Resume and Interview Tips for the Cannabis Industry
So, you want to join the cannabis industry? Welcome aboard!
I can personally attest to just how fulfilling it is to work in the cannabis industry. The promotion of cannabis contributes to healing and happiness for end users, and as a supporting part of the industry, you can derive higher-level gratification and purpose through your work.
I normally use this blog to share how cannabis can help people to feel better. This article deviates from that mission slightly in that it will not touch on the scientific and anecdotal benefits of cannabis therapy.
However, I wanted to share my insights with individuals looking for advice about expanding their career in cannabis. I’m often asked - “what does it take to break into the cannabis industry?” With that, here are some of my tips and tricks for standing out above the rest as you embark on your cannabis career search.
Practical Resume Tips
Always submit a fresh resume. Submit a new resume for every job you apply to (yes, make edits each time). While this process may be tedious, this approach will force you to be specific and intentionally consider which of your skills apply to the role… and also consider whether or not it’s the right job for you.
Make sure your references can be reached. It can be kinda awkward to reach out to your references and confirm their contact information is still valid. Let’s be real, maybe it’s been awhile! However, doing your due diligence now could prevent an awkward encounter with your new employer. Ultimately, reaching out to your professional references also provides a renewed opportunity to reconnect and update them on your new career goals.
List the skills you possess that will be most appealing to your employer. Consider reviewing your resume from the employer’s perspective to audit which skills you include on your CV. Skills like conflict resolution, excellent communication, inventory management, and superior customer service are likely to be relevant. No need to list your musical or artistic skills if they are not relevant to the position at hand.
Even if you are applying for an entry-level job, list out all the qualifications you have that could be beneficial to the business. In cannabis, people who demonstrate value to their businesses can be promoted quickly. Allow your potential employer to imagine all the opportunities that will come to their business if they decide to add you to their team.
Be intentional about how you represent your prior cannabis experience. The reality of cannabis prohibition is that many people with prior cannabis experience may have grown or sold cannabis before it was legal to do so. As such, you will want to be considerate about how you bill your pre-recreational experience and use intentional terminology that frames your experience in the most positive light possible. For example, I would recommend opting for the term “pre-recreational” instead of “black-market”. That said, do include any prior cannabis experience as this will provide a leg-up over other applicants.
Be prepared to wait after filling out an application and submitting your resume. Depending on the size of the business you are applying to, the company may or may not have a dedicated HR team, meaning that response times may be longer than you are accustomed to in other industries. If you haven’t heard back, politely follow up via phone or email and express that you are still interested in the role and excited to hear back. I would recommend following up once every week after submitting your application. Remember to demonstrate enthusiasm in all of your follow up communications.
Considerations for cannabis interviews
The trick to landing the right job is to be able to effectively tell your career story and then connect the dots between your prior experience and the job you currently seek. Be able to tell your career story and package your prior skills in a way that could benefit your future employer.
Have examples at the ready. Before your interview, think of at least three stories from your professional past that you are most proud of. Consider… what is it about these particular examples that make you proud? How can they help you showcase the value you bring to the table? Thoughtfully revisit these core milestones and practice articulating how you exceeded expectations. Having these “stories” prepared will help you answer behavioral questions posed by your prospective employer.
Convey that you have done your research about the company you are applying to. Research the company you are applying for, leveraging online job resources such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Review their social media marketing on Instagram and Facebook. If applicable, read customer reviews on Google and Yelp. When given the opportunity, you will want to demonstrate your awareness of the company’s history as well as their future goals.
Demonstrate knowledge of the plant. Have you read any books about cannabis science? Have you taken any cannabis certifications? Highlight these points in your resume and then reiterate this continued education in your interview.
Maintain professionalism - always. Even though the cannabis industry can feel casual at times (cannabis is all about feeling good, after all!), it’s important that you maintain the utmost professionalism throughout your career search. A professional personal brand can gain you an edge over other candidates. Dress for success and make sure that you are not under the influence when you’re interacting with your prospective employers.
Share your passion for cannabis. Cannabis is a healing plant, and so what you’ll often find is that professionals in the industry have a personal reason for promoting cannabis. Many have recovered from an ailment using cannabis or have helped their family members step through the healing process. Others have lost people from ailments or conditions that can be treated through cannabis. As such, people in hiring positions will be interested to know if there’s a greater underlying reason that you have passion for joining the cannabis industry. If you can, be sure to weave this narrative throughout your cover letter, resume, and in-person interview.
Demonstrate personal agility. Most of the successful individuals in the cannabis industry got to where they are by demonstrating an ability to flex and solve problems. If you want to be successful in cannabis, I wouldn’t suggest ever saying “that’s not my job”. While this limiting approach might fly in other industries, I would challenge you to expand your thinking when it comes to working in cannabis. Throughout your resume and your interview, highlight that you are willing to do what it takes to promote your new place of business.
Highlight your ability to operate in the grey. Because the legal cannabis industry is relatively new, highly regulated, and also still federally illegal, there is a lot of variability and flux when it comes to cannabis policy. When you build your resume and represent your skills in your interview, do what you can to demonstrate that you are able to operate in an ever-changing landscape and can succeed in the absence of absolute clarity.
Showcase your sterling personality! Folks in the cannabis industry often like to have a good time, so as you navigate career discussions, remember to showcase that you are a good culture fit for the company you are applying to. Be positive, be enthusiastic, and be yourself.
Cannabis has been deemed an essential industry in many states, meaning that this promising industry is here to stay. Hopefully, the above tips provide some guidance as you initiate or expand your career path in this field. Wishing you all the confidence and tenacity in the world!
