First impressions never count more than during a job interview.

CareerBuilder.com recently surveyed more than of 2,700 hiring managers about mistakes job applicants make. While some of the responses were to be expected, some were a bit strange and downright odd.

The mistakes are listed by ranking order:

1. Inappropriate attire
2. Boredom or lack of interest
3. Criticizing a current or previous employer
4. Arrogant attitude
5. Answering a cell phone or texting during the interview
6. Vague answers
7. Not asking good questions

The hiring managers were also asked for their observations and opinions on interviewee attitude and attire that belonged in the “Hall of Shame.”

1. One candidate wore a business suit and flip-flops.
2. A job-seeker asked if the interviewer wanted to meet later for a drink.
3. The candidate who applied for an accounting job said he was “bad at managing money.”
4. One hungry candidate asked for directions to the employee break room to eat after the interview.
5. A candidate recited poetry.
6. A candidate for a customer service job told the interviewer, “I don’t really like working with people.”
7. One person had to leave because his dog had gotten loose in the parking lot.
8. A job-seeker spent the entire interview staring at the ceiling.
9. Asked to provide an example of teamwork, one candidate cited his Dungeons and Dragons experience.

Regarding inappropriate attire, it is better to err on the side of caution, or do a drive by a couple of days before your interview and see what employees are wearing. If you decided to take a chance and apply on the spot, be sure you are properly dressed.  A friend told me that she recently saw and spoke with a young woman she had not seen in a while, the young woman told her she was going into the building to apply for a job. My friend, a long-time gatekeeper of a high ranking executive explained to the young woman that she needed to return to apply when she wore something more appropriate and business-like. I do not know the outcome, but I am sure it was better than it would have been.

Read Career Builder’s article Feel Like Giving Up On Your Job Search? 5 Way to Shake things up, here  http://bit.ly/apmws3

 A couple of things to remember about meetings: (1) don’t waste someone’s else’s time, (2) take care not to be the reason for a canceled meeting. In many cases, know that time equals money.

If you are asked to RSVP a meeting or event, do so even if you have told to the person in charge of the event that you will attend. I have found that it is the little things that can make or break good will. 

• Don’t arrive too early. More than 10 minutes early is wasting your time and perhaps someone else’s, if they must entertain you while you wait. Also, you can become fidgety and annoyed that other’s may be late, if it appears they may not arrive on the dot. 

.  Send in that RSVP. Then mark your calendar, if something comes up, make contact and let the proper person that you will not be able to attend the function. No one likes to be left hanging, and it is just plain rude. 

• Confirm your appointments the day before. Let people know you’re conscientious; they’ll likely follow suit in the future. This is also an extra nudge or reminder to you as well.

• Bring some easy to do work with you. If you must wait, it cuts down the wasted time if you bring something else you can work on in the meantime. Anticipate that you may be waiting at least 10 minutes.

Summer’s here, and that usually means it’s time to hit the road for a vacation.  

  Whether your idea of relaxation involves rock climbing or lounging by the pool, you can enjoy a stress-free trip (or at least minimize the hassles) with some basic planning:

• Involve your children. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, get them engaged in the preparations. Asking them what they want to see and do, and incorporating their wishes as much as possible, will lead to a smoother experience.

• By Air–pick your time/follow new rules. Flight delays and crowded airplanes rarely improve the quality of your trip. When flying, your best bet is to travel Monday through Wednesday, early in the day. Fly direct if possible to cut the chances of your luggage getting lost (or having to drag your carry-ons from one end of the airport to the other). Make sure you have checked airline rules and regulations. Follow all directives etc., to the Nth degree.

• By car or rail–pack some snacks. Kids and adults get cranky when they’re hungry. Carry along something healthy to eat: granola bars, raisins or other dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, and treats for when you or your kids need something special.

• While away–schedule downtime. Don’t try to cram too many activities into the day. Rushing through one museum to get to the next one, and the one after that, will quickly grow exhausting. Allow some time to relax, watch TV, read, or take a leisurely stroll. A afternoon nap while on vacation is the ultimate treat for me. 

• Don’t allow drastic change to normal routine. For small children specially, maintaining some elements of a regular routine will keep things running smoothly. Bedtimes, regular meals, and normal rules of behavior provide a comforting sense of structure. If you normally read at night, bring a book or two.

• Prepare to be flexible. Expect delays and mishaps, so they don’t stress you out. Break the schedule when something more interesting comes up. If you want to spend more time in a museum that intrigues you, do it. You may not have the chance again.

If you belong to any group at some point you may be asked to become involved in the groups’ fundraising activities. Cookies, candy, calendars, gift wrap, spices, you name it. 

  If you have children it is almost a given that you will be expected to help your kid sell goodies. You may end up doing a lot of the selling yourself, at work. Be sure you know and obey the rules of selling at work; if there if a no soliciting policy in place take care to follow those rules. If you are allowed to sell in the workplace, do so quietly, do not turn off co-workers by being intrusive and annoying.  And remember that your job comes first.

Here are some tactful ways of selling in the workplace:

1. Don’t announce your fundraising efforts via office e-mail. Office equipment should be used only for business.

2. Pick and choose to whom you’ll make a personal appeal. Enlist the support of interested parties and people who’ve been helpful before.

3. Use central locations to post sign-up sheets and flyers. Try the office kitchen during non-lunch hours or public bulletin boards.

4. Thank supporters. After the fundraising drive, buy them a box of doughnuts or bagels. Show them you really appreciate their contribution to your child’s efforts.

5. Get your child to write thank-you notes. A short note of appreciation to all your co-workers who contributed goes a long way toward building support in the future.