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RokuSense

@rokusense

3.1K views | Posted a year ago

What is "Web Scraping"?

Web scraping is the process of extracting large amounts of data from websites. It involves fetching web pages, parsing the HTML or XML code, and then extracting specific data elements, such as text, images, links, or structured information like product details, from these web pages. It is also known as web harvesting or web data extraction.

Web scraping typically follows these steps:

  1. Sending an HTTP request to the target website's server to retrieve the web page's HTML content.
  2. Parsing the HTML content to identify and locate the desired data elements using techniques like XPath, CSS selectors, or regular expressions.
  3. Extracting the data and saving it in a structured format, such as CSV, JSON, or a database.
  4. Repeating the process for multiple pages or websites, if necessary.

There are four common approaches to web scraping:

  1. Commercially available web scrapers (Off-the-shelf web scrapers): Software tools like Octoparse, ParseHub, or Import.io that allow users to extract data from websites without the need for extensive coding or customization.
  2. Custom-built web scrapers (In-house web scrapers): An organization creates its own web scraping script using programming languages like Python and libraries like Beautiful Soup or Scrapy to collect specific data from websites tailored to its unique requirements.
  3. Web scraping services (Web scraping APIs): A third-party service like ScrapingHub or Apify that provides APIs or platforms for web scraping. Users can send requests to these APIs, and the service handles the scraping and data extraction for them.
  4. Pre-existing datasets (Ready-made datasets): Datasets available on platforms like Kaggle, data.gov, or academic research repositories that are already collected, cleaned, and ready for analysis. These datasets often cover various topics, from climate data to social media sentiment analysis.

There are a few techniques that are very commonly used for web scraping. These techniques can be mapped to one or more of the web scraping approaches discussed earlier. The techniques are as follows:

  1. HTML Parsing: Uses JavaScript to target either a linear or nested HTML page. This method is powerful and swift in extracting text, links such as a nested link or email address, scraping screens, and pulling resources.
  2. DOM Parsing: The Document Object Model (DOM) defines the organization of an XML file, basically its structure, style, and content. Typically, scrapers employ DOM parsers to thoroughly inspect the structure of web pages, access nodes containing information, and perform web scraping using tools like XPath. When dealing with dynamically generated content, scrapers have the option to integrate web browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer for extracting entire web pages or specific portions.
  3. Vertical Aggregation: Refers to the process of collecting data from multiple sources or web pages that share a common theme or category. This approach involves scraping data that is within the same category or the same type of information. Usually, companies with extensive computing capabilities employ this technique to create data harvesting platforms to target particular verticals.
  4. XML Path Language: XPath is a query language used in web scraping to navigate and extract specific data from XML and HTML documents. It allows users to locate and select elements or attributes within the document's hierarchical structure
  5. Google Sheets: The importXML function of Google Sheets is used to extract specific patterns or data from a website.
  6. Image Processing: Using Machine learning and image processing to analyze web pages by visually interpreting information on web pages as a human being would. Not very common but a substantially used technique.
  1. Market Research and Competitive Analysis: Web scraping enables businesses to gather market intelligence, track competitors' pricing strategies, and analyze customer reviews and sentiment. This information aids in making informed decisions and staying competitive.
  2. Data for Business Intelligence: By scraping data from various sources, companies can generate valuable insights for business intelligence, such as tracking customer behavior, monitoring product performance, and identifying emerging trends.
  3. Price Monitoring and E-commerce: E-commerce businesses can use web scraping to monitor competitors' prices, update their own pricing strategies in real-time, and ensure they remain competitive in the market.
  4. News and Content Aggregation: Media outlets and content aggregators can automate the process of collecting news articles, blog posts, and other content from across the web, providing readers with up-to-date information.
  1. Website Structure Changes: Websites may change their structure or layout, necessitating updates to scraping scripts to adapt to these changes.
  2. IP Blocking and Security Measures: Some websites implement IP blocking or employ security measures to detect and block scrapers. This can pose challenges for web scrapers.
  3. Handling Large Volumes of Data: Scraping large volumes of data can strain computing resources and require efficient data storage and processing solutions.

