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Looking for a new logo? Check the Most Popular Logo Styles

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Looking for a new logo? Check the Most Popular Logo Styles

Browse 4 Most popular logo styles to find the one for you!

Starting your own brand requires careful planning, and one of the first things to consider is designing a logo. Whether you’re building a large business or creating a personal blog, a well-designed logo can help your brand stand out and establish its unique identity. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the right style for your logo. In this post, I will present the four most popular logo styles to help you narrow down your preferred option.

If you would like me to help you pick the correct style and create a logo of your dreams – check out our custom logo service!

There are different ways to sort out logo styles, and the classification I’m sharing is just my own, based on over 10 years of practice. While trends may change, I’ve found that these four groups consistently remain the most popular among clients.


#1 Modern & Minimalistic

Starting with the most basic option, which is often the most challenging to create, modern and minimalistic logos are typically composed of plain fonts, one or two colors, and simple shapes. However, this doesn’t mean they have to be dull. The most exceptional logos in these categories will be simple yet distinctive and remarkably attention-grabbing.

Here are three examples of those styles from well-known companies:

It is acceptable for a minimalistic logo to solely use the logo symbol, but professionally made logos generally include alternative options that showcase the full brand name.

Which brands would be the most compatible with this type of logo?

Everyone can use modern and minimalistic style, but it’s best suited for premium or modern products or content.


#2 Feminine & Signature

It’s important to note that the category name “Feminine Logos” doesn’t necessarily mean that they are only for women-owned businesses. These types of logo designs are often less formal and make use of script or handwritten fonts. This is especially true for Signature logos, which typically feature a brand name (or even a personal name and surname) written in black handwritten font to emulate the individual’s own handwriting.

Here are three examples of signature logos from well-known companies:

If you add more details and colors, the signature logo can become one of the most popular styles among bloggers. It is perfect for any content related to beauty, fashion, lifestyle or travel, and I completely understand why you love it so much.

Here are three examples of feminine logos I created for you:

Which brands would be the most compatible with this type of logo?

It is best for small businesses, especially beauty services and hand-crafted goods. With a handwritten logo, your company will be seen as more personal and friendly.


#3 Graphic & Playfull

If you are seeking for a design that is more colorful and distinctive, then this category is perfect for you. Here, there are almost no boundaries to what you can achieve, so you can let your creativity run wild and choose a font that is as crazy as you want. Although it is not currently a super popular trend, this style still has a devoted following. Many graphic logos of popular brands have been simplified to be something between graphic, modern, and minimalistic. However, if you are someone who loves to stand out and be bold with your design choices, this category is definitely worth exploring.

Here are three examples of graphic logos from well-known companies:

Which brands would be the most compatible with this type of logo?

I think it will work great for food or fashion-related companies. You can also create great graphic logos that will be perfect for all kid stuff and family blogs.


#4 Classic & Formal

If you’re having trouble finding a logo style that suits your preferences, you can always try the classic style. This style is similar to modern logos, but instead of using simple shapes, it often incorporates more realistic images. Classic logos also tend to use serif fonts that have a vintage look, instead of plain and simple fonts.

Here are three examples of classic logos from well-known companies:

Which brands would be the most compatible with this type of logo?

For premium brands targeting older, wealthy customers or those who appreciate a vintage aesthetic. It suggests the company’s large heritage and gives a feeling of premium quality goods.


Which popular logo style is for you?

If you are unsure, it’s okay to mix styles, as many companies do.

Here are three examples of mixed styles:

In addition, logo design is also built using colors. The same logo may look completely different and target two completely different groups of people, depending on the colors you will use.

>> Learn about the power of colors in design

So the perfect logo style depends mostly on your preferences and goals you want to achieve.

If you would like me to help you pick the correct style and create a logo of your dreams – check out our custom logo service!


Which of those popular logo styles is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

These latest courses, Specialization, and Professional Certificates from Extended Reality (XR) and customer service to project management and AI

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These latest courses, Specialization, and Professional Certificates from Extended Reality (XR) and customer service to project management and AI

With more world-class content launching every week, there are always new topics to explore, new skills to learn and new ways to achieve your goals. These latest courses, Specialization, and Professional Certificates cover everything from Extended Reality (XR) and customer service to project management and AI. What will you learn next?

