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The job market is competitive today. Employers often get dozens of applicants for positions. Imagine being a simple line in a queue of applications, with a similar resume to ten other qualified candidates. Sometimes, it takes the extra effort to get called in for an interview. Here some ideas from the Cydcor sales blog to make an impression that will get you where you want to go when job hunting.
What are some great things you’ve done to get noticed in the past?

Cydcor Reviews Platform by Michael Hyatt
Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
By Michael Hyatt
Review by: Gail Michalak

Description of this book: Getting noticed is getting increasingly more difficult. The Internet has made is free and easy for anyone to fill the world with information. If you are a writer or a business owner, having a strategy to build and audience is key to sustaining income. Publishing executive Michael Hyatt explains how to create a compelling product and combine it will a meaningful platform. This book has been endorsed by marketing guru Seth Godin, best selling author Dave Ramsey, and former Yahoo! Executive Tim Sanders. Hyatt explains how to get traffic to your website over and over again and build the life you want to lead.
Why people should read this book: Whether you want to drive sales, promote yourself for a job, publish a book or become a blogger, this book explains how to build an audience and make a good impression. Hyatt also guides you through using all the major social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. This book will help you navigate an increasingly digital world. It is important not to get left behind.
My favorite part: Michael Hyatt writes with honesty from his own experience. He is not afraid to expose his own stories of failure before he hit success. His words are encouraging but also honest, he assures you there is no “quick fix” when it comes to building your platform, but that hard work can pay off once your strategy is in place.
Gail Michalak is the VP of Marketing and Communications for Cydcor. Gail overseas all of Cydcor's digital media, public relations, corporate communications and marketing efforts.


We know little things can add up to a big difference. In continuing our fundraising work for Operation Smile, we have been collecting recyclables and donating the proceeds!
We placed recycling containers designated especially for Operation Smile fundraising around the office. Once they are filled, a Cydcor team member volunteer brings the items to the recycling center to collect the refund.
We have already raised enough for one Smile (each one is $240) and are well on our way to another – our current tally is almost $380!
Since partnering with Operation Smile in 2010, Cydcor and volunteers from its network of independently-owned sales companies have raised enough to fund two medical missions, and are well on the way to a third! The missions take place in areas of the world with limited medical care; a team of professionals provide cleft palate surgeries to those who would have no way of obtaining the surgery otherwise.
We’re really excited about each and every dollar we are able to raise and contribute. Operation Smile is our passion. Recycling is so easy to do and can really add up – and make a difference.
Cydcor is happy and proud of its efforts to give back to the communities that support our business. You can donate to the Cydcor Operation Smile page today and make a difference in a child’s life.


Cydcor began a project working with EARTHS magnet school this year to mentor and tutor students for the elementary school.
Each day of the week, two different team members from Cydcor volunteer for an hour in one of these classrooms, working with children and teachers on a variety of projects and learning sessions.
Last year, Cydcor team members created literacy kits for faculty, which contained games and activities for students to encourage reading comprehension. Volunteers also assisted the school in a gardening project – in line with the earth science focus of the magnet school.
“Cydcor volunteers are a true gift to our students! Our kindergarten children look forward to interacting with the Cydcor staff, and their presence allows students to receive individual and small group time,” said Jennifer Boone, principal of EARTHS. “The time and impact mentors have on our children is priceless. Cydcor is a true example of a business that gives back to the community.”
“Our goal is to support EARTHS by mentoring the kids, helping them cultivate confidence in their own skills and abilities,” said Cydcor Chief Operating Officer Vera Quinn. “Gaining the academic skills to succeed is just one part. Mentorship is so important to the overall development of children, and we really want to make a difference in their lives.”
To see more of Cydcor's work at the EARTHS magnet school, head over to the Cydcor Flickr page.


Cydcor has renewed its commitment to EARTHS Magnet School and is continuing to send team member volunteers to the Environmental Academy of Research Technology and Earth Sciences (EARTHS) Magnet School to work with children in grades K/1 and K/2, further demonstrating their commitment to their community.
Each day of the week, two different team members from Cydcor volunteer an hour in one of these classrooms, working with children and teachers on a variety of projects and learning sessions.
Last year, Cydcor team members created literacy kits for faculty, which contained games and activities for students to encourage reading comprehension. Volunteers also assisted the school in a gardening project – in line with the earth science focus of the magnet school.
“Cydcor volunteers are a true gift to our students! Our kindergarten children look forward to interacting with the Cydcor staff, and their presence allows students to receive individual and small group time,” said Jennifer Boone, principal of EARTHS. “The time and impact mentors have on our children is priceless. Cydcor is a true example of a business that gives back to the community.”
“Our goal is to support EARTHS by mentoring the kids, helping them cultivate confidence in their own skills and abilities,” said Cydcor Chief Operating Officer Vera Quinn. “Gaining the academic skills to succeed is just one part. Mentorship is so important to the overall development of children, and we really want to make a difference in their lives.”
This year, Cydcor will also be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive for the families in need at EARTHS. Last year, they were able to help 100 families; this year, they plan to make a difference in 115 families’ lives. Additionally, over the next year, Cydcor team members will continue volunteering time and their role as a community partner with the school.
Want to learn more? Check out Cydcor on Facebook and Twitter.
About Cydcor
Cydcor is the leading provider of outsourced, face-to-face Cydcor sales teams to a diverse client base of companies in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, office products, retail, energy, and financial services. Serving Fortune 500 and emerging market clients in the business-to-business, residential, and retail channels through in-store marketing initiatives, Cydcor works with a network of more than 350 independently-owned corporate licensee (ICL) Cydcor sales offices, providing clients access to more than 4,300 sales professionals. The privately-held company is based in Westlake Village, California. For more information about Cydcor, go to www.cydcor.com.
Cydcor
Gail Michalak, 805-277-5500
There is nothing like a perfect song to get pumped up for the morning. At Cydcor, we know working in sales takes energy and motivation. Here is a list of some of our favorite songs to get you ready for work.
What are your favorite songs to fire you up for work?