Web scraping is a powerful tool for extracting valuable data from the vast expanse of the internet. When used ethically and responsibly, it can provide businesses with crucial insights and information. However, it's essential to be aware of legal and ethical considerations, respect website terms of service, and employ best practices to ensure that web scraping remains valuable and ethical.

CredentialWise

@credentialwise

3.3K views | Posted a year ago

Top 5 Most In-Demand Tech Jobs of 2024:

As technology continues its rapid evolution, the job market adapts accordingly. In 2024, certain tech roles stand out, reflecting advancements in automation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. This article delves into the top five tech jobs that are highly sought after this year, offering exciting opportunities for professionals in the field.

The demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) specialists is soaring, as they play a pivotal role in developing systems that mimic human intelligence. Their expertise is crucial in areas like predictive analytics and autonomous vehicles, making AI and ML careers some of the most coveted in 2024's tech landscape.

With the rise of sophisticated digital threats, cybersecurity experts are more vital than ever. Tasked with safeguarding data infrastructure from a myriad of cyber threats, these professionals are essential in an era where digital security is paramount. The growing field includes diverse roles such as ethical hackers, security analysts, and compliance officers.

As businesses increasingly move to the cloud, cloud computing engineers become indispensable. Specializing in platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, they are critical for businesses seeking to enhance efficiency and reduce costs through cloud solutions.

In the data-driven landscape of 2024, data scientists and analysts are key players. They turn vast amounts of data into actionable insights, aiding in decision-making and strategy formulation for businesses across various sectors.

Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology offers innovative solutions for secure transactions and process optimization. Blockchain developers are in high demand as various industries explore the potential of this groundbreaking technology.

The 2024 tech job market demands advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of the latest technological trends. Professionals specializing in AI, ML, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and blockchain are at the forefront of this dynamic field, offering not only lucrative career paths but also shaping the future of technology.

CredentialWise

@credentialwise

17.6K views | Posted a year ago

Rirekisho: The Cornerstone of Job Hunting in Japan

When delving into the Japanese job market, one term stands out: Rirekisho. But what is it, and why is it crucial for aspiring professionals in Japan?

In essence, Rirekisho is Japan's version of a resume or CV. Unlike the more flexible Western resumes, the Rirekisho follows a structured, standardized format. It provides a detailed snapshot of an individual's educational background, work experiences, skills, and personal particulars.

- Pre-defined Layout: Most Japanese job seekers use a specific template for their Rirekisho. It’s often handwritten, showcasing an applicant's commitment and penmanship.

- Personal Touch: Beyond academic and professional details, Rirekisho might include personal information, such as marital status or hobbies, painting a holistic view of the applicant.

- Photo Requirement: A small professional photograph is a typical inclusion, adhering to strict guidelines.

1. First Impressions Matter: In Japan's highly competitive job market, the Rirekisho is an employer's initial interaction with an applicant. A well-prepared Rirekisho can set a positive tone for subsequent interviews or discussions.

2. Conformity is Key: Japanese corporate culture values conformity and respect for tradition. The standardized Rirekisho format embodies these values, ensuring applicants adhere to expected norms.

3. Comprehensive Candidate Overview: The extensive detail in a Rirekisho allows employers to gauge not just an applicant’s professional aptitude, but also cultural and social fit within the company.

The Rirekisho is more than just a document; it's a rite of passage for job seekers in Japan. Its importance can't be understated, acting as a fundamental bridge between an applicant's aspirations and the intricate dynamics of the Japanese professional landscape. If you're venturing into the Japanese job market, mastering the art of the Rirekisho is your first step towards success.

CredentialWise

@credentialwise

19.3K views | Posted a year ago

How to Craft an Effective Resume

In today's competitive job market, standing out starts with a compelling resume. But with recruiters spending an average of mere seconds on a resume, how do you ensure yours makes the cut? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an effective, SEO-friendly resume.