AI for Good Specialization by DeepLearning.AI

The AI for Good Specialization showcases how AI can be part of the solution when it comes to addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges in areas like public health, climate change, and disaster management. Throughout the courses, you’ll hear from experts working on AI for Good initiatives aimed at addressing social and environmental issues. By combining human and machine intelligence, real-world datasets, best practices around data privacy, and ethical considerations, you’ll develop the knowledge and fundamental skills to tackle your own AI for good projects. 

HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate by HRCI

Human Resource professionals have a significant impact on an organization’s success. They play a vital role in hiring the right people, developing employee policies, and creating a positive work culture. By pursuing a career in Human Resources, you will contribute to the overall achievement of an organization. This program is uniquely designed to prepare aspiring Human Resource professionals. Through engaging videos, interactive activities, assessments, and peer-reviewed projects, you can enhance your professional expertise and gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals in this field.

Akamai Network Engineering Professional Certificate by Akamai

Interested in learning how large global network operations work? Then the Network Engineering certification is for you. The NOCC is a proactive monitoring and troubleshooting team that monitors and manages globally distributed servers and resolves network bottlenecks in real time. This beginner level certificate is designed to provide you with in-demand skills that range from internet technology fundamentals, networking, operating systems and problem solving techniques. 

Akamai Customer Consulting and Support Professional Certificate by Akamai

Are you interested in end-to-end project management? Want to deliver the best solutions to our customers while collaborating with teams from all over the world? You will never stop learning in this fast-moving, exciting environment. This beginner level certificate is designed to provide you with in-demand skills that range from internet technology fundamentals, networking, operating systems and problem solving techniques. 

CVS Health Retail Customer Service Professional Certificate by CVS Health

If you are someone that enjoys meeting people, solving problems, and engaging in new experiences, then this program is right for you. In this program, you’ll learn job-ready skills to excel in customer service and receive a Professional Certificate from CVS Health to showcase your proficiency. You’ll also gain access to exclusive career support resources to help you in your job search along with a portfolio of meaningful activities you have completed to show prospective employers. 

CVS Health Call Center Customer Service Professional Certificate by CVS Health

The demand for call center customer service representatives is huge—there are thousands of open job roles in the US alone. If you are someone that enjoys talking to people and solving problems, then this program is right for you. Customer service in a call center is an exciting career where every day is a new adventure. If you’re considering a career in retail customer service and are someone who is passionate about providing exceptional customer experiences, this role is for you. 

Trust Based Leadership University Certificate from HEC Paris

Relationships form the core of any successful project. The ability to connect people with different ideas and practices is what drives value creation in any endeavor. With relational leadership, you’ll be better equipped to meet challenges, face uncertainties, and enable businesses and social enterprises to find genuine purpose. In this program, you’ll learn from real-world projects and simulation exercises designed by HEC Paris faculty. Your leadership skills will grow, with the help of graded individual feedback from the instructor and live sessions with your peers, helping you find your place in your entrepreneurial community.

XR in Healthcare Education and Clinical Practice from Imperial College London 

This course is designed to teach you about Extended Reality (XR) and its use in healthcare education and clinical practice. Using lessons from experts in the field and different use cases, this course shows you how to use this innovative technology in a way that creates sustainable and accessible real-world use. 

Whether you’re at the beginning of your career journey or looking to enhance your skillset to make a mid-career transition, you’ll find ample opportunities to gain new knowledge across these new offerings, and depending on your life and career goals, you can choose from a range of learning experiences to find the courses and programs that are right for you.

Ace Your Job Interviews: Tips for Impressing Hiring Managers

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Ace Your Job Interviews: Tips for Impressing Hiring Managers

Love them or loathe them, job interviews are a crucial step in the employment process. Job interviews provide candidates with the opportunity to showcase their skills, experience, and personality to potential employers. A good interview can be the difference between landing your dream job or facing another round of writing cover letters and sending resumés. To ace your job interviews and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers, consider the following tips and strategies.

