3 Tips For Getting a Job in the Cannabis Industry

3 Tips For a Job In the Cannabis Industry

3 Tips for Landing that Dream Cannabis Job You Applied For Online from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

By André van Regenmortel, CMO of düber Technologies Inc.

Securing a job in the cannabis industry is very similar to most other industries, with a few unique aspects discussed below. I got involved in the cannabis industry almost accidentally. I was looking for a senior marketing position with a tech start-up, as I wanted a hectic job to complement Vancouver’s laid-back style. düber fit the bill perfectly, and just happened to be a software provider to the cannabis industry. Working in such a dynamic industry adds energy to my working day.

Research is your best friend

The first step is to do a lot of research. Before looking for specific job postings, you need to assess your own priorities and goals. You very well might be a consumer of marijuana. This alone isn’t a sufficient reason to apply for a cannabis-related job. Like any other sector, these companies need top talent in marketing, finance, law, operations and logistics, software development, event planning and many other roles that don’t require a personal relationship with the product. You don’t need to be a consumer to be a successful job applicant.

One mistake I see over and over again is people trying to break into a new industry and learn a new role at the same time. This is tough to pull off. Start with your existing skill-set and target jobs that need those. If you’re a software developer, you can offer a valuable service to cannabis companies since they all need strong IT practices and platforms. Once you’ve broken into the industry and established yourself in a job, then it is a good time to plan a move into your dream position.

The fast pace of growth in the cannabis industry means that promotions are more likely than in more established or stagnant industries. So get in, then move up. On-the-ground experience counts for a lot and you’ll learn much in your first year. Put in the time, diligence and effort to lay the foundation for your career.

What about the legal issues?

Cannabis is unique because of where it sits in the spectrum of state vs. federal legal status. Events happen fast in Washington D.C. these days, and sometimes it seems that every week brings a new development to the industry. This means different things to different companies, depending on the role they play. Stay on top of trending news but keep in mind that cannabis will be around longer than any one administration. Opinion polls of the general population are consistently growing in favor of full legalization.

When looking for jobs, know your state’s stance and statutes on the matter, and position yourself accordingly. For example, there are more states where medical cannabis is legal than there are recreational states. If you want access to a wider variety of jobs, consider relocating to a state that enjoys recreational status. However, proceed with caution when going down this route. Just like trying to enter a new field is difficult, getting a job outside of your home base can be a challenge. A lot of employers are looking for people already in their area, although that might not automatically count you out if you’re the right fit.

Know your resources

There are specific resources that focus on recruiting talent for cannabis-related companies. Check out sites like Vangster and Ganjapreneur to see which companies are hiring and the types of roles available. Success can be had through jobs boards, but their impersonal nature can make progress slow and difficult.

This is why, like any other job search, making personal connections is a fantastic way to speed the hiring process along. Look up trade shows in your area, or attend one of the many cannabis-themed events out there. LinkedIn is your friend here: search for people with the position you want and reach out to see if they’re willing to chat about their professional path. Don’t just randomly send your resume out on LinkedIn. Build authentic connections and learn from those who have already traveled along your intended path.

Research training programs offer specialized education in cannabis-related subjects. When looking at these, find out how long they’ve been around and who designs the curriculum. Ask whether they offer certification and the organizations that stand behind that certificate. These programs might be a good fit if you’re just starting out in your career or want to strengthen relevant education on your resume. Going down this route can give you a leg up in the hiring process, but it isn’t required.

Don’t get discouraged

A recent study from The Ladders shows that recruiters spend, on average, only six seconds looking at a resume before making a decision about fit. While job growth is expanding rapidly, hiring is still very competitive. You might have to apply to dozens of positions before getting an interview, let alone a job. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t take just any job if it’s not the right fit. If you’re undertaking the massive effort of a proper job search, it’s worth taking the time to ensure you really click with that new job and the company’s mission. The last thing you want to do is take a job only to leave within six months. That has the potential to burn valuable bridges to future employment.

Again, securing a job in cannabis is more similar to other industries than it is different. Companies will look at your professional background, goals accomplished in previous jobs, educational experience and how you fit with their corporate culture. You want to come across as knowledgeable about the company and industry. Craft what you hope to accomplish in the desired role and the industry. Remember that this is just as much of an opportunity for you to interview the company as for them to interview you. With the right research, diligence, and most of all patience, you have every chance to land a job in the exciting world of legal cannabis.