How to Land a Job in Cannabis
Art Courtesy of Casey Renteria
Many people want to gain employment in the cannabis industry. It’s one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. and it’s a great place to establish a career.
There are a multitude of reasons that people give for the desire to become part of our industry. If your reason is, “I want to make a lot of money,” then you should reevaluate your decision. While you can make a career in this space, it typically takes time to work your way into well-compensated roles. It also depends on your prior relevant experience. Be prepared to answer the question about why you are interested in working in cannabis.
5 Tips to Getting a Job in the Cannabis Industry
Research the Industry
Learn as much as you can about the industry. Research the laws, industry news, and companies. Sign up for industry newsletters. Follow media that specifically reports on the cannabis industry. Be informed so you are able to intelligently discuss what is happening in the space and so you can know the good and the bad.
Craft a solid resume & LinkedIn profile
Your resume should be a snapshot of your experience. Highlight your successes. Companies want to know how you can make and/or save them money. Identify your results. Use numbers and percentages. Be concise and professional. Make sure your resume is grammatically correct without spelling errors. Call out your key skills and make them skills that are needed for the types of positions you are seeking.
At the bottom of your resume, list your volunteer work (if you have volunteered) and list your hobbies and interests. These are good ice breakers for when you land an interview.
Your LinkedIn profile should match your resume. It doesn’t need to be as detailed, but employment dates, company names, and positions should be the same as your resume. Use a photo with you smiling as your profile picture. People are more responsive when you are smiling. In your subject line under your name, put identifiers about your skills/job title that relate to the role you are seeking.
Networking is Important
Constantly be networking. Set a daily goal to connect with industry people at companies in which you have an interest. Comment on industry posts. Engage!
Additionally, attend industry events. Most states have networking groups specific to the cannabis industry such as MITA, CannaGather, etc. If you have the budget and time, go to trade shows such as MJBizCon, NECANN & Hall of Flowers.
Gain some entry-level experience
There are plenty of jobs that will immerse you in the industry and help expand your industry knowledge and marketability. There are positions in retail dispensaries, cultivation facilities, manufacturing, and warehousing. Some roles to target are budtender, brand ambassador, trimmer, delivery & packaging.
Additionally, landing a position with an ancillary company can be a path in. Cannabis testing labs have positions for chemists and analysts. You can also consider companies that supply equipment, nutrients & packaging to name a few. If you have sales experience and cannabis knowledge, explore sales positions.
Interviewing
Prepare for the interview. Research the company, role, and people that will be interviewing you. Prepare a list of questions to ask. Most people will ask if you have questions. If you don’t have questions, it can be perceived that you didn’t prepare.
Dress appropriately. That doesn’t mean that you have to wear a suit, but you should appear presentable. Don’t show up in a T-shirt and hat. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Eye contact is also important. In-person or in a Zoom interview, look at the person or the camera.
Be persistent
Like anything worthwhile, it takes time. Invest in yourself and your skills. You may get a lot of no’s before a yes presents itself. Learn how to handle rejection. We all go through it, use it as a motivator, and above all, keep trying.