Interview Tips to Impress Hiring Managers

Prepare

The first and probably most important thing to remember about interviews is that preparation is key. Here are a few tips to get you ready before walking through the doors.

  • Do your research: Before the interview, gather as much information as possible about the company you’re interviewing with. Understand their mission, values, products, and recent news. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewer but also help you tailor your responses to align with the company’s culture and goals.
  • Know the job description: Familiarise yourself with the job description and requirements for the position. This will allow you to highlight your relevant skills and experiences during the interview. The more you can align your qualifications to what they seek, the more attractive you’ll be to the hiring manager.
  • Practice interview questions: Many interview questions are standard, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What’s your greatest strength/weakness?” and “Why do you want to work here?” Practice your answers to these questions in advance to ensure you exude confidence and showcase your competence.
  • Prepare post-interview questions: At the end of the interview, you’re often afforded the opportunity to turn the table on the interviewer and ask them a few questions. Prepare insightful questions about the role, team, company culture, and future projects. This demonstrates your genuine interest in being a part of the team and company.

Dress for Success

Familiar phrases like “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have” and “First impressions last” aren’t just sayings – they matter in job interviews too.

  • Dress well: Your clothing choice matters, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Research the company’s dress code and opt for attire that is slightly more formal than their standard dress. Dressing professionally shows respect for the company and the interview process.
  • Grooming: Pay attention to personal grooming. Ensure your hair, nails, beard, and hygiene are in top shape. A well-groomed appearance contributes to a polished, professional image and tells the recruiter that you are cognisant of how you present yourself and will ultimately represent the company.

Body Language

The third and often understated tip is being mindful of your body language. This refers to your facial expression, posture, demeanour, and non-verbal cues and communication.

  • Maintain eye contact: When speaking with the interviewer and answering questions, maintain good eye contact. This demonstrates confidence and interest in the conversation.
  • Smile: A genuine smile can make a positive first impression and create a friendly, approachable persona
  • Shake hands: Always offer a firm, but not overpowering, handshake when you meet the interviewer. A weak or overly aggressive handshake can leave a negative impression.
  • Posture: Sit up straight and avoid slouching. Good posture reflects self-assuredness and attentiveness. Try not to cross your arms, as this could imply you are closed off to the interview experience and are not open.
  • Active listening: This is a learned skill that everyone needs. Show that you’re actively listening by nodding your head and providing verbal cues, such as “I understand” or “That’s interesting.”

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

This is where you get to tell them who you are and expand on what you stated in your resumé.

  • Use the STAR method: When answering behavioural interview questions, structure your responses using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This format helps you provide a clear and concise answer that highlights your skills and accomplishments.
  • Provide examples: Back up your claims with concrete examples from your past experiences. Quantify your achievements, when possible, to demonstrate your impact.
  • Adaptability: Emphasise your ability to adapt and learn quickly. Employers value candidates who can thrive in changing environments and are eager to acquire new skills.
  • Stay positive: Focus on your accomplishments and experiences rather than dwelling on any past challenges or negative experiences. If you do touch on this, don’t leave it there. Instead, spin this in a positive light and tell them what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown from the negative experiences.

Communication Skills

In today’s world, communication is key, and a sought-after soft skill that can, in some roles, take you further than technical skills.

  • Speak clearly: Pronounce your words and speak at a moderate pace. Clear communication is essential for understanding and being understood.
  • Avoid jargon: Be mindful of using industry-specific jargon that the interviewer may not understand. This could come across as though you’re just throwing big words out there to seem like you know something when you don’t. If you do use such terms, be prepared to provide explanations.
  • Eliminate fillers: Minimise the use of fillers like “um,” “uh,” and “like.” These can make you appear less confident and as though you don’t know the answers to the questions.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is another attractive skill that hiring managers look for in candidates. Sign up for courses to develop your emotional intelligence and understand why it’s such a vital skill in the workplace.

