When buying online, one major concern by any buyer is the sizing and finding the correct size for them. Although it is okay to return and exchange products ordered online but then we all know it’s a little bit inconvenient. One would want to be able to order items left and right knowing that it would fit them. Unfortunately, different brands have different manufacturers and not only do their colors/hues and tints differ but their sizing may differ by one or two numbers, too. Add to that are what you see as women’s size, junior fit, and missy fit and it makes you ask what the differences are between this sizes. When it says contemporary fit does it mean it’s different from regular and classic fit? What does it mean when you read slim-fitting when compared to regular fit clothes or the plus-size clothing? What does it mean when it says H on the size?

Since online clothing stores are a plentiful these days and makes shopping so much more convenient, more and more people are buying online. Getting fitting and sizing problems would cause people to have problems or hesitate to pursue their online shopping. This is not a problem encountered by customers looking for pants, dress or even plain t-shirts but also in all kinds of work uniforms. So, let us define simple terms for better understanding and an easy way for you to look for the items that would fit you and communicate the sizing details to the sales person you are talking with.

Junior Fit: This fit is designed for the teenage body, pre-teen and young -teen, which has not fully developed. The cut is straighter with less curves, less definition between the hips and waist, and smaller in the bust. For the tops, the cut is made to fit a higher than average bust (not larger) and shorter back. The rise of the crotch area is shorter from waistline to inseam than that of missy sizes. Junior size is meant to bridge the gap between children’s size and missy sizes as the body changes.It is designed trendy, casual and youthfully styled, and more suitable for school and casual going and even first job wear.

Junior Sizes are displayed in odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 with size 13 as the upper limit but still there are manufacturers who extend their size range into size 19.

Missy Fit: Missy size, sometimes also called misses sizes, is designed for more mature women with fully developed body. Compared to junior size, missy size is cut more generously in the bust and hips. Most average-sized women fit best in missy size once they are out of their teens and in their early twenties. Missy clothing style tends to be more tailored than women’s size clothing which tends to be looser.

Missy Sizes are displayed in even numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 20 with missy size 18 as the upper limit but still there are manufacturers who extend their size range into size 20.

Plus-Size: Plus size clothing tends to refer to clothing made for women who wear a size 14 in the US or 16 in the UK. But then plus-size can vary between different manufacturers, whether in a brick stores or online clothing stores, so it’s a little bit harder to understand. It is wrong to say that plus-size is the term given to clothing proportioned specifically for overweight people but the correct term should be full-figured women.

Dress Shirts

Tailored-Fit/Slim-Fit: Dress shirts are slightly tighter around the chest and sides.

Standard-Fit: Dress shirt has a slightly baggy, but traditional "full-cut" appearance.

Athletic Cut: These are the dress shirts that have a full chest but are tapered at the waist.

Oversized/Relaxed Fit: These are the dress shirts that are considerably larger than a regular fit. It allows a 2 to 4 inches additional circumference than actual bust/chest measurement.

Clothing

Regular/Relaxed Fit clothing is sized between the generous and slim fits. It tends to skim most body types comfortably; regular fit pants and shirts have a little extra fabric than slim fit clothing.

Slim Fit clothing refers to any garment that fits the wearer close to the body and slim-fit styles are quite tight. Slim fitted pants, shirts, and other garments don’t have extra fabric hanging or draping anywhere.

Generous/Full Fit clothing refers to any garment that is loose and it usually has extra fabric hanging or draping anywhere than a regular fit, allowing 2”- 4” additional circumference than actual chest/bust measures.

Image Source: google.com

Readers know that I have constantly blog about what is happening with the economy and which jobs are doing well and which are not. The most recent one talked about how there are so many jobs available but needing skilled workers. What for me is important is that the government and big corporations help each other. The government ensures that there is less dropouts since education is very important. My most recent article showed that unemployment rate for those with high school diploma are high but so much is the rate for high school dropouts. And the median earnings in 2010 for those with bachelor’s degree and higher education were higher than those without.

