Sounds good, but this advice does little if you are attempting to navigate through the rough job market we are in right now."
Some of the topics covered in Roberts' books include: how the internet has affected job seeking, both positively and negatively; new ways of job searching; how to set realistic goals and avoid scams.
Roberts has experience writing technical papers and training programs, so making the transition to author came naturally.
"Writing is my world," he said. "Writing a book and having it published is a life-long dream for any aspiring writer."
Roberts said growing up in Lebanon taught him many things, starting with the value of money.
"I worked at several summer jobs each year and found work throughout the school year, as well," he said.
Roberts learned the value of friendships and how important family ties can be.
"I was encouraged by my teachers and friends to expand and grow into something different," he said.
Having lived all over the U.S. and the world, Roberts said life has been different for him than for other classmates.
Roberts resides in Kenosha, Wis., and works in Illinois.