Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Finding a Job Question: I was working in a major bank as a private banking relationship officer. I resigned a year ago due to personal matters. Now, I am trying to get a job. Although, I made a lot of interviews I cannot get a job. Calliope Answer: Absent of details of your work history and what - if any - obstacles it might present, let me point out that, generally speaking, it is a bit more challenging to get a job after an absence from the workplace - voluntary or otherwise. However, the fact that you are getting 'a lot of interviews' suggests that your documents are in good order. That your background and credentials are appealing. If that is the case, there are three other important areas for you to concentrate on in order to 'land the job': your interviewing skills; successfully addressing the resignation from your last job; and your references. If your leave-taking from your former position might be presenting a roadblock, insert a discussion of this situation early - and on your own terms - in any interview you think will result in reference checking. Be honest and neutral in presenting what happened. If your version is unlikely to match the version of a necessary reference, ask your potential employer to also speak to any meaningful allies you might have left behind. Do not leave this situation to chance, particularly, if there is some critical information that might result. This makes it all the more important for you to present the happenings in a positive way, as a growth experience, and confidently move on in the interview. Concentrate on powerfully summarizing your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique to filling the position that's open. As you determine what they can do for you, persuasively present what you can do for the company. Start by fully addressing the job description, stressing your ability to exceed the requirements. Fluently detail any key qualities that match what the company is seeking. Present what would be your unique contributions. Display attention, enthusiasm and energy. Leave the interview with the clear picture of YOU as the solution to the challenges the waiting position presents. Frequently, one of the reasons people do not get the job is because they don't ask for it. Once you've found the position that feels right to you, express the depth of your interest. Frankly state that you have interviewed for several positions and that this one is the best match, the one that interests you the most. That you are keenly interested in the position and want to pursue it seriously. Most companies find it very compelling when a qualified candidate so candidly expresses desire to work for them. Finally, if you think the snag is in the final negotiations regarding salary or benefits, be certain that your requirements are in keeping with today's market conditions, your proven credentials/salary history and the prospective company's ability to afford you. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.