Fresh graduates and entry-level applicants have had it bad since the start of the recession. Not only are they not able to pay the huge debt (student loan) incurred in order to finish their studies but they are having a hard time looking for a job. For one, employees are asking for experience which they cannot provide and since they are not given a chance to start working they won’t be able to put any on their CVs.

The media have been chronicling the fact that young graduates are struggling to look for a job and finding an alternative in entrepreneurship or starting up a small business. It is said that the trend of quitting a job or opting out of their corporate shirts and starting up a business is something that the media likes to hawk on the papers these days. Another thing that has been mentioned is that millennials are finding it easier to live and work abroad to look for greener pastures or find their success in other countries. It has been reported that wages in Asian countries are high, particularly Japan and South Korea, and cost of living is pretty much lower than the US. Also, in this case, the element of adventure and travel are part and parcel of the career opportunities abroad.

Another option though has come up which they say is better than starting up a business since there is no start-up costs to consider. Freelancing is the word of the day. According to Wikipedia:

A freelancer, freelance worker, or freelance is somebody who is self-employed and is not committed to a particular employer long term. These workers are often represented by a company or an agency that resells their labor and that of others to its clients with or without project management and labor contributed by its regular employees. Others are completely independent. 'Independent contractor" would be the term used in a higher register of English.

Although it has long been thought that freelancing is only for those people who want to shuck their corporate shirts in favor of cheap t-shirts and work-at-home because they don’t like their boss, we have to recognize the fact that there are also individuals who chose freelancing simply because they need to take care of their babies and in this case it’s usually the stay-at-home-moms or SAHMs or because they want to be their own boss.

Freelance Folder further explains that:

The idea that freelancing could also be an ideal career choice for a new graduate may be new to some people, but in reality, it’s the perfect option.

If you are a graphic design graduate and have ambitions of joining a professional agency, you’ll discover that the competition for these positions (even lower-paid junior positions) is extremely high. Thus, no matter how passionate you are, you simply may not have a diverse enough portfolio of work and satisfied client recommendations to back up your credentials as a graphic designer.

Freelancing on a variety of jobs, working with a diverse clientele, is the perfect way to expand your portfolio when you’re fresh out of college. Moreover, to the client, opting for a graduate freelancer may be the more economical choice over opting for a big-name agency or other seasoned professional.

Freelancing may not have been an option before but it is something that bears looking into for those who at the moment cannot find a job but have a lot of skills in – writing, graphic designing, website programming, website design, video production and editing, copy editing and proofreading, and many more. Actually, freelancing need not be an option for fresh graduates, even students, can start doing freelancing; all they have to do is search for the freelancing job that works for them. The one thing that one has to take care of is that you also need to build an online reputation and so it is important to keep your word especially with regards to the deadline.

Image Source: Freelance Folder and Dzinepress.com

Fashion experts have always said that color is the simplest way to update your wardrobe, whether it is your work uniforms, corporate clothing or casual polo shirts and t-shirts. Adding a few cool-weather pieces in the most popular hues will help you stay as trendy as the next red carpet walker throughout the fall and winter. No need to empty your pockets with a very expensive wardrobe overhaul, just add a few pieces that coordinate well with the basic cuts and colors you have in your wardrobe and voila you are on your way to a fashionable wardrobe.

Deep Plum, Eggplant or Phlox
Plum, eggplant, and purple are rich shades and perfect color choices for fall. This rich shade of purple practically screams class and elegance. A few pieces will add pizzazz to what might be boring corporate clothing or even the most casual of outfits. Invest in some casual and cheap polo shirts, inexpensive but classy corporate shirts, and even spa wear and medical scrubs.

Polo shirt, corporate shirt and plain t-shirt in Plum

Dark Teal and Jade
Teal is a medium blue-green color which is definitely perfect for autumn. There are different shades of teal like depending if it’s more bluish than green which makes it teal blue or teal that is more of a deep green/greenish-blue color which makes it more dark teal. Some tones of color close to teal are jade, turquoise, tropical rain forest, steel teal, emerald, and malachite and sky blue. You can wear it on its own, like a coordinated medical scrub tops and pants, or pair it with neutrals to add a little color to it.