At Cydcor, we work hard. Sales is a difficult career that anyone can succeed at through determination and strong relationship building. That's why it's important as a team to have as much fun as we work! Check out the pictures from our Halloween party below:






In sales, people have to have to interact with each other all day. Success in sales comes from being able to feel confident and comfortable in most situations. At Cydcor, we do our best to present the most effective sales teams around. One way to easily improve your sales confidence can be as simple as taking two minutes to stand powerfully.
Nonverbal communication has a lot of value in society. How we interact with each other can lead to very important decisions in life, such as whether someone is hired, sued, or accepted for a date. One second of political candidate facial expressions can predict election outcomes 70% of the time.

In addition to using body language to judge others, social psychologist Amy Cuddy has reported research that the way we move and carry ourselves also affects the way we judge ourselves. Further, many body expressions and postures reflect similar positions in the animal kingdom. When we are afraid we make ourselves small and meek, trying to appear insignificant. When we want to display power, we make ourselves big and open.
Power stances are known across the animal kingdom. Also, that powerful people express power chronically as well as in moments of victory. Even people who were born blind have been showed to display the upward v shape with the arms after winning something, the way racers do when they cross a finish line.
When powerful people and fearful people interact, body language reflects this as well. People unaware of fear will often shrink in the face of an open power stance without realizing it. Professor Cuddy realized the difference in power stances in the classroom, and decided to try an experiment to see if grades would improve on students she trained to stand powerfully.
The results were stunning. It turns out that powerful stances for two minutes actually increase hormones that contribute to self-confidence and assertion. So the fake-it-till-you-make-it strategy actually has a physiological affect that helps people be more confident and assertive. See the amazing talking by Professor Cuddy below:

We had a happy Halloween here at Cydcor! The office was full of great costumes and creative pumpkins for the holiday. Check out our great pictures and our album on Cydcor Flickr!




How was your Halloween?
Health and wellness are an important part of Cydcor company culture. We value our team and want them to the be the best fleet of sales people in the business. We also want Cydcor team members to feel like their best selves.
Confidence and good moods are key building successful sales relationships. There are some good personal exercises to build confidence, but the best practice for mood boosting is to incorporate foods that will energize and provide balance. We all know nutrition and exercise play a huge role in our overall health, but did you know that eating for good moods is possible as well?
Getting essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, antioxidants and omega fats are great for feeling good and getting out into the world. While they may not provide super powers right away, some great foods to keep on hand might just give that competitive edge in the world of sales.
Avocados are high in fiber, vitamin K, and folic acid. Fiber and the healthy fat in an avocado will make you feel invigorated and full. Vitamin K keeps your skin fresh and bright, and folic acid is helpful for mood boosting. These green fruits are ideal for bringing out your best self.
Hazelnuts are also rich in fiber and good fats, but their secret ingredient is their high magnesium level. Magnesium helps to keep stress levels low by regulating blood pressure and helping with calcium absorption. It can also help regulate heart beats.
Eggs are an excellent source of choline, protein and omega-3 fats. Choline is a micronutrient that helps to regulate the brain. They are also one of the few foods that contains vitamin D, which helps fight against depression and ward off disease.
What are your power up foods to get you ready for the sales floor?
Cydcor review by: Gail Michalak, Chief Marketing Officer at Cydcor
Book: Talent Masters by Bill Conaty and Ram Charan
Description: This book is a description of how to judge exceptional talent within organizations and how to leverage that talent into success for the business. Bill Conaty has worked closely with legendary CEO Jack Welsh of General Electric and Ram Charan is a consultant that has worked for large corporations all over the world. Both authors contend that smart leaders put their people first, which leads to better revenue and company culture. Much like Talent Wars, the previous Cydcor Review, Talent Masters details an effective system for managing talented team members and getting the best results.
Why people should read Talent Masters: Leaders should read this book to learn ways to move talent from the lower rungs up the corporate ladder. This is the best way to assure teams perform at their top level. Entry-level employees should read this to take notice of what traits to embody and how to prepare for success at a higher level. Any professional can benefit from this book by learning how to think about running a team or an organization more effectively. The book is also a good reminder that top performers at one level won’t necessarily perform the best at all levels.
My favorite part: Differentiation breeds meritocracy, sameness breeds mediocrity. This is a good way to summarize the idea of celebrating the individual talents of employees and how to capitalize on their strengths. It is also important to remember that recruiting people from other companies is often a good way of bring fresh ideas and more energy to a position, as long as the new person can assimilate into company culture.
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