  • Be empathetic: Demonstrating empathy and understanding can be an asset. Show that you can relate to others and are a team player.
  • Conflict resolution: Highlight your ability to navigate and resolve conflicts. Employers appreciate candidates who can handle interpersonal challenges professionally.
  • Be calm under pressure: If faced with a difficult or unexpected question, remain calm and composed. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.

What happens before and during an interview is important. And so is what you do at the end of the interview. Here are additional tips you can use to help you clinch the deal.

  • Express gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview. Express your enthusiasm for the position.
  • Follow-up: Send a personalised thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Reiterate your interest and appreciation for the opportunity.
  • Don’t speak negatively: If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything. Don’t speak negatively about your previous employers, colleagues, or experiences.

Acing a job interview is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. By thoroughly preparing, dressing appropriately, and paying attention to body language and communication, you can impress hiring managers and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. Remember that the interview is a two-way street, and it’s also an opportunity for you to assess whether the company and role align with your career goals and values. 

Should Schools Ban Cellphones?

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Should Schools Ban Cellphones?

In “This Florida School District Banned Cellphones. Here’s What Happened,” Natasha Singer writes that in the wake of Orlando’s new policy, which bars students from using cellphones during the entire school day, student engagement increased, but so did the hunt for contraband phones:

One afternoon last month, hundreds of students at Timber Creek High School in Orlando poured into the campus’s sprawling central courtyard to hang out and eat lunch. For members of an extremely online generation, their activities were decidedly analog.

Dozens sat in small groups, animatedly talking with one another. Others played pickleball on makeshift lunchtime courts. There was not a cellphone in sight — and that was no accident.

In May, Florida passed a law requiring public school districts to impose rules barring student cellphone use during class time. This fall, Orange County Public Schools — which includes Timber Creek High — went even further, barring students from using cellphones during the entire school day.

In interviews, a dozen Orange County parents and students all said they supported the no-phone rules during class. But they objected to their district’s stricter, daylong ban.

Parents said their children should be able to contact them directly during free periods, while students described the all-day ban as unfair and infantilizing.

“They expect us to take responsibility for our own choices,said Sophia Ferrara, a 12th grader at Timber Creek who needs to use mobile devices during free periods to take online college classes. “But then they are taking away the ability for us to make a choice and to learn responsibility.”

Like many exasperated parents, public schools across the United States are adopting increasingly drastic measures to try to pry young people away from their cellphones. Tougher constraints are needed, lawmakers and district leaders argue, because rampant social media use during school is threatening students’ education, well-being and physical safety.

Ms. Singer discusses some of the benefits of a phone-free environment:

In September, on the first day the ban took effect, Timber Creek administrators confiscated more than 100 phones from students, Mr. Wasko said. After that, the confiscations quickly dropped. Phone-related school incidents, like bullying, have also decreased, he said.

The ban has made the atmosphere at Timber Creek both more pastoral and more carceral.

Mr. Wasko said students now make eye contact and respond when he greets them. Teachers said students seemed more engaged in class.

“Oh, I love it,” said Nikita McCaskill, a government teacher at Timber Creek. “Students are more talkative and more collaborative.”

Some students said the ban had made interacting with their classmates more authentic.

“Now people can’t really be like: ‘Oh, look at me on Instagram. This is who I am,’” said Peyton Stanley, a 12th grader at Timber Creek. “It has helped people be who they are — instead of who they are online — in school.”

The article also addresses some of the downsides of cellphone restrictions:

Other students said school seemed more prisonlike. To call their parents, they noted, students must now go to the front office and ask permission to use the phone.

Surveillance has also intensified. To enforce the ban, Lyle Lake, a Timber Creek security officer, now patrols lunch period on a golf cart, nabbing students violating the ban and driving them to the front office, where they must place their phones in a locked cabinet for the rest of the school day.

“I usually end up with a cart full of students,” Mr. Lake said as he sat behind the wheel of a black Yamaha golf cart during lunch period, “because I pick up more on the way to the office.”

