We have formulated a few simple steps to help you maximize your success at any Bessire & Associates Sales Recruitment Event:

1. Before the event, do your homework. Investigate the company by learning about their products and services, market share, industry, competition, etc.

2. Come dressed in business attire. Remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression. We judge impact in the first seven seconds of meeting someone. Make it count.

3. Try to keep an open mind. You may have come to an event specifically to meet with certain companies, and that's fine. However, do yourself the favor of considering opportunities with other companies at the event. We ask that you learn about other companies and industries. Remember--you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by interviewing with as many companies as possible.

4. Ask questions. Not just the obvious questions about the company, position, product, etc. Ask the tough questions as well. What about market share? Turnover? Why is this position open? Companies will respect you for asking the tough questions. You are interviewing the company as much as the company is interviewing you.

5. CLOSE. Close the company to secure a second interview. Our research has shown that 62% of salespeople do NOT CLOSE. Remember: How you sell yourself to the company tells your interviewer how you will sell their company and products. Demonstrate your sales ability by doing what you say you can do -in the interview. Ask when you can expect to hear from them. Give a specific date and action. For example, "If I don't hear from you by Friday at Noon, I'll give you a call." Ask how you stack up against other interviews they've had that day.

6. Plan to stay at the event a minimum of 3 hours. This will give you plenty of time to interview several companies or industries.

All of these tips are designed to help you stand out as a higher caliber sales professional.