Medical scrubs in Jade

Port and Company Essential T-shirt in Jade

Taupe or Coffee Liqueúr
Taupe is a pretty mix between a cool gray and an earthy brown, so definitely the ultimate neutral color. Since earth color is pretty much favored in this time of year, taupe is going to be uber popular this season. A pair of all-weather boots or a warm and snug outerwear or warm-up jacket in taupe will give you a trendy yet practical ready for a cold-spell look.

Cherokee Warm-up jacket in Taupe

Silver, Gray, or Quarry
A classic fall favorite is the color gray but for this year the gray goes a little silvery. Perfect to mix and match with other colors and is so versatile it goes with almost every type of shade be it in a lovely plain t-shirt or a ladies corporate shirts in long or short sleeves. Medical scrub pants and tops are also available in this sophisticated color making you stylish even in a hospital setting.

Short sleeve and long sleeve corporate shirts

Mustard, Lemon Yellow or Bamboo
Mustard yellow or lemons yellow or bamboo is going to be a huge favorite throughout fall and winter. And what makes this color very popular is that it would look awesome paired with any of the fall hues mentioned above. Complement it with taupe or silver to create a really chic look. Match it with deep plum or dark teal and create an autumn-themed look.

Sport Tek Polo Shirt in Mustard Yellow

Rust Hues, Rusty Orange or Burnt Sienna
A more masculine orange Burnt Sienna is a standard fall classic. It is describes as a warm mid brown color. Though women can easily use corporate polo shirts in rusty hues, a more masculine style could make use of Burnt Sienna as vibrant accents to add a splash of vivid color to your outfit.

Polo shirts from Port Authority in Rust Hues

Other fall colors are Magenta or Raspberry Wine, Orchid Hush for women and Cadet for men, and Bright Red.

Port Authority - Ladies Silk Touch Interlock Cardigan in Magenta and Bright Red

Plain t-shirts in Orchid Hush and Cadet

To better understand these colors, here is what Pantone, the makers of color dyes, color swatch guides and the world gurus of color have released in their fashion color report for fall 2011. And here is out these color really looks:

Must-have styles are:

Plaids and Polka-Dots

Medical scrubs in plaids

Nursing scrubs with polka dots

Bright Colored Pants and Wide Leg Trousers

Chunky Sweaters and Comfy Pullover Sweater

These are back from last season while plaids and polka dots are classics. Add a few pieces of each and simply color coordinate everything so you can maximize your updated wardrobe. Make sure you also check the colors and styles that you already have and make sure that you can also use those styles with the new colors so it doesn’t go to waste. Don’t let shopping get to you. Online shopping should always a fun experience especially with service oriented ones where you get the best customer support as well as the best choices, prices and deals like free shipping. So, check out your wardrobe right now and enjoy your shopping.

Retail industry is up with estimates that sales will rise 3.5% for November and December combined but hiring plans remain conservative.

Image Credit: Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

It has been a slow year and the expected increase in sales would certainly help. Retailers have found ways to face the situation more astutely ever since recession started by not ordering too much inventory and making sure the prices are really affordable or budget-friendly which would ensure more sales and less returns.

It is expected that shoppers are most likely to open their wallets by November and December starting with Black Friday. As everyone knows, Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day which has become traditionally the start of the Christmas season shopping. Though not really a holiday it has also become a tradition that employers are given a day off which increases the number of shoppers and has then been considered the busiest shopping day of the year. Even online clothing stores has its own version of this special shopping day called Cyber Monday where major sales are also introduced and shoppers can purchase at the comforts of their homes.

For the past two years since 2008, retailers rack up their sales through the last two months of the year. The back-to-school sales, which is said to provide the hint of how holiday sales will fare, has so far showed a solid result. Retailers are thus preparing for the holidays by ordering inventory, designing festive window displays and catalogs with some focusing on offering the lowest prices for its shoppers.

