The coronavirus crisis has been spreading like wildfire throughout the nation, causing companies to hit the pause button on events and disrupting the economy. For those who have been thinking about embarking on a cannabis job search, the big question is this: should I put my search on hold or trek forward? It depends on your goals and urgency to land a position.
If you happen to decide to move forward with your cannabis job search during the coronavirus crisis, we’re here to help you see it through. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemonium, you’ll probably experience delays in the process of cannabis staffing. However, there’s still work to do, which means jobs still need to be filled. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to enter the essential cannabis industry.
Online Networking
Events and conferences are out of the picture right now, so online is your best bet to network. Start by scouring cannabis sites for virtual events and conferences. Several cannabis companies are holding free virtual events–see Cannabis Industry Journal’s upcoming events and webinars to get started. It would also be a good idea to join professional groups on LinkedIn or Facebook to further market yourself. Demonstrate your expertise by being active in the group conversations and posting relevant articles. You can even take it a step further and set up online meetings with your professional contacts. Remember to ask questions about their goals in cannabis and present what you can offer.
Observe Cannabis Companies
During this challenging time in history, it’s beneficial for you to observe how cannabis companies react. Which companies are making the right pivots? Which companies are sinking under the pressure of sudden change and downturn? During your cannabis job search, you want to find the companies that are savvy enough to make the smart and creative decisions to adjust to curveballs. Not all companies are made the same, so you’ll want to find the ones that have an adapt or perish mentality. Plenty of companies had the odds stacked against them during a recession or a slump in the economy, such as Netflix or Groupon, so try and find ones that are cut from the same cloth. Observe the social media channels of legal marijuana companies and the news to find out who’s making the right moves.
Upgrade Your Cannabis Knowledge
The cannabis staffing process will likely move slower than usual during the coronavirus era. So, expect there to be plenty of time between steps in the process. While you’re waiting for a response to your application, a callback, or a follow-up interview, you should take the time to upgrade your cannabis education. There are plenty of professionals from other industries that are successfully leaping into cannabis; however, many of them have little to no marijuana knowledge. You have extra time right now to gain a cannabis education that will give you an edge when employers review resumes. Our partner, Green Flower Media, provides cannabis certificate courses that are 100% online. They utilize a vast network of 700+ leading experts in cannabis medicine, business, cultivation, retail, and more, producing best-in-class content. And you can take their most popular program–the Cannabis Fundamentals Certificate program.
Prepare for Video Job Interviews
During this period of cannabis staffing, it’s likely that all interviews will be done in the digital world. Although it may seem about the same as an in-person interview, certain aspects are different. Let’s take a look at the best practices for a video job interview:
Technology: Test your speakers, microphone, webcam, and Internet connection beforehand to ensure smooth sailing. You will also want to familiarize yourself with your software, whether it’s Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, or another program. Doing a test run with a friend won’t hurt.
Interview Environment: Choose your video interview location wisely. You’ll want to find a quiet place in your home where you won’t get bothered by roommates or family members. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid spots with visual distractions–use a backdrop or find a plain wall.
Body Language and Speech: Practice good posture, and try to keep from fidgeting. Also, look into the camera as often as you can (not the screen), to show the interviewer that you’re engaged. Remember to speak loud enough for the microphone to pick up your voice and slow enough for clarity to compensate for potential lag time.
Dress the Part: Yes, we know that you’ll be at home, but dress the part from head to toe. It will help you get into character, and if you have to stand up and grab something during the interview, you won’t embarrass yourself wearing sweatpants.
Use a Cannabis Staffing Firm
Finding a job on your own in the cannabis industry can be difficult, especially during the coronavirus crisis. Using a staffing firm that’s well-versed in placing talent in the cannabis space will save you time. Not only that, but you’ll find more quality opportunities than you would by doing a regular cannabis job search on your own. Find a cannabis staffing firm that takes interest in matching your passion and skills to a company that suits you best.
At CannabizTeam, we make lasting connections between candidates and cannabis companies. We’re ready to help you face the challenge of finding a position amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position or temporary employment, we can help you.
Visit Our Cannabis Job Board
- All Jobs Openings: click here
- Permanent Job Openings: click here
- Temporary Job Openings: click here
Once you find a job that interests you, click on the button to the right of the job title. Then scroll down past the job description and duties to find the application box. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at contact@cannabizteam.com.
