What Do I Need to Know in My Cannabis Job Search to Get an Interview?
You’re on the ropes in your cannabis job search, applying to over 10 positions a week and either getting no responses or the dreaded generic rejection email. Well, you’ve come to the right post. We have worked with several cannabis businesses, placing thousands of talent in various industry sectors. Our staffing team knows a thing or two about the job hunt on both sides.
But are there cannabis jobs available? Yes! According to New Frontier Data, the U.S. cannabis industry is predicted to surpass $35 billion in 2023 ($5 billion more than last year), which means there are opportunities out there. To help you in your journey to start your cannabis career, we compiled five things you need to know as a job seeker. Ignoring these simple but effective strategies will keep you in the same vicious application and rejection rotation. It’s time to break out of the cycle.
Use a Designated Email Address for Your Cannabis Job Search
Your personal email address gets bombarded by spam, subscription emails, and other miscellaneous things. To stay organized, creating an email solely for your cannabis job search will be a big help. You can keep track of your applications, respond to recruiters or employers faster, and follow up on potential cannabis industry jobs in a timelier manner. Also, it will allow you to sort through your spam or junk mail faster. Why do you need to do this? Many applications are sorted via an applicant tracking system (ATS). Therefore, the response to your application might come through automation and end up in your spam folder. So, the next step in your job opportunity could end up in your junk pile.
Another good reason to create a designated email address for your job search is to look more professional. The first impression for an employer is through your resume, cover letter, and email. Let’s face it, personal emails aren’t always professional. A designated email address for your job search in the cannabis industry will give you the opportunity to create a professional name and signature with links to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio. You can even add a Calendly link to make the interview process easier for employers.
Also, if you’ve already applied to a position at the cannabis company (whether it’s the same or not), the ATS may sort duplicate candidates by your email. By creating a new email address you’ll get a fresh start in the ATS, which may help your application reach the next step.
Apply to Cannabis Jobs Early
Often, the early applications get more eyeballs on them. Yes, job openings are up for months sometimes. However, those job openings are likely cold. Also, applicants are gathered in the first few weeks after that job is posted. Therefore, applying early is crucial. The cannabis job interview process can take several weeks or longer. And employers may leave the job posting up during the process. Why? They forgot to take it down. Or they want to pipeline candidates even if there is no longer an opening.
Although it will help you to apply early, that doesn’t mean you have to rush the process. Take your time. Edit your resume to fit the job you’re applying for. Write a cover letter that highlights your skills and experience in more depth and uses examples. As long as you complete the application in the first few days after the job posting is published, you’ll increase your potential to get an interview. Having said that, if you find an opportunity you’re excited about, but it’s been up for several weeks, go for it anyway. At the very least, you’ll get into their applicant tracking system.
Create a Few Versions of Your Cannabis Resume
Decide what types of jobs you are pursuing in the cannabis industry. Then, you can create different versions of your resume for each position type. The reality is that recruiters and employers may only take a few seconds to look over your resume to see if it aligns with the open position. Tailor each resume to touch on the duties and responsibilities in the cannabis job description. You can also use a keyword density tool to see what keywords are being used the most. Then, you can use them in your resume and cover letter. By doing so, you will increase your chances of getting noticed by employers and AI.
The more you personalize the resume for the open position, the higher your chances are of getting in the interview pile. If you are going after a specialized job that requires a segment of your skills and experience, creating a new resume allows you to lead with them. Your go-to resume may present you as a multi-skilled talent. However, you may not get the job because you do not specialize in one area according to your general resume. By creating different versions of your resume, you can hone in on abilities that match specialized roles better. Make it easier for the employer to line up the stars.
Keep Your Resume Formatting and Font Simple
Many cannabis employers and recruiters use an ATS. If your resume uses complex formatting or fancy fonts, it may not get recognized. The ATS will parse parts of your resume. If the font or format is unique, the system may not auto-populate your applicant profile properly. Choose easy-to-read, simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
If you are applying for more creative jobs in cannabis, you may think getting inventive with your resume will help you stand out. It could when an employer or recruiter is reviewing your resume. However, you will still run into an ATS, which works better with simple resumes. So, how can you show your creative side on a resume? Include a link to your portfolio or website. Also, keep the file title of your resume simple. Your first and last name and date will do the trick.
Be on the Lookout for Sponsored Jobs
Typically, a cannabis company will sponsor jobs they need to fill soon. Or maybe it is a difficult role to fill. Keep your eyes open for sponsored jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, Zip Recruiter, etc. If they are lacking qualified candidates, you have a chance to make a great first impression with your cannabis resume. Apply to sponsored jobs as soon as you can. However, take the time to edit your resume and cover letter to align with the job description.
Another thing to look out for with sponsored jobs is recruiters or hiring managers attached to the post. If there are any, you can send them a direct message to try and stand out more. Chances are good that they will welcome reviewing your resume if you send it over to them directly. Present yourself well and briefly and concisely highlight why you think you’re a good fit in the direct message or email.
Best Times to Look for a Cannabis Job
With plenty of talent looking for opportunities, it can seem like a mad scramble to fill out applications. Let’s look at the best times of the year to job hunt.
What is the best time to look for a cannabis job?
January and February seem to be the most popular hiring months. Companies will finish budgets by November or earlier and post jobs in December. Therefore, many will expect to hire in January and February. Also, many people reflect on their current jobs at the end of the year. And many decide to start fresh in the new year, creating more job opportunities.
What is the best day to look for a cannabis job?
Mondays and Tuesdays are the best days to apply to cannabis industry jobs. Tuesday is the most popular day for job postings. However, you have to keep in mind that every company is different.
What is the best time of the day to apply for a cannabis industry job?
According to Indeed, the best time of the day to apply is early in the morning or late at night. In both situations, you increase your chances of your resume being one of the first the hiring manager sees.
When should I start looking for a job in the cannabis industry?
The average time suggested is around three months ahead of your preferred employment start date. However, the best time is always now. Keep searching, and don’t give up until you land a job offer you’re excited about!
Summary of Cannabis Job Search Need-to-Know Tips
- Create a designated email for your cannabis industry job search so you can keep track of your applications easier
- Apply to cannabis jobs within the first few days that they’re posted—the earlier the better
- Create different versions of your resume to align with the roles you are targeting—then you can tailor it further for a specific job posting
- Keep your resume simple so it can be read easily by employers and an applicant tracking system
- Check out sponsored jobs, as they are likely lacking qualified candidates or are urgently hiring
FAQs
Is cannabis a good industry to work in?
The cannabis industry is the fastest growing industry in the nation. There are over 420,000 people employed in the space. It is a great industry to work in for competitive salaries and benefits. However, those who are familiar with a startup work environment and have a growth mindset tend to do better in the industry.
What makes you a good fit to work in the cannabis industry?
It helps to have relative work experience in similar fields. For example, those who have experience in the alcohol industry will have experience that aligns well with cannabis. Overall, if you are innovative, willing to learn, and have an authentic passion for cannabis, you will make the transition well into the industry.
What careers are there in cannabis?
There are several sectors of the cannabis industry: cultivation, extraction, testing, manufacturing, retail, sales, marketing, etc. Also, job opportunities range from entry-level to executive. Some of the most popular cannabis careers are dispensary store manager, cultivation director, edibles chef, compliance manager, and director of extraction. Check out our cannabis job board for the latest opportunities.