Before diving into resume design or content, recognize the importance of keywords. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter resumes based on specific terms related to the job. 

Tip: Review the job description meticulously. Identify crucial skills, tools, and qualifications mentioned and ensure they appear in your resume

Your header should contain:

- Your full name (largest font on the page)

- Professional title (e.g., Graphic Designer, Data Analyst)

- Contact information: phone number, professional email, LinkedIn, or portfolio link

List your work experiences in reverse chronological order. For each position:

- Start with your job title, company name, and tenure.

- Include 3-6 bullet points detailing key responsibilities and achievements. Use quantifiable metrics when possible.

Beyond soft skills like "teamwork" or "communication," emphasize hard skills and tools you're proficient in. This could include software, programming languages, or specialized techniques relevant to the job.

Mention degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. If you're a recent graduate, you might also include relevant coursework or projects.

In many industries, certifications can be as valuable as a degree. If you've taken courses or received certifications, especially from renowned institutions, highlight them.

A one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t impress recruiters. Modify your resume for each position, emphasizing the experience and skills most relevant to each job.

While it’s tempting to use intricate designs, a clean, clutter-free layout works best. Use a legible font, consistent formatting, and incorporate white space.

Typos or grammatical errors can send your resume straight to the rejection pile. Proofread multiple times and consider having a friend review it too.

A professionally crafted resume boosts your chances of standing out in a sea of applicants, ensuring your skills and experiences are presented compellingly. Expert resume builders understand industry trends and Applicant Tracking Systems, tailoring your resume for maximum impact. We at CredentialWise assist job seekers from students to professionals to build and refine their resumes. If you would to avail our services, please feel free to email us at credentialwise@gmail.com

Crafting an effective resume is both an art and a science. By strategically using keywords, highlighting your most relevant experiences, and presenting them in a clean, professional format, you'll significantly increase the chances of your resume capturing a recruiter's attention and can potentially get your resume shortlisted. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your professional story; make sure it's worth reading.

About japanese companies

@about-japanese-companies

20.1K views | Posted a year ago

PayPay: A Deep Dive into the Company, Its Culture, and Compensation

PayPay website: https://paypay.ne.jp/

PayPay, launched in 2018, is a mobile payment service that quickly became a household name in Japan. A joint venture between SoftBank, Yahoo Japan, and India's Paytm, PayPay revolutionized the Japanese payment landscape by offering a seamless and user-friendly mobile wallet experience. As much as the technology and user adoption define PayPay, its internal culture and compensation strategies are equally intriguing for professionals and industry insiders.

Riding on the ethos of its parent companies, PayPay thrives on innovation. Employees are encouraged to experiment with novel ideas, and there's a culture of celebrating both successes and learning from failures.

Given its diverse origin, PayPay promotes a collaborative culture where team members across different backgrounds and expertise levels come together to offer unique solutions.

PayPay understands that the fintech landscape is continuously evolving. As such, there are numerous training sessions, workshops, and seminars to ensure employees stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

Recognizing the importance of a balanced work-life dynamic, PayPay offers flexible working hours, remote work options, and ensures a supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard.

At the heart of PayPay's success is its focus on customer satisfaction. Employees are trained to prioritize customer needs, ensuring the best possible user experience.

Salaries at PayPay can vary based on roles, expertise, and location.

Entry-level software engineers at PayPay might expect an annual salary ranging between JPY 6 million to JPY 8 million. Senior engineers or specialists in certain domains could earn significantly more, with figures exceeding JPY 15 million in some cases.

Given their role in shaping the product's direction and ensuring its success, PMs at PayPay can expect a starting salary ranging from JPY 8 million, which can rise considerably for senior or lead positions.

Professionals in these departments might start with salaries around JPY 5 million to JPY 7 million, with those in leadership roles or with significant experience earning much more.

PayPay, understanding the importance of grooming future talent, offers competitive packages for interns and part-time employees.

In addition to the base salary, PayPay provides a plethora of benefits, including health insurance, performance bonuses, and, for some roles, stock options. Relocation assistance and other perks might be available depending on the role and seniority.

