Decoding Tech Jargon: A Non-Technical Guide to IT Hiring

Hiring for IT roles can feel like interviewing in a language you don’t speak–especially for non-tech hiring teams. The acronyms alone can make your head spin – APIs, CI/CD, IP, SaaS….and so on. 

The good news is having a solid base of IT knowledge can make all the difference. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common acronyms and concepts you’ll need to know to make smarter hiring decisions and help improve communication with your IT team. 

This guide simplifies common IT terms and roles so you can confidently hire the right talent and communicate effectively with your team—even if you don’t know the difference between Python and Ruby on Rails. 

Common IT Roles and Their Key Terms Decoded 

One of the biggest challenges in hiring for IT roles when you aren’t an IT expert is understanding what the different roles do and the common terms associated with each role. Take the time to talk to your IT team to make sure you understand what the role will entail, and have them read over the job listing before posting it–they can help ensure you’re using the right lingo. 

Here are the basic terms and roles you’ll want to be familiar with: 

Software Developer / Software Engineer

Think of Software Developers and Software Engineers as chefs in a tech kitchen. While both cook up the digital goods, their specialties differ slightly.

• Software Developer: Focuses on writing and implementing code to create specific applications or features. They’re like a pastry chef, zeroed in on creating the perfect dessert (or app).

• Software Engineer: Designs and develops entire systems, taking a big-picture view. They’re more like an executive chef, orchestrating the whole menu.

Key Terms to Know:

• API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules for how software components interact, like a recipe shared between two chefs.

• CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment): A method to speed up development cycles by automating code updates and deployments.

• Version Control: Tools like Git that track code changes over time, like a digital time machine.

• Microservices: Breaking applications into smaller, independent components for easier updates.

• Agile Development: A collaborative approach to building software in small, manageable chunks.

System Administrator (SysAdmin)

SysAdmins are the unsung heroes of IT. They keep the digital lights on by managing servers, networks, and infrastructure. 

Key tasks can vary by company (and IT team size) but generally include installing and configuring new workstations, troubleshooting system issues, managing user accounts, and keeping the system updated and running smoothly. 

Key Terms to Know:

• Uptime: The amount of time systems are running smoothly.

• Patch Management: Updating software to fix bugs or improve security.

• Virtualization: Creating virtual versions of physical resources, like servers, to maximize efficiency.

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are the bridge between development and operations, streamlining processes for faster, smoother software delivery. They’re often responsible for a little bit of everything, including process automation, security, and system administration. Communication skills are key to this role. 

Key Terms to Know:

• Automation: Using tools to handle repetitive tasks. (Important everywhere but key in DevOps.) 

• Containerization: Packaging applications and their dependencies into portable units using tools like Docker and Kubernetes.

• Cloud Computing: Hosting and accessing data and applications online instead of on physical servers.

Data Analyst / Data Scientist

If data is the new oil, these roles are the refinery workers. They work to obtain, clean, and help teams leverage data. There are two roles in this area, much like software developers and software engineers. Each role is a little different. 

• Data Analyst: Extracts insights from existing data to inform decisions.

• Data Scientist: Predicts future trends using algorithms and machine learning.

Key Terms to Know:

• Big Data: Extremely large datasets that require specialized tools to process.

• Data Sanitization: No soap needed. This is about removing outliers, fixing errors, and making sure the data is usable. 

• Machine Learning: Related to AI, this helps computers to learn and make predictions based on patterns in data. 

• SQL: A programming language for managing databases.

• Python: A versatile programming language widely used in data analysis and beyond.

How to Navigate Tech Jargon in Job Descriptions

Reading IT job descriptions or IT resumes can feel a lot like trying to read a user manual in a language you don’t speak. Here are a few tips for translating those complicated listings into something you can actually understand: 

Common Skills and Certifications

Familiarize yourself with common skills and certifications required at your company. Terms like AWS, CompTIA, or Cisco often signal specific expertise or certifications. AWS, for example, refers to Amazon Web Services, a popular cloud platform. CompTIA is a platform-agnostic certification organization. 

Years of Experience

This often correlates with the complexity of the work. For example, managing an enterprise-level network might require five-plus years plus specific certifications, while an entry-level role might only need a specific cert. 

Platform-Specific Skills

Familiarize yourself with your company's IT platforms. If a job description mentions “Linux” or “Azure,” it means the company needs someone familiar with those systems. These are generally not interchangeable. Just because a vet knows how to perform surgery on a dog doesn’t mean they can perform surgery on a human because the systems and parts are so different. 

As you create job listings for your own company, start by breaking down technical requirements into understandable tasks. Collaborate with your internal IT team to craft descriptions that are clear and accurate. Think: “Manages cloud migration projects” rather than “Expert in container orchestration.” 

Core IT Concepts for Non-Technical Managers to Know

Here are some terms you’ll want to be familiar with before creating a job listing–or interviewing your first candidate. 

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing allows businesses to store data and run applications over the internet instead of relying on local servers. This is become a key concept in IT, so it's helpful to be familiar with key terms like: 

• SaaS (Software as a Service): Apps you access online, like Google Workspace.

• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Tools developers use to build apps without worrying about infrastructure.

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Renting virtual servers and storage from providers like AWS.

• Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud: Public clouds are shared environments; private clouds are dedicated to one organization.

Networking

Networking refers to how your company’s devices connect and share data. It’s the backbone of most IT systems.

Key Terms to Know:

• IP Address: A device’s unique ID on a network.

• DNS (Domain Name System): Translates website names into IP addresses.

• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Secures data by creating a private connection over the internet.

• Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access to a network.

• Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted in a set time.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is about keeping computers and data safe from bad actors. Because it changes daily, expect to see new skills and terms regularly. 

Key Terms to Know:

• Encryption: Scrambling data to keep it secure. You might also hear the term “encryption key” which gives a computer information to unscramble encrypted data. Think of it like writing a letter in a cipher and only the computer you’re sending it to has the key. 

• MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): When a system requires multiple forms of verification for access to systems, like when you log into your banking app and it sends you a text. 

• Malware: Malicious software designed to harm systems and/or expose data. 

• Penetration Testing: Simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities and fix them. AKA pen testing. 

How to Communicate Effectively with IT Candidates 

Having a base understanding of the terms and concepts in IT will help you interview candidates more effectively–but you don’t need to be an expert. Rather than worrying about sounding tech-savvy, focus on understanding the candidate's experience and problem-solving abilities. 

Ask questions exploring their thought process rather than asking extremely technical questions:  

• “Can you explain the steps you’d take to find a cyber security threat?” 

• “How do you ensure uptime for critical systems? What factors do you consider?” 

Don’t overlook soft skills. Tech skills are essential, but most IT people can learn new skills. Understanding how to work in a team, effective communication skills, and adaptability can have a much larger impact on how effective someone is in their role–and are harder to teach. 

Final Thoughts 

Effectively hiring in the IT world doesn’t require a computer science degree. With a solid grasp of key terms and concepts, you’ll be able to hire effectively and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical team members. 

Remember: it’s not about knowing everything; it’s about knowing enough to ask the right questions. 

Are you looking to help your IT team members improve their skills? The CBT Nuggets Learning Management System makes it easier to manage ongoing learning. Learn more.