Mr. Lake said he also monitored school security camera feeds for students using cellphones in hallways and other spaces. Students who are caught may be taken out of class. Repeat violators can be suspended.

Whether the potential benefits of banning cellphones outweigh the costs of curbing students’ limited freedom is not yet known. What is clear is that such bans are upending the academic and social norms of a generation reared on cellphones.

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

  • Should schools ban cellphones? Would you welcome a ban in your school? Why or why not? Did anything in the article change your thoughts on the growing trend?

  • How widespread is cellphone use at your school? How much do you use your phone during the school day? Do you think that phones interfere with your, or your peers’, academic learning, quality of social interactions and overall engagement in school?

  • Nikita McCaskill, a government teacher at Timber Creek High School who loves the new policy, stated, “Students are more talkative and more collaborative.” Which of the benefits of a cellphone ban discussed in the article do you find most appealing?

  • Many students, however, said the new rules made school more prisonlike. Others argued that the ban was infantilizing. Sophia Ferrara, a 12th grader at Timber Creek, noted: “They expect us to take responsibility for our own choices. But then they are taking away the ability for us to make a choice and to learn responsibility.” Which downsides described in the article concern you most?

  • What rules, if any, does your school have about cellphone use? How are they enforced? Do you think they are effective? What changes would you recommend to the current policy?

  • What, if anything, do you think is missing from this conversation? What do you think teachers, educators and parents may not understand about cellphones, especially how young people use them?

Time Change

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Time Change

Sunday marked the end of Daylight Saving Time, where, in some parts of the world, including the United States, people set their clocks back an hour.

Do you look forward to this time of year, when it gets lighter earlier in the morning and darker earlier in the evening? Or do you dread it?

Do you have any rituals or practices that help you embrace the morning light? What about the evening darkness?

Tell us in the comments, then read the related article about people who love the end of Daylight Saving Time or one about how to make the most of the morning light.


Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Word of the Day: onus

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Word of the Day: onus

The word onus has appeared in 83 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Sept. 23 in the Opinion essay “We’re Teaching Music to Kids All Wrong” by Sammy Miller:

In my 15 years as a musical educator, talking to countless teachers, I’ve learned one thing: There is no magical fix. Making music education more successful doesn’t need to involve expensive digital accessories or fancy educational platforms (and I say that as someone who developed an online educational platform). There’s no technological or financial program that will convert children into lifelong music lovers.

Instead, we need to start by rethinking how we teach music from the ground up, both at home and in the classroom. The onus is on parents and educators to raise the next generation of lifelong musicians — not just for music’s sake but to build richer, more vibrant inner personal lives for our children and a more beautiful and expressive world.

Can you correctly use the word onus in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how onus can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.


Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

Cybersecurity Career Spotlight: What it is and how to get started

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Cybersecurity Career Spotlight: What it is and how to get started

Welcome to another special issue and our first Career Spotlight. This week, we’re exploring cybersecurity in celebration of the upcoming launch of the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate.

Cybersecurity professionals protect data and computer networks from cyber attacks. There are several cybersecurity career paths, each of which is responsible for a different aspect of cybersecurity, like identifying threats, building secure systems, or responding to incidents. Cybersecurity analysts, and the closely related information security analysts, are typically the first line of defense against cybercrime, and these roles tend to be nice entry points for people looking to get into cybersecurity.

Since their expertise is important to any company that uses digital technologies, cybersecurity professionals are in demand. According to a 2022 study by the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)², there are over 3.4 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide. (That’s a 26.2 percent increase from the previous year.) According to a recent study from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education at NIST, CompTIA, and Lightcast, in the US, there are only 68 cybersecurity workers for every 100 open roles!

In fact, these professionals are in such high demand that employers may offer advanced training opportunities for entry- and mid-level employees in this field. Even better: cybersecurity salaries tend to be high.

If you’re thinking about transitioning into a cybersecurity role, IT, software engineering, software development, or computer science experience can help you stand out since you’ll be working within similar computer systems. But regardless of your past experience, you can start learning cybersecurity today.