PayPay, with its rapid ascent in the mobile payment domain in Japan, showcases not just the potential of fintech but also the importance of nurturing a positive corporate culture. For professionals eyeing a stint in the fintech world, PayPay represents a blend of technological challenges, a supportive work environment, and competitive compensation. As always, potential candidates should conduct thorough research tailored to their specific role and expertise to get a clearer picture of current trends and offerings.

About japanese companies

@about-japanese-companies

20.3K views | Posted a year ago

Paidy: An Inside Look at the Company, Its Culture, and Compensation

Paidy website: https://paidy.com/

paidy

Paidy, founded in 2008, is an avant-garde fintech firm that provides "buy now, pay later" services in Japan. Offering a user-centric experience that doesn't require a credit card, Paidy has remarkably simplified online shopping for millions. While its unique payment solutions and expanding user base set it apart, exploring the internal dynamics, particularly its work culture and compensation, can shed light on its success story.

At the heart of Paidy's success is its unwavering focus on innovation. The company continuously encourages its employees to ideate, challenge the norm, and redefine the payment landscape.

As a fintech disruptor, Paidy prides itself on fostering a collaborative atmosphere where different teams synergize their expertise to create best-in-class solutions.

Recognizing the rapidly evolving nature of fintech, Paidy emphasizes employee growth, providing them with ample opportunities for training, workshops, and exposure to global trends.

With a commitment to serving a diverse user base, Paidy aims to reflect this diversity within its ranks. The company believes in equal opportunities, ensuring a broad spectrum of thoughts and ideas.

Beyond work, Paidy recognizes the importance of mental and physical well-being. Flexibility, work-life balance, and holistic wellness programs are integral to its employee benefits.

Given the competitive nature of the fintech industry and variations based on roles and experience, salaries can differ. 

At Paidy, entry-level software engineers can anticipate an annual salary ranging from JPY 6 million to JPY 9 million. Senior roles or domain-specific experts could see figures upward of JPY 15 million.

Responsible for steering the product's vision, PMs at Paidy might have salaries starting from JPY 8 million, with senior roles fetching considerably more.

Professionals in these sectors can expect a starting range of JPY 5 million to JPY 8 million, with those at the higher echelons or with substantial experience earning significantly more.

Paidy, believing in nurturing budding talent, offers competitive packages to interns and part-time contributors.

Beyond the numeric salary, Paidy's compensation includes an array of benefits such as health coverage, performance bonuses, stock options for certain positions, and more.

Paidy's mark on Japan's fintech landscape is undeniable, and its combination of groundbreaking solutions and an inspiring work culture is pivotal to this success. For professionals keen on diving into the fintech sphere, Paidy presents a blend of challenges, growth opportunities, and attractive compensation. As the landscape continues to evolve, potential candidates should engage in ongoing research to understand the latest offerings and trends at Paidy.

About japanese companies

@about-japanese-companies

19.8K views | Posted a year ago

SmartNews: Delving into the Company, Its Work Culture, and Compensation Structure

SmartNews website: https://www.smartnews.com/en

SmartNews

SmartNews is an acclaimed news aggregation application that offers a range of news articles sourced from multiple publishers. Founded in 2012 in Japan by Ken Suzuki and Kaisei Hamamoto, SmartNews has expanded its footprint, becoming one of the leading news apps not just in Japan but also in the United States. While its algorithm-driven curation system is at the core of its popularity, the internal dynamics, especially its work culture and compensation, are equally intriguing for those interested in the tech industry.

Being at the forefront of news aggregation means constant innovation. SmartNews prides itself on fostering a culture where innovative thinking is encouraged, and employees are given the space to experiment and iterate.

As a global company, SmartNews understands the value of diverse viewpoints. They strive for a workforce that reflects global perspectives, ensuring a holistic approach to product development and marketing.

SmartNews believes in harnessing collective intelligence. Cross-functional teams work together, ensuring that varied perspectives lead to better decision-making.

