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You’ve dressed immaculately, you have your resume, pen and paper ready to go, and you know that you can answer any question they throw at you. As you sit down to interview, you answer the questions with ease. Sure, there might be a couple of things you were hazy on, but most of what was asked from you was answered reasonably well. Then, days go by (maybe even weeks) and you don’t hear back from them. After a while, you receive the rejection letter.

If you’ve ever dealt with rejection (if you’ve interviewed, I’m sure you have), then you know how disappointing it is to lose a job after feeling confident that you were perfect for the position. The toll it takes is usually a kick to your confidence.

The rejection is probably the worst part of the interview process. You can’t allow yourself to lose confidence and persistence. The fact is that some jobs you interview for are just not right for you. It could be personality, skills, or the company’s need for someone more qualified. This doesn’t mean you won’t find the right job for you.

Keep your confidence high. Relax and start interviewing again. The rejection of one interview can mean an even better job in the future, so consider it a blessing in disguise. One, two, or even three rejections doesn’t mean you will be unable to find work. Consider re-reading your resume. Perhaps it is in need of a makeover. Professional resume services can help you bring out the best and strongest of your assets.

Be productive and analyze your interviewing techniques. Perhaps you need to dress differently or answer questions more directly. Whatever you do, don’t try to lie through questions. Make sure you’re honest and forthright in your skills. Most interviewers can pick up on small details that give away dishonest people.

Finally, when that right job does come around you will look back on this time as experience. The task of interviewing is stressful and overwhelming for some people, but looking back it can enhance communication for your next interview goals.

Many cities will hold job fairs occasionally for the workers in the area to have access to several area employers all at once. This is a convenient way for employers and employees alike to discuss possible recruiting opportunities. For employers, it is an easy way to have access to many different candidates at once and to put a face with a name. Employees can meet with potential employers and hand out their resume in the hopes of getting a call back interview. Sometimes employers will even do a cursory job interview on site to see if a particular individual is suited for their company.

However, in order for employees to make the most of these job fairs, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration. First, you should be aware that employers are looking at a lot of candidates in a very short period of time. They are also sizing the potential candidate up very quickly. This means that you will need to make an impression very quickly also. In order to be most effective at a job fair you have to be prepared.

Keep in mind that the people at job fairs typically are not the hiring managers but are recruiters or human resource personnel. Their primary objective is to eliminate those candidates unsuitable for the position. Although there are times an interview may be conducted, generally it is a quick meet and greet where the company is evaluating your demeanor and glancing over your qualifications. It is your chance to make a good first impression. If you do well your chances of a follow up interview is good but if you do poorly you will likely get no further regardless of your skills and qualifications.

Make sure to dress for the occasion wearing a classic suit. Regardless of where the venue is held, treat it as if you were coming in for the interview of your life. Look your professional best. Make sure you have available all your documentation in hard copy that you will need and that it is neat and organized. You should have multiple copies of your resume and any supporting documentation such as letters of recommendation. Look organized and have access to a pen and paper, preferably in a leather bound notebook or something similarly professional.

If the job fair employers were listed prior to the job fair, take some time to research the companies and see whether or not you may be interested in working for them. Make notes of which you would like to pursue and which you would not bother with. This will save you valuable time. If you do not have access to this information, take some time at the beginning of the fair simply to walk around, gather literature and observe without engaging anyone in conversation. If you can, listen to what the recruiters are saying to others who are around their booth or table. This can give you valuable insight into the organization when it comes time to approach.

Be aware that employers will ask what you are looking for. Make sure you have a valid, succinct answer at the ready that indicates your specific career goals. Inquire what the employer is looking for in a candidate. If you are talking at such depth at this time, you may have some ability to expand on your skills. Whether you have a quick introduction or mini interview, ask what it will take to get a call back interview and express your interest in pursuing it. Take notes as to what will be needed and follow through with those as soon as possible.

Always be sure to thank the recruiter for their time and get their business card or contact information. You do not want to rely on them contacting you while you wait by the phone. Instead, take charge. If you follow through with emailing a resume after the job fair, reference the job fair, who you spoke with and any particulars that are pertinent in your cover letter.

To make the most of a job fair you need to be prepared. Research the companies either before the job fair or during before approaching. Look and act your best in order to make a good first impression. Finally, make sure to follow through with any instructions after the job fair and remind the recruiter that you are interested and ideal for the position.