# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fashion Month has just concluded (Sept. 14 - Oct. 6) and that's too bad. There's really nothing better, in this writer's obviously biased opinion, then watching showcases of luxuriant and out there fashions. We saw highlights from Loewe, subverting said luxury with a bit of a wink and some very bubbly looking garms; on a separate note, we also had the privilege (not really) of witnessing a sneaker collaboration between Cole Haan (the folks who make the dress shoes you get at the mall) and workplace messaging company Slack.

Let me be clear: I am not a serious sneakerhead (I'm more partial to vintage sweatshirts). But it doesn't take a genius to recognize the irony of a collab between a shoe designer (the object that is responsible for covering the feet that take you places, though not right now of course) and an application optimized for our work-from-home times. In other words, it's a fashion object that perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of the moment. How 2020.

But I digress. One thing fashion shows don't highlight is the supposed new normal: party on bottom and business on top. For all those video chats and zoom meetings we are now in the habit of wearing business or business casual on top and sweats (or just plain underwear) on bottom. Basically, WFH has us all weary of actual pants. Add virtual job interviews to the mix, which are still happening despite the dismal economy, and the whole thing is a recipe for disaster, like the time I poured lemon juice into my milk-based banana smoothie.

So I thought now would be a good time (you're not doing anything, right?) to run through a refresher on interview dress codes that specifically factor in the virtual nature of the interviews themselves. And yes, it will require pants.

What's the Job?

This is a question you need to ask yourself. Because the type of job you're interviewing for, like it or not, will determine at least a bit the type of outfit you should wear for your interview. The rise of Silicon Valley coincided with a more casual, more laidback work style. If you're applying for a job at an artistic or creative company you might expect things to be more casual as well.

But the Finance world is still as formal as ever. In-between all these options are still even more variance. It's enough to make you give up and go back to watching Emily in Paris and rooting for Lily Collins' eyebrows. But don't quit. Lucas Bravo can wait.

1. Take a moment to research the industry you're looking to get a job in. This is as basic as it gets. You're simply gauging what the industry standard is for now.

2. Next, research the specific company you're applying to. This will give you a clue as to company culture. There will also usually be photos on the company website that may indicate some of the dress code rules for current employees.

There are a bunch of industry specific interview dress code guides out there ( here's one from 2018 for Finance). In most cases, the safest bet, for both men and women, is a business casual outfit. Below we'll dive into what that means, even on your computer screen.

A Better Business Casual

The Indeed.com Career Guide on dressing for interviews says "business casual generally means dressing professionally without being overly formal." Forgo the t-shirt and pockmarked jeans (as well as the Patagonia baggies I'm sure you're wearing right now).

The gentleman in the photo above has the right idea (thought to be fair I can't see if he's wearing pants or not). His collared shirt is pressed and neat and his hair is properly attended to. You can't go wrong with a white or blue dress shirt, tucked in (there's that pesky pants problem again). A formal blouse with a casual jacket or blazer works well for women as well.

If you find your home office a little chilly, add a sweater, cardigan, or blazer on top. The temptation here is to go with one of those so-called "fun" sweaters, but don't fall into that trap. This is a job interview, not a chance to show off your latest ugly Christmas sweater. Keep it neutral: grays, blues, browns are all excellent options and will invariably go with the rest of your ensemble.

On a personal note, I'm a fiend for second-hand, thrifted, and vintage clothing. Fashion is wreaking havoc on the Earth's climate (hey, I live there!) and big shocker: we don't have a back-up planet (though I hear Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are making tremendous headway on that front. Elon, call me please!). Check out your local second-hand store, Goodwill, or apps like Depop and Poshmark for great finds at discount prices. I'm serious on this one.

Confidence is Key

Now you've got some clothing options, what next? This is where fit comes into focus. A lot of job interview dress articles will leave you here, with a few ideas for your wardrobe and that's it. But not me. I wouldn't do that to you.

Why does fit matter?

The actual fit of the clothes matters so much for a few reasons.