Despite the estimated increase in sales, retailers still plan to play it safe with regards to holiday hiring. One-third of retailers plan to hire less seasonal workers while the rest are planning to hire the same level as last year.

Since retailers find that profitability is still elusive because of cost inflation they have hit the limit on their discount. Shoppers both for brick stores and online shopping stores should not expect huge discounts on Black Friday since 89% of retailers are not planning to give deep discounts and hit the limit of their discounts. 

Everybody knows that getting a job these days is way, way difficult. And it is more formidable for the new graduates entering the job market. Competition for the best job opportunities is fierce and one needs all the tools to bag the crucial first interview.

Getting a job right out of college is not for the faint-heart. Extreme patience and determination are just some of the virtues you need to have because what we have is a tough employment market. Although employment is said to be picking up again this year, the graduate recruitment is not as it was before the crisis. 

While it is important that you get your dream job, sometimes it is not possible. Simply being a graduate of a good school or be in perfect corporate clothing or smart business attire is not enough. So how can you improve your chances of getting a job amidst the sea of competition?

Sell yourself
Just like the way one markets a business, a graduate needs to stand out. This is quite hard to do these days as there is a sea of competition for the job. Selling yourself is done by taking inventory of your strengths and promoting these strengths and how they complement the requirements of the job you are applying for. This is a simple matter of acknowledging your skills and convincing others of your worth, and most importantly this would show what you can do for the company. Because new graduates do not have the work experience that others might have, what one can do is promote skills that you have acquired through study, volunteer work, and part-time employment, as well as general life experience that are transferable or that can be used in any situation. Examples of these are good communication and interpersonal skills, strong time management, problem solving ability. Sometimes it’s hard to sell yourself because you feel it is bragging but this is a necessary tool when looking for a job. The best way to do it after you have taken stock of your skills and strengths is find specific examples that can demonstrate these strengths. In an interview, you should be able to fluidly and intelligently talk about these.

Customize your application
One of the most important skills when applying for a job is research. Study the job description and the requirements of the job for which you are applying for. Make sure that your application is tailor-made for the position you are applying for. First thing to do is make sure that you address your application to the relevant person listed on the application as well as the specific company and position you are applying for and the reasons why. While it is understandable that as graduates you are applying to multiple firms, it is imperative though that you put specific information, the background skills and strengths that are relevant. Never send a generic application or cover letter that lists than general skills that may or may not be relevant to the particular job. Always check your application and list down transferable skills and strengths like those mentioned above and skills that are pertinent for the specific position listed.

Make error-free CV and application
You want to show that you will be a valuable addition to the company and making sure your application is error-free is imperative. This would show would-be employees your attention to detail and in this case even very small errors make a really bad impression with recruiters. If you can make a mistake in your spelling or information in your own CV then you will not impress the recruiter positively. Ask a family or friend to proof read over your CV and application to ensure that even minute details are accurate.  One may think that checking CV and application for errors is simple enough and obvious but this is often one of the most overlooked elements and most often one of the reasons why one is not called back for an interview. 

Most of the time employers spend as little as 45 seconds skimming a resume before determining if it’s interesting enough to warrant a closer look and an interview. If your resume is hard to read – unclear, lengthy, with spelling and grammar errors, contains irrelevant information – it might bore the recruiter or might become disinterested. Make sure your application and resume is informative but concise, carefully and clearly laid-out, and 100% accurate in content, spelling and grammar. This would ensure a positive impression to the recruiter which you could enhance with a really good interview.

Summer means vacation for school children and certainly a time to spend lazing around the house or the beach in shorts and cool and comfortable summer tees and tank tops to counter the rising temperature.  But for those in their business suits, you wonder whether you will ever feel as cool as these kids and if it’s possible to make your business casual as casual as can be.

Some may think that it’s okay to take a vacation from professionalism just like these kids take time off their school uniforms. Wrong! No matter how warm the weather is, there is no reason to take time off your business clothes and despite feeling like you are wearing a suit of armor instead of a business suit, you can still make a strong statement in the workplace. Taking a vacation from professionalism by coming to the office in shorts or tank tops sends a message to your boss and clients that you are not fully engaged with your job. It would seem to others that you would rather be lounging at home than doing your job, especially if you are the only one wearing it. According to the experts, 82% of human resources professionals believe that the way you dress affects your place at work.