Where to begin

Pre-enroll in the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate to be among the first people to explore this new program. As a bonus, the first 2,500 learners who complete all courses in the series will receive 100% off the Microsoft SC-900 Certification Exam.

While you wait for the Microsoft program to launch, check out the University of Maryland’s crash course, Cybersecurity for Everyone, or revisit the equally exciting and highly-rated Cybersecurity Professional Certificates from Google and IBM.

Keep learning about careers in cybersecurity

If you want to know more about cybersecurity careers, these are our top three most popular guides:

  1. 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  2. 10 Cybersecurity Jobs: Entry-Level and Beyond
  3. 5 Cybersecurity Career Paths (and How to Get Started)

If you already have experience with software engineering, software development, or computer science, you may want to explore our guides on ethical hackingsecurity engineers, and security architects.

That’s all for this week. We’ll be back next week with a fresh series. Until then, which career would you like us to explore in our next career spotlight? Let us know in the comments!

What To Look For When Reading a Tech Job Description

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What To Look For When Reading a Tech Job Description

When applying to jobs, how often do you read the job descriptions line by line?

Many people skim through them, reading just enough to make sure they qualify for the position before applying. We get it. Reading each and every job description can feel like a waste of time.

But, job descriptions actually hold a great deal of information. If you know what to look for, you can find insights into the company’s culture, your potential role, and even what to include in your resume to boost your chances of being called in for an interview.

Below, we’ll show you how to read a job description and use it to optimize your resume. Then, we’ll show you how to prepare for the next steps of the job-hunting process.

How to read a tech job description

The first step in reading a job description is discerning what’s required from what’s desired. Anything listed as a requirement is a must-have — especially when it comes to technical skills.

For example, if a company has knowledge of C++ as a requirement, they’re specifically looking for candidates who are comfortable with that language. The same goes for JavaScript and other languages. In many cases, they may already have some applications written in that language, and for you to help maintain or improve them, you’ll need to be familiar with it.

Still, not having certain skills isn’t always a deal-breaker, especially if they’re listed as “preferred” or as “a plus.”

Say a job description lists Java as a requirement and JavaScript as preferred. Even if you’re only familiar with the former, you might still be an eligible candidate for the position.

Also, remember that skill requirements are usually listed in order of priority. So, you may want to focus on job descriptions with your stronger skills listed towards the top of the qualifications section.

Insights into the role

Job descriptions can also give you some insight into what you can expect while working at the company. For example:

  • Look for how the word “team” is used. In some positions, you fly solo most of the time — but if you see the word team incorporated into the lists of daily duties, you’ll likely be working in a highly team-oriented atmosphere.
  • Pay attention to the technologies they list. They’ll often give you some insight into what you’ll be doing on the job. If SQL is listed, you may be working with databases. If Swift is listed, you’ll most likely be developing for Apple devices.
  • Check to see who you’ll be reporting to. Working on solutions is only part of the job. Your work has to be approved, and knowing how many people have to give you the thumbs up may help you get a good grasp on your workflow. For example, if you’re reporting to a director, and the company is under 50 people, you can assume that there are likely only 1-3 stakeholders when it comes to your daily work.

Insights into the company culture

A job description is typically a wide-open window into the company’s culture. It may even include things that you can’t find on its website or in articles about the organization. Human resources or other managers who write job descriptions may include interesting details such as:

  • Annual company retreats
  • Volunteer work employees do in the community
  • Happy hours with complimentary food and beverages
  • Info about rec rooms with pool, ping pong, or other games
  • A gym
  • On-site cafeteria
  • Food delivery services

As you read through the job description, keep an eye out for requirements like “thrive in a fast-paced environment” or “must be able to juggle multiple projects at once.” Phrases like this might indicate a growth mindset at the company, and if you prefer work environments that are a little less hectic, you might want to consider another role.

Insights into the interview process

One of the key insights into the interview process you can get from the job description is who you’ll be reporting to. You may not know how many interviews you’ll have, but you can rest assured that until you sit down with the person you’ll be reporting to, there’ll be at least one more face-to-face or phone interview before they pick you for the job.