SmartNews invests in its employees by offering them opportunities for professional development, workshops, and courses that keep them updated with the latest industry trends.

While the tech industry is often associated with long hours, SmartNews endeavors to provide its employees with a balanced work-life dynamic, emphasizing productivity over long hours.

Salaries at SmartNews can vary widely based on roles, experience, and location. 

Entry-level software engineers at SmartNews in Japan might start with an annual salary ranging from JPY 5 million to JPY 7 million. Senior roles and specialized tech positions could see compensation well over JPY 15 million.

Tasked with shaping the direction of the product, PMs at SmartNews can expect salaries that range from JPY 8 million for more junior roles to over JPY 20 million for those in leadership positions.

Entry-level roles in these departments could start from JPY 5 million, with senior positions and those with significant experience earning considerably more.

SmartNews offers competitive compensation for interns and part-timers, ensuring they gain industry-relevant experience while being fairly compensated.

Beyond the base salary, SmartNews provides a range of benefits such as health insurance, performance-based bonuses, and, in some cases, stock options. Relocation and housing assistance might also be available for those moving for their roles.

SmartNews, with its tech-driven approach to news curation, has established itself as a major player in the news aggregation space. Its work culture, which emphasizes innovation, diversity, and collaboration, plays a pivotal role in its success. Those considering a career at SmartNews should conduct further research to gauge the current compensation trends and benefits, ensuring they make an informed decision.

About japanese companies

@about-japanese-companies

19.7K views | Posted a year ago

Mercari: An Insight into the Company, Its Work Culture

Mercari website: https://jp.mercari.com/

Mercari, often dubbed as the "flea market app," is a Japanese e-commerce company that connects sellers and buyers, allowing them to trade a vast array of goods ranging from fashion items to electronics. Founded in 2013 by Shintaro Yamada, Mercari has rapidly risen in popularity and expanded its services beyond Japan to the US and the UK. While its business model and user experience are noteworthy, the company's work culture and compensation structure are also of interest to job seekers and industry observers.

Mercari is a global company with operations in different parts of the world. This global outlook is mirrored in its approach to diversity and inclusion. The company aims to create an environment where diverse talents can shine, irrespective of their background, nationality, gender, or age.

Mercari believes in the continuous growth of its employees. As such, there are several training opportunities and workshops available for employees to hone their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay abreast of the latest industry trends.

One of the cornerstones of Mercari's work culture is open communication. The company encourages employees to express their opinions, ask questions, and engage in constructive discussions. This approach ensures that ideas flow freely and the best ones are implemented.

Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, Mercari provides flexible working hours and remote working options. This flexibility not only boosts employee morale but also ensures that they can deliver their best while maintaining personal well-being.

At Mercari, teamwork is highly valued. Employees are often encouraged to collaborate across departments to bring innovative solutions and improve the platform's user experience.

Salaries at Mercari can vary based on roles, locations, and individual experience.

In Japan, entry-level software engineers at Mercari might earn an annual salary starting at JPY 6 million, while senior engineers and tech leads can earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding JPY 15 million.

PMs are pivotal in guiding the product's direction and ensuring its success. Their salaries typically range from JPY 8 million for junior roles to well over JPY 20 million for senior or lead positions.

Employees in these roles can expect salaries starting from JPY 5 million for entry-level positions, with senior roles earning considerably more based on experience and performance.

Mercari is known to offer competitive packages for interns and part-time workers, ensuring they receive both valuable experience and fair compensation.

Apart from the base salary, Mercari provides several benefits, including health insurance, employee stock options, and performance bonuses. The company also offers relocation assistance for employees moving to a new city or country for their role.

Mercari's meteoric rise in the e-commerce world can be attributed not only to its unique business model and user-friendly interface but also to its dedicated workforce. The company's inclusive work culture, emphasis on continuous learning, and competitive salary structures make it an attractive destination for job seekers. As with any company, it's crucial for potential employees to do their research, assess their fit, and negotiate the best package for their needs and experience.

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