1. Makes you appear neater.

Your prospective employer wants to know that you put effort into preparing for your interview, including how you dress and appear. It signals your readiness to answer any and all questions. For whatever reason, employers correlate appearance with effectiveness. Like it or not, we may as well make the best of it.

2. Makes you more confident.

When you look better, you feel better. It's just that simple. Coming in to an interview (even virtually) with your best duds will make you ready to tackle any questions they throw your way. And the confidence will translate and carry to the interviewer, even through the computer screen.

The Elephant in the Room (aka Pants)

Now I wouldn't normally do a whole different section on pants for an article like this. I would have simply mentioned a solid pair of chinos or slacks for guys (again in neutral colors) and the same or a pencil skirt (at least knee length) for the gals. But these are pandemic times we're living in: previously unimagined, unforeseen, unintended. So the question is: should you put on pants for your virtual job interview?

* Sigh. Braces for thrown vegetables.* Yes, yes you should. Bear with me! Wearing exactly what you would for an in-person job interview (pants and maybe even shoes too!) will put you in the right headspace to succeed. You don't want to spend any part of your interview thinking about the fact that you're currently wearing the same pair of underwear for the third straight day. You want to be focused on the interviewer's questions and, so long as your new clothes fit right, that's exactly what you will be doing.

Brush Up those Manners

I know I said this was all about clothing. That was a little, white lie. Because a job interview, even a virtual one, is simply more complicated than putting on a shirt sans stains and calling it a day.

1. Show up on time (or early!).

There's a great joke by Mike Birbiglia about how early lasts for hours, on-time lasts just a SECOND, and then late is (*ominous voice*) forever. It's true in real life, and it's even true virtually. But showing up early is more complicated digitally; I would recommend clicking the link (for Zoom) or pressing call (for Skype or other platforms) about a minute before the scheduled time. Some platforms (like Zoom) will put you in a virtual waiting room until the host is ready or leave you in the meeting until the other party shows up.

2. Sit up straight.

I'm not your parent, telling you to sit up straight at dinnertime. When you interview virtually there are fewer mistakes to make (like giving someone a weak handshake, looking too slovenly, etc.), but that also means that each little detail counts for more. So sit up straight and smile for the camera.

3. Make sure your space isn't too distracting and is as neat as your brand-new outfit.

It's okay to have art on your walls and even to have your bed in the background of your call. We're all dealing with imperfect solutions and limitations of space right now. But make sure the art that is visible is relatively tame or tasteful and doesn't signal anything about yourself you wouldn't want your prospective employer to know. The bed thing is simple: Just. Make. Your. Bed. Done, there you go.

While online video tools are reliable, they aren't the same as normal conversation. I don't recommend too many verbal listening cues (uh-huhs, yeses, and the like). Keep things nonverbal with a nodding head (do not be a bobble head though). Slightly tilt your head to the left or right as you listen as well. This is an excellent nonverbal signal that shows you're paying attention.

Final Thoughts

You can see that dressing for your next job interview is about so much more than just clothes. It's about attitude, preparation, and telegraphing to your future employer that you want this job. The old adage of " dress for the job you want, not the job you have" applies here. If the job you currently have is "professional Netflix binger" (me too!), but the job you want is in Accounting, Cybersecurity, or something else entirely, then you need to dress for it. Of course, if finding a job at all is your issue (which is more than understandable) consider heading back to school to brush up on your skills and certificates. I've said it before and I'll say it again. We're living in stressful times. Don't let your next virtual job interview stress you out even further.
Visit Career Services at Coastline College
This press release was produced by the Coastline College Blog. The views expressed are the author's own.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coastline College: How-To Time - Job Interview Dress Codes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fashion Month has just concluded (Sept. 14 - Oct. 6) and that's too bad. There's really nothing better, in this writer's obviously biased opinion, then watching showcases of luxuriant and out there fashions.

# data[].attributes.body
Intermediate level

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Page 1

Are you also an English teacher?

High quality PDF lesson plans.

Full teacher notes - zero preparation time.

mp3 listening materials.

Full color flashcards for grammar/vocabulary teaching.

Thousands of content members from around the world.

Lesson plans in both British and American English.