Some companies will outline the interview process, step-by-step, right on the job description. They may also list who your primary point of contact will be.

How to know if you should apply

According to Madison Olson, Codecademy’s Manager of Technical Recruiting, you don’t have to have all of the listed skills on a job description to apply. As she put it:

“Most job descriptions are split into ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice to haves.’ If you meet some of the key must-haves along with some of the nice to haves, it doesn’t hurt to apply.”

Similarly, you also don’t have to meet the exact experience requirements outlined in the job description. This doesn’t mean you should apply for a senior position if you’re just starting out. But, if you have the same general amount of experience or you’re only a year or two shy, consider throwing your hat in the ring.

Applicant tracking systems and resume optimization

Job descriptions are also a valuable resource for optimizing your resume. Companies often receive dozens (if not hundreds) of applications for open positions, and recruiters just don’t have the time to go through each one. So, many rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS).

According to Jobscan, 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS because they help streamline the recruiting process by screening job applications and resumes.

Many ATS use natural language processing, machine learning, and AI to analyze and rank candidates by how well their resumes match the job description. If your resume doesn’t include the keywords the ATS is looking for, there’s a good chance that the recruiter won’t even see it.

This is why you should tailor your resume for every position you apply to — or at least the jobs you’re really excited about. It might seem tedious, but taking the time to make sure your resume reflects the skills and requirements outlined in the job description will help maximize your chances of being called in for an interview.

Having the right keywords in your resume will also show recruiters that you’re serious about your application and not just applying to anything that might be a good fit. If you’re applying for a job as a Mobile Developer but Kotlin and Swift aren’t listed in your resume — how will they know you’ve got the right skills?

While sharing tips for improving your developer resume, Jovanay Carter, an Associate Recruiter with Codecademy, recommends:

“[Being] prepared for and intentional about the roles you’re applying for. You have to somehow demonstrate in your experiences, cover letter, or resume, that this is actually what you want.”

Preparing for the next steps

While knowing how to read a job description is important, applying is just the first step toward getting the job. Once you hear back from the company, it’s time to start preparing for the interview process.

Depending on the role you’re applying for, the interview process might consist of two parts: behavioral and technical interviews. Behavioral interviews are those you’re probably familiar with, in which your interviewer asks questions about your past roles and experiences.

Technical interviews, on the other hand, assess your proficiency with some of the technical skills outlined in the job posting. You might be given a coding problem to solve or asked about the inner workings of various programming languages and other tools. Technical interviews are your chance to showcase your skills and problem-solving ability and ultimately prove you’re the best choice for the role.

So, it goes without saying that you’ll want to bring your A-game. We offer several resources that’ll help you prepare for your upcoming technical interviews, including courses like:

  1. Pass the technical interview with Java
  2. Pass the technical interview with Python
  3. Pass the technical interview with JavaScript

On our Interview Prep page, you’ll also find tips and insights from professional developers, a complete guide to acing technical interviews, and more.

Or, if you need a little more help with the overall job-hunting process, check out our Career Center. You’ll find helpful resources that’ll help propel you along every step of the way, such as:

  • Tips from recruiters about what they’re looking for in candidates in your field.
  • Workspaces, which you can use to code independently and build your own mini-projects.
  • Code Challenges — real technical interview assessments pulled from top companies to help you prepare.

Ready to get started? Sign up now! For students, click here.

6 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree

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6 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree

The days of needing a degree to make a decent salary in tech are coming to an end. Modern employers are often more interested in the skills and experience someone has than the school they graduated from. In other words, you can launch your career in development after taking a couple of online programming courses.

But how do you know which path to take? Which programming languages do you need to learn? To help you figure it out, we’ll explore six high-paying jobs you can get without a degree, what each job entails, and the skills you need to get started.

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1. Front-End Web Developer

A Front-End Web Developer focuses on creating the interfaces users use to interact with an application. This often includes designing the layout and specific functions that users will engage with regularly. To do so, Front-End Developers need to have a strong understanding of user needs. They also understand basic design principles and the programming languages needed to build websites, like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

Even though a Front-End Developer may not use the languages involved in back-end programming, they still need to understand the capabilities of back-end structures and the essentials of how their technologies work. On average, Front-End Developers can expect an annual salary of $112,550 in the U.S. You can get started learning all the technical skills you need to pursue this career in our Front-End Engineer path.

