Do you want to work at FAANG companies but don’t have a technical background? That’s okay. You can still join them. Whenever we talk about FAANG and big tech companies, most job seekers assume these companies only have technical roles. But Glassdoor’s research shows 43% of positions within big tech companies are non-technical roles. 

Non-technical roles in FAANG companies do not always require a technical background or coding knowledge. You can work for them even if you have a basic understanding of tech and bring to the table non-technical skills that are valuable for their business. This means you don’t necessarily need to be a Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Developer, etc., to apply to FAANG companies. 

Here are some non-technical roles that tech companies hire for!

1. Business Analyst

Although Business Analyst positions are often confused with tech roles, some companies hire candidates for this role under non-tech positions. A business analyst from a non-tech background works closely with the company’s business teams to improve the company’s business operations and help make decisions associated with the strategy. This role does not necessarily require coding skills, but exposure to tech can always come in handy. 

The responsibilities of a Business Analyst would look like:

  • Evaluating business processes, and identifying areas for improvement to implement solutions.
  • Provide insights to the business by analyzing relevant data to drive greater effectiveness and process efficiency.
  • Collaborate with cross-vertical program managers, operations managers, and business analysts; sharing best practices and replicating successes.
  • Leading reviews of business processes and developing strategies.
  • Gathering critical information from meetings with stakeholders.

While these responsibilities are only an example of the many tasks a Business Analyst might be required to carry out, the role differs from one company to another across industries.

2. Program Manager

As the Business Analyst position, a Program Manager role is also often confused as a technical role. While there are technical PM roles, there are also as many non-tech program managers that big tech companies hire. Non-tech PMs focus on developing programs to support the strategic decisions of a firm. They are responsible for coordinating activities across different teams and communicating with stakeholders to ensure goals are achieved in a timely and risk-free manner. 

The responsibilities of a non-tech Program Manager look like:

  • Coordinating activities to meet the goals of the company.
  • Developing and managing new programs to support strategic decisions of the company.
  • Managing teams and implementing changes to mitigate any risks associated with the program.
  • Meeting and communicating with stakeholders regarding program decisions.
  • Developing budget plans for the program.

3. HR Business Partner

Like any other company, tech companies require HR employees too. Often referred to with different names like HR Business Partner, People Operations Manager, etc., these non-technical positions are open to candidates from non-technical backgrounds. 

The responsibilities of an HR Business Partner look like:

  • Manage and facilitate organizational design and development, leadership coaching, and team building that support change and growth
  • Proactively assess team and manager development needs, make recommendations, and implement appropriate solutions
  • Integrate and partner with HR colleagues in the Recruiting, Learning & Development, Compensation, Legal, and HR Programs teams to implement solutions and help scale the business
  • Manage and facilitate the overall Performance Cycle and employee engagement survey throughout the year
  • Facilitate team and offsite meetings as needed

These responsibilities are one example. HR roles differ among companies, and there could be more than an HR Business Partner is expected to do in the firm, depending on their position.

4. Marketing Manager

The role of a Marketing Manager is to promote a product or service. Tech companies require marketing managers to promote their products or service and maintain and retain relationships with clients. Marketing Managers work with different teams like product, content, creative teams, etc., to align the goals and promote a successful campaign.  

The responsibilities of a Marketing Manager are:

  • Establish and identify target audiences, and develop marketing plans with specific objectives across different channels and segments
  • Analyze customer insights and trends to build successful strategies
  • Create, maintain, and conduct analytics reporting across multiple platforms for go-to-market strategies.
  • Lead the execution of marketing programs by leveraging internal support and driving collaboration
  • Conceptualize and execute multi-channel campaigns.

Marketing managers are responsible for several tasks like handling communication, managing budgets and people associated with a campaign, supporting sales, etc. Most tech companies hire candidates for their marketing teams, and non-tech background candidates could consider applying to such positions. 

There are several non-tech roles in tech companies that job seekers from business or other non-technical backgrounds could consider. An optimized resume and a LinkedIn profile that helps convey why you’re the best fit for the role could be your key to landing interview calls at FAANG companies. 

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