★Spring/Summer Coupon Discount★
$8 off Lifetime Membership. Enter coupon code 8LIFE at registration.
(valid to September 15th)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Listening - Intermediate | esl-lounge Student

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Page 1 High quality PDF lesson plans. Full teacher notes - zero preparation time. mp3 listening materials. Full color flashcards for grammar/vocabulary teaching. Thousands of content members from around the world. Lesson plans in both British and American English. ★Spring/Summer Coupon Discount★ $8 off Lifetime Membership. Enter coupon code 8LIFE at registration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Join the Eartheasy Community

Understanding the differences between types of plastic will help you make better decisions in choosing and recycling plastics...

The well-recognized "chasing arrows" symbol we see on plastic containers and products does not mean the product is recyclable. The little number inside the triangle tells the real story.

Within each chasing arrows triangle, there is a number which ranges from one to seven. The purpose of the number is to identify the type of plastic used for the product, and not all plastics are recyclable or even reusable. There are numerous plastic-based products that cannot break down and cannot be recycled.

Understanding the seven plastic codes will make it easier to choose plastics and to know which plastics to recycle. For example, water bottles that display a three or a five cannot be recycled in most jurisdictions in the US. A three indicates that the water bottle has been made from polyvinyl chloride, a five means that it's been made of polypropylene, two materials that are not accepted by most public recycling centers.
Here are the seven standard classifications for plastics, and the recycling and reuse information for each type:

#1 - PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products, and is found in most water and pop bottles, and some packaging. It is intended for single use applications; repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. PET plastic is difficult to decontaminate, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals. Polyethylene terephthalates may leach carcinogens.

PET plastic is recyclable and about 25% of PET bottles in the US today are recycled. The plastic is crushed and then shredded into small flakes which are then reprocessed to make new PET bottles, or spun into polyester fiber. This recycled fiber is used to make textiles such as fleece garments, carpets, stuffing for pillows and life jackets, and similar products.

Products made of #1 (PET) plastic should be recycled but not reused.

#2 - HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE plastic is the stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is a relatively simple and cost-effective process to recycle HDPE plastic for secondary use.

HDPE plastic is very hard-wearing and does not break down under exposure to sunlight or extremes of heating or freezing. For this reason, HDPE is used to make picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins, park benches, bed liners for trucks and other products which require durability and weather-resistance.

Products made of HDPE are reusable and recyclable.

#3 - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a soft, flexible plastic used to make clear plastic food wrapping, cooking oil bottles, teething rings, children's and pets' toys, and blister packaging for myriad consumer products. It is commonly used as the sheathing material for computer cables, and to make plastic pipes and parts for plumbing. Because PVC is relatively impervious to sunlight and weather, it is used to make window frames, garden hoses, arbors, raised beds and trellises.

PVC is dubbed the "poison plastic" because it contains numerous toxins which it can leach throughout its entire life cycle. Almost all products using PVC require virgin material for their construction; less than 1% of PVC material is recycled.

Products made using PVC plastic are not recyclable. While some PCV products can be repurposed, PVC products should not be reused for applications with food or for children's use.

#4 - LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

LDPE is often found in shrink wraps, dry cleaner garment bags, squeezable bottles, and the type of plastic bags used to package bread. The plastic grocery bags used in most stores today are made using LDPE plastic. Some clothing and furniture also uses this type of plastic.

LDPE is considered less toxic than other plastics, and relatively safe for use. It is not commonly recycled, however, although this is changing in many communities today as more recycling programs gear up to handle this material. When recycled, LDPE plastic is used for plastic lumber, landscaping boards, garbage can liners and floor tiles. Products made using recycled LDPE are not as hard or rigid as those made using recycled HDPE plastic.

Products made using LDPE plastic are reusable, but not always recyclable. You need to check with your local collection service to see if they are accepting LDPE plastic items for recycling.

#5 - PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene plastic is tough and lightweight, and has excellent heat-resistance qualities. It serves as a barrier against moisture, grease and chemicals. When you try to open the thin plastic liner in a cereal box, it is polypropylene. This keeps your cereal dry and fresh. PP is also commonly used for disposable diapers, pails, plastic bottle tops, margarine and yogurt containers, potato chip bags, straws, packing tape and rope.