2. Back-End Web Developer

A Back-End Web Developer uses tools like SQL and Node.js to design and implement the systems and resources that support the front end of an application. While much of their work may go “unseen,” effective back-end development is crucial to an optimal user experience.

Back-End Developers work on systems that enable parsing, scraping, processing, visualizing, and analyzing data. They also develop the databases that store an application’s information. In the U.S., the average salary for an experienced Back-End Developer is $160,139.

3. Full-Stack Web Developer

A Full-Stack Web Developer takes care of all elements of the development process. They have to be well-versed in both front-end and back-end development principles and tools. Clients or companies may call on Full-Stack Developers to design apps from scratch, either with the help of a team or on their own. Or, they may be asked to troubleshoot or improve an existing application.

At times, Full-Stack Developers help address vulnerabilities in web apps after a Cybersecurity Specialist discovers an issue. Like Front-End and Back-End Developers, experienced Full-Stack Developers can expect a six-figure salary, with an average of $128,023 in the U.S.

4. IT Manager

An IT Manager earns about $94,886 per year in the U.S. and performs various tasks, all of which involve ensuring the IT team accomplishes the organization’s goals. An IT Manager may report to the CIO of a company, and, as a result, they need to be able to keep high-level concepts clearly in mind as they manage their teams.

To fulfill their responsibilities, an IT Manager needs a solid background in the technologies and tools that drive the IT process. This allows them to develop actionable solutions to any issues that may come up.

5. Computer Software Engineer

A Computer Software Engineer makes around $117,840 a year in the U.S. and develops, builds, implements, and maintains software solutions for organizations. Unlike Web Developers, they’re often involved in the first phases of an application’s ideation, connecting the technologies available to the problems they have to solve. As a result, a Computer Software Engineer has to be comfortable interacting with management and other executives and working with a team in the development process.

Along with conceiving and managing projects, a Computer Software Engineer has to code solutions, ensuring they contribute to the project’s objectives or the organization’s goals. This requires knowledge of multiple coding languages and testing.

6. Cybersecurity Specialist

In the U.S., a Cybersecurity Specialist earns around $111,678 a year. They’re in charge of ensuring the safety of a company’s digital assets, including everything connected to its network, both on-premises and remotely.

A Cybersecurity Specialist needs to use multiple tools designed to bolster an organization’s defenses. Some of these tools include firewalls and anti-malware software. You can learn the basics in our course Introduction to Cybersecurity.

Firewalls inspect the data coming into and flowing out of a network or device to see if it contains threats. Anti-malware software can detect and discard data packets and files that have malware. Along with the other tools in a Cybersecurity Specialist’s toolkit, firewalls and anti-malware help Cybersecurity Specialist’s keep their digital assets secure.

While a college degree can be helpful, finding high-paying jobs without a degree is no longer as hard as it once was. In any of the positions above, you can expect a decent income and exciting challenges.

If you find yourself drawn to web development after reading this article, check out our career paths. Each path is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to land an entry-level position. We’ll even guide you through your job search by helping you build a portfolio, providing a certificate you can feature in your resume, and sharing tips for your future interviews.

But what if you’d rather be an IT Manager or Computer Software Engineer? Both roles require a solid understanding of programming, so our Computer Science path might be right for you. We’ll teach you the fundamental concepts of programming, and you’ll also learn how to use Python — one of the most popular and versatile programming languages.

Lastly, if you love the idea of helping people and businesses protect their data, learn more about the field with our introduction to cybersecurity course.

This blog was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated to include the most recent salary data.

Weekly Student News Quiz: Gaza Strip, Matthew Perry, World Series

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Weekly Student News Quiz: Gaza Strip, Matthew Perry, World Series

Have you been paying attention to the news recently? See how many of these 10 questions you can get right.