Even if your office practices the “casual Friday” policy for the summer, it is important to know what constitutes summer business casual. It is everybody’s responsibility to know what she or he can and cannot wear even when their office relaxes their dress code over the summer. If you are just starting your career it would be important to understand the company’s policy for summer office attire. If it is not discussed with you then learn to ask about it rather make the mistake due to ignorance.

People make the mistake when talking about business casual. "You don't want the emphasis placed on the word 'casual' instead of the word 'business’,’” says Sherry Maysonave, author of Casual Power. “Casual could be jeans, sneakers, T-shirts and shorts, whereas business casual is a relaxed version of business dress. It’s how you might dress to go out to a nice dinner on the weekend, not how you would go to the grocery store.” If it’s something that you wear everyday when going to your friends house then that is not business casual.

Women have a bigger problem or challenge in this case because a woman’s business attire is different from social attire and what we often see in fashion are good for social events or parties but not for the workplace. On the other hand, what men wears in a social event or party could also be worn in the office. But certain rules stay the same and that is the less skin showed in a workplace the better it is. Showing off your well-toned bodies in tight-fitting dresses, short-shorts and uber-tight tank tops no matter how trendy, is more appropriate for your free time and not during work hours, no matter what kind of workplace you are in. 

[RH-RH61] - Red House Ladies 3/4-Sleeve Dobby Non-Iron Button-Down Shirt

Each office might have specifics but one cannot go rule with a rule of thumb which is that business casual may include chino trousers; pencil skirts; relaxed button-down shirts; and linen, polo or knitted shirts. And each company has their own rules but there are some fashion statements that both men and women (especially those just starting their careers) should avoid even during summer:

• Revealing attire – mini skirt and plunging necklines or midriff top or sheer dress without the appropriate undergarments.
• Shorts or Capri pants or denim cutoffs (no short-shorts ot super-baggy shorts)
• Sleeveless shirts or tank tops 
• Halter tops, strapless or spaghetti straps
• Sweatpants, jogging suits or any workout attire
• T-shirts with offensive, derogatory or racist slogans or logos
• Flip-flops

Every graduate thinks that education is all they need to find a good job, think again. While education is crucial to getting a job, not all graduates of any degree land the job that they truly want. Having a diploma, a degree or certificate, is not sufficient enough to get you a job. It is also important that you make a good first impression especially during the interview. This is the time when the company human resource will think whether you are worthy to go another step in the long process of gaining employment.

Not many people know that first impression is not when you start to speak or when you show the person doing the interview how knowledgeable you are or how competent you can be if given the chance. The first impression starts the moment you enter the building and the person doing the interview sees you. It will be in how you look in your corporate apparel , how confident you look, how you react with the people around you and the situation you are in. What few people know is that the time they are waiting outside for the interview also matters. Those who do the interview know that any person who wants to get the job will do everything to impress while on the interview. And the few minutes or hours before the interview is when you show the real you, the time when you are silently observed.

Dressing smartly and appropriately is very important in standing out in a job interview. While you are intellectually prepared for the interview, one must also be dressed for the part. And only few schools, colleges and universities, prepare their students for their entry in the corporate world. While some colleges and universities do that here in the US, some college students are not that lucky. Strathmore University in Kenya makes sure their students are ready to face the corporate world as soon as they get their diplomas. They have a very strict dress code and students are not allowed to wear jeans, tight trousers, sleeveless tops, sneakers and even the latest fashion fads for students. Some students may not agree with this, they may find it very restraining but when they step into the corporate world they would then realize how fortunate they have been.

