I just let my dream job get away and feel like I'm at the end of the road. How can I chase and find the next opportunity?

Q: I interviewed for a great job, but my enthusiasm was initially lukewarm because it was a departure from what I’ve been doing and required I move to a new city. As I got further in the process, I got more excited and decided I really wanted it. But it was too little too late, and they hired someone else. I feel like I lost my dream job and I’ll never have as great an opportunity. Is there a way to fix this?

-Regretful prospective candidate

Dear prospective candidate,

I’m sorry you are feeling so down.

I don’t know enough to know if there is still an opportunity now or down the road at this organization, but I do have some advice for the next time you’re in this situation. And I do hope that will be soon. I encourage you to keep looking and keep interviewing. I know it doesn’t feel like it when you’re so focused on the one that got away, but I can promise you there are other amazing opportunities for you. You just have to look for them and be open to seeing them.

This is not the end of the road. More likely this misstep will turn into pathway to something else. You’ve already learned a lot through this process. Mostly, you know that you want to try something different. It’s time to figure out how you’re going to get moving on where you are intended to go.

Here’s what you should do now:

Put together a plan and attack it with vigor. Are you seeing enough new opportunities? Can you work with a recruiter, network more, hang out near the so-called watering holes?

Consider all kinds of opportunities, including those with your current employer. It’s possible that you might even fall in love with your current job or find a path to growth where you are. When you’re more open to opportunities you will be able to see them better.

Invest more of yourself from the beginning of each process because the more you can learn about an opportunity the more you can assess whether it is right for you. And the more of you they see, the more they will get to know you.

Engage fully and take an active interest so that they want to hire you. Whether you go is your choice, but you want to do everything to set yourself up so you can have the chance to make the choice.

Try to learn what went wrong in the last process and keep in touch with the folks over there. I wouldn’t assume the opportunity will come back but it’s possible the new hire won’t work out, or there will be a different role that could also be a fit, or maybe they know of another opportunity for you. It never hurts to stay connected.

Remember to be respectful to and appreciative of your current role, even as you explore other options.

There's likely another great job for you—and probably several, some of which may require changes like moves and some that will not. Think more about what you want or what you would consider beforehand, so you’re better prepared to go for the opportunity and present as someone who’s ready and enthusiastic to jump aboard.

Every week I respond to a new question. Ask me your question in the comments section.