Polypropylene is recyclable through some curbside recycling programs, but only about 3% of PP products are currently being recycled in the US. Recycled PP is used to make landscaping border stripping, battery cases, brooms, bins and trays. However, #5 plastic is today becoming more accepted by recyclers.

PP is considered safe for reuse. To recycle products made from PP, check with your local curbside program to see if they are now accepting this material.

#6 - PS (Polystyrene)

Polystyrene is an inexpensive, lightweight and easily-formed plastic with a wide variety of uses. It is most often used to make disposable styrofoam drinking cups, take-out "clamshell" food containers, egg cartons, plastic picnic cutlery, foam packaging and those ubiquitous "peanut" foam chips used to fill shipping boxes to protect the contents. Polystyrene is also widely used to make rigid foam insulation and underlay sheeting for laminate flooring used in home construction.

Because polystyrene is structurally weak and ultra-lightweight, it breaks up easily and is dispersed readily throughout the natural environment. Beaches all over the world have bits of polystyrene lapping at the shores, and an untold number of marine species have ingested this plastic with immeasurable consequences to their health.

Polystyrene may leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen, into food products (especially when heated in a microwave). Chemicals present in polystyrene have been linked with human health and reproductive system dysfunction.

Recycling is not widely available for polystyrene products. Most curbside collection services will not accept polystyrene, which is why this material accounts for about 35% of US landfill material. While the technology for recycling polystyrene is available, the market for recycling is small. Awareness among consumers has grown, however, and polystyrene is being reused more often. While it is difficult to find a recycler for PS, some businesses like Mailboxes Etc. which provide shipping services are happy to receive foam packing chips for reuse.

Polystyrene should be avoided where possible.

#7 - Other (BPA, Polycarbonate and LEXAN)

The #7 category was designed as a catch-all for polycarbonate (PC) and "other" plastics, so reuse and recycling protocols are not standardized within this category. Of primary concern with #7 plastics, however, is the potential for chemical leaching into food or drink products packaged in polycarbonate containers made using BPA (Bisphenol A). BPA is a xenoestrogen, a known endocrine disruptor.

Number 7 plastics are used to make baby bottles, sippy cups, water cooler bottles and car parts. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic food containers often marked on the bottom with the letters "PC" by the recycling label #7. Some polycarbonate water bottles are marketed as 'non-leaching' for minimizing plastic taste or odor, however there is still a possibility that trace amounts of BPA will migrate from these containers, particularly if used to heat liquids.

A new generation of compostable plastics, made from bio-based polymers like corn starch, is being developed to replace polycarbonates. These are also included in category #7, which can be confusing to the consumer. These compostable plastics have the initials "PLA" on the bottom near the recycling symbol. Some may also say "Compostable."

#7 plastics are not for reuse, unless they have the PLA compostable coding. When possible it is best to avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA. PLA coded plastics should be thrown in the compost and not the recycle bin since PLA compostable plastics are not recyclable.

The plastics industry has conformed to regulations by applying the required codes to consumer products, but it is up to individuals to read and understand the codes. By understanding these simple classifications, we can best use plastics to our advantage while minimizing the health and disposal issues that may otherwise arise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Plastics by the Numbers - Eartheasy Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Understanding the differences between types of plastic will help you make better decisions in choosing and recycling plastics... The well-recognized "chasing arrows" symbol we see on plastic containers and products does not mean the product is recyclable. The little number inside the triangle tells the real story.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this remastered classic, we return to Scotland's deadly past, where one person's accusations of witchcraft could bring an entire community to its knees. And don't miss the brand new bonus story at the end!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ESL Quiz - Active or Passive (Vera Mello) I-TESL-J

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a quiz for students of English as a second language. You can take this quiz and then check your answers right away. This is one of the quizzes from The Internet TESL Journal's 'Self-Study Quizzes for ESL Students'.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Past Simple and Past Continuous Narrative Tenses - Describing Accidents