In the corporate world, professional image is everything and if these students failed to get proper work uniforms sense from the school the task would then fall on the company. Unfortunately for some, not dressing smartly from the onset could create a huge difference in getting the job. Companies know that sloppy and poor dress sense could mean or translate to poor and sloppy workmanship. The fastidiousness that you give to the way you wear your corporate uniforms would also mean the same care you give to how you work.

Even before the global crises, there have been moms who have opted to stay home. Their decision stemmed from the fact that one of the parents needed or wanted to be there for their children. Before the internet boom, they would have been busy with other household chores. The internet has changed a lot of things because those who wanted to stay home were given opportunities to still earn a living.

Aside from the fact that they are able to take care of their children, home based or stay-at-home moms were able to enjoy the fact that they need not ready themselves, wear their work uniforms, and struggle with a 30-minute commute to the office or brave the horrendous traffic. They can simply wake up, take care of the kids, finish their chores and do their work at home. And so several work came out in the market such as freelance writing, blogging, affiliate marketing and many more. And even those who were working fulltime in the office resigned from their work when they realized that they could earn work even when at home because of technology and the internet. Though some thought working home based is simply a hobby, worse, some thinks it is a job meant for those who do not have a successful career.

When the global crisis happened, some felt the big effect when they lost their jobs when their companies downsized. And so they turned to some work in the internet which they thought were simply hobbies for some. Usually, those who have worked all their lives for some company had a hard time adjusting and adapting. For some who are still struggling with the change and you feel that there is a need to look good or feel that you are in a working environment, then go ahead and wear a corporate polo shirt or any corporate apparel that makes you feel more professional.

Nowadays, you can also have a career when you stay-home for your children. Yes, it still needs a lot of balancing act but at least one has better options. It may not pay as big as your previous jobs or career but it is better than not having a job at all.  One has to be really careful about finding legitimate and profitable jobs online because there are also a lot of scams. There are now so may careers that can be had even when you are home based.

Home-based Call Center
While call centers is known to be outsourced to India and the Philippines, a growing trend is home-based call centers in the US itself, manned by stay-home moms. Call center workers can either be doing sales or customer service, or even technical support, for the company that hires them. For this kind of charge, they sometimes require that you set an office or a room where you can work in. Companies usually require that there are no audible distractions like a baby crying or a barking dog and they do interviews to test it. Also, they also require high-speed internet, and a good working computer, phone line, good quality headset and sometimes even cams.

Virtual Assistant
Wikipedia defines virtual assistant as an entrepreneur or independent contractors who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance and support to clients from a remote location, either their home or office. The work can be customized depending on what the customer needs. They are independent contractors rather than employees so they will not be subject to the tax as well as benefits of a regular employee.     It is the perfect solution for when one needs a solution for an ongoing help but do not need a full-time employee. Virtual assistants function the same way as personal and executive assistants without the burden of a commute, high heels and corporate clothing.

Web Design, SEO Specialist and Other Technical Jobs
If you are computer savvy and have the basic knowledge on the way a website is set-up and optimized then you can look for jobs that need this kind of expertise. Web design is a collection of online content, both documents and applications, which reside on a Web server. And with so many people needing specialized and technical work such as these, then they can use your services. You can start by bidding on Odesk or other marketplace of online jobs. If you do a good job, then you can expect more clients to choose you or even ask you to work permanently for them or give you more tasks.

Tutoring Service
If you have a specific skill or a teacher who wants to make take additional work, you can offer tutoring services. You can make a website to advertise your skills, whether it is tutor kids in various academic subjects or to teach adults how to use a computer or any specific skill. If you know several languages and you can also teach anyone interested to learn another language.

Set Up Your Own Business
Before there was eBay, people would scour thrift shops and flea markets for antique treasures. Now it’s easier to find these things with eBay. If you want to earn additional income, you can sell or auction on eBay and other marketplace. Just make sure that you follow through very well so that you do not get negative feedback from customers which can ultimately destroy your business.

The different works stated above are just few of several things you can do online. It would be best to look for something that you are very interested in, a hobby or a skill. Also, remember that just like any other career it is not easy but if you are patient then you will go a long way. A career at home is a way to build on your interest and skill while at the same time fulfilling your need to be available for your children, which takes precedence. There are a lot of pros and cons so it is a must that you make a thorough research, including tax obligations. And if you are married, this is something that you both should talk about before venturing into it. But for someone who has lost their job, there is simply a lot of ways to forge a new path in your life if you are ready for it.

Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in – Bill Bradley

Finding the job you want is easier now as more companies are opening their company again for more workers. After more than a year of looking for any job and any company to hire you, you may wonder why some people can easily get a job while others have a hard time.

Experts are saying that employers are looking for ambition in job applicants for the year 2011. Ambition is defined by Wikipedia as “the desire for personal achievement. It provides the motivation and determination necessary to achieve goals in life. Ambitious people seek to be the best at what they choose to do for attainment, power, or superiority.” Ambition is said to be the old-fashioned fire in the belly that drives people to excel in whatever they want to excel in whether school, sports, politics or business. Changes in the economy has caused employers to consider that job applicants with this trait as having the edge over those with technical know-how simply because it is not enough to do “just the job.”

Employers have realized that ambition played a crucial role in how their companies have kept growing, how their companies were able to survive and even surpassed the global economic crisis. These people, no matter what kind of work clothes they wear, worked beyond their job description. Ambition usually brings with it persistence and usually this is the reason they do what needs to be done, they push to do whatever that was needed at that time, no matter how rough the going is, they do not give up. They do not become discourage easily and so even when a project is going bad they stay to finish it because they believe they can do it, they have confidence in themselves and in their ability to finish the project.

Not all people are ambitious which is the reason employers recruit the applicants who are. Ambition comes from nature, meaning you were born with it, and half comes from the influence of family, educators, mentors and other influential figures in your life. But not all ambitious people do well professionally and this is because they also need to have what experts call the emotional intelligence. This is the ability to focus outside of yourself and understand what the other people need and want. This also means being able to listen to others, being able to accept inputs of other people, and most especially being able to recognize your mistake.

There are a lot of myths, or should I say misconceptions about ambition that has made it sometimes an unpopular word. People sometimes think that ambition is all about work, when in fact ambition is not limited to professional work. There are different kinds of ambition, and this is not limited to an ambition to become the President of the United States or the CEO of Uniform Point. It may be a burning desire to run the New York City marathon or travel the world in 365 days. Whatever these may be, it may be that one person has several ambitions but one will strive and persist to reach that ambition.

So for all job applicants, if you have ambitions, let it show so your would-be employers would realize that but then always keep it in moderation. Pursue your goals effectively but have a care and a little emotional intelligence so you would not want to alienate your colleagues. For parents, create an environment for your children where they can try out different personas, skills, and have the opportunity to experience failure and success. For those who feel that they don’t have much ambition, work on it because it is still possible to nurture it in you. Rememeber, it is only half genetics and the other half is environment.

Uniforms for companies and organizations are important. It gives one an impression of organization, competence and professionalism. It also distinguishes them from other people who are not part of their organization. Take the case of policemen, they become more effective in doing their job because they are wearing their police uniforms and people are able to approach them because they are distinct and identifiable from other people. At the same time, the police men are more confident about what they are doing because once they don their work uniforms they know what they need to do.

Wearing uniforms simply because you have to is not enough. Keeping your uniforms and work clothes in its most professional standard creates a positive impression on anybody. Although people in one office might wear the same work uniforms, some may fail to impress their boss or the customers because of a sloppy and unkempt look that will most likely turn-off even colleagues. People will see and perceive you differently if you keep your work uniform above the substandard appearance.

No matter where you work it is clearly important that you keep and maintain your work uniforms and other work clothes in order that it will keep for longer use. A clean work uniform, whether a hotel uniform, nurse uniforms or corporate uniforms, keeps one looking properly groomed and present a more professional look. Taking care of your work uniform is not a difficult responsibility. Although some industries and companies have their own laundry service to ensure proper care of uniforms, some though need to do it on their own. Here are some guidelines when laundering your work clothes or your scrubs, such as Cherokee scrubs or Landau scrubs:

• Rinse work clothes first in cold water to get rid of large amounts of caked on solids or large debris in pre-wash to keep it from circulating throughout the wash.
• Wash your uniforms in hot or warm water to remove any minor stains and kill bacteria.
• Separate any white uniform shirts from any colored uniforms, especially if colors bleed, as it will stain other items in the wash.
• Tumble-dry your work uniforms for at least 30 minutes as it helps destroy micro-organisms. Although some would suggest hang dying uniforms to ensure less wrinkles. If your job does not involve possible contaminants then hang dry if you like, you not only conserve energy but also helps preserve your work clothes.
• Iron your work uniforms. Heat from the iron also helps lower pathogens. Aside from that, uniforms that are wrinkled look less professional and would give the impression of laziness and carelessness. Just make sure of the proper iron temperature setting for your uniform or the fabric of your work clothes.
• If your work uniforms have developed odor, use ¼ - ½ cup of vinegar to eliminate odor.
• Use starch if your work uniforms wrinkle easily.
• Try color brightener or white wash to keep your work clothes looking bright and sharp.

The best way to maintain your uniform will depend on the fabric. Thus, it is best if you know the fabric or blend of your work clothes.
Cotton uniforms: Cold wash by hand or with machine. Hang dry.
Wool uniforms: Dry clean or wash by hand. Hang dry. Never machine wash.
Leather shoes: Brush off dirt when it dries, wipe with damp cloth, oil and polish as needed.

For workwear and industrial uniforms:
Read and follow the care instructions carefully that is stated on your uniform, such as Red Kap uniforms, or the care for the fabric of your uniform.
Laundry Care Instructions for Non Flame Resistant Fabric
For Industrial Wash – Do not recommend water temperature more than 165°
For Light Soil Wash - 140° wash maximum is light soil formulas
For Home Wash - 120° or less in 6 lb. load machine such as used at home.
Dry Clean Only – Professional Dry Cleaning

Laundry Care Instructions for Flame Resistant Fabric
For Industrial Wash – Do not recommend water temperature more than 165ºF
For Light Soil Wash - 140° wash maximum is light soil formulas
For Home Wash - 120° or less in 6 lb. load machine such as used at home.
 
Important Notice:  
Do not use detergents with Bleach.
Do not use detergents that contain Animal Fat.
Do not use Chlorine Bleach
Do not use Fabric Softeners or Dryer Sheets.

High Visibility Flame Resistant Uniforms are most of the time laundered by the company to ensure proper washing off especially when stained with contaminants or toxins. But in case it is home washed make sure that:

• Wash separately in a Normal or Cotton cycle at any water temperature up to a maximum of 140ºF (60ºC). You can use any typical home laundry detergent except those that contain bleach and animal fat.
• Do not use chlorine bleach or liquid nonchlorine bleach. Repeated chlorine bleaching can ruin the FR polymer.
• Turn garments inside out before wash to reduce streaking from abrasion. Fill the washer no more than 2/3 full and use high water level.
• It is important that all soils and other contaminants are completely removed from garments during the wash process. This may require the use of stain removal products or presoaking garments prior to washing. The use of hot water can often make detergents more effective in the removal of soils. If all contaminants cannot be removed in home care, garments should be brought to the dry cleaner.
• The use of conditioned or soft water can help improve removal of contaminants from garments. Hard water precipitates soaps and can result in the build-up of calcium and magnesium salts. These can serve as fuel in the event they are exposed to a source of ignition.
• Starch, fabric softeners, and other laundry additives are not recommended because they can coat fibers and mask Flame Resistance performance, or serve as fuel in case of garment ignition.
• Do not over dry garments. If desired, you may press with an iron on the Permanent Press/Low setting.
  
• Dry cleaning is recommended if garments are heavily soiled with oil or grease, dry cleaning is recommended because this is more effective in removing these type contaminants.

Care for your work uniforms may seem like a lot of effort, but you will realize it is worth the effort once you make the impression on your boss as it shows you take pride in your work.