It’s not hard to understand why so many people are showing interest in the cannabis industry. After all, with weed becoming legal in more and more states, it’s also becoming a booming industry. This means, there’s tremendous career potential.
Plus, working around weed every day sounds like a pretty sweet gig!
But a lot of people don’t know how to get into the cannabis industry. Well, it’s not rocket science, but it does require a bit of strategy and effort. You can’t expect to sit around getting high all day while on the job.
Let’s take a look at a few things to consider before filling out an application at your local dispensary.
Cannabis Jobs: How to Get Into the Cannabis Industry
If you’ve ever wondered how to get into the cannabis industry, then you’re in the right place. Keeping reading to learn how you can find weed jobs all over the U.S.
Research the Industry
Even if you love to smoke weed, it doesn’t mean that you know anything about the industry side of cannabis. Marijuana is big business, with complex laws and tons of information to learn.
Keep in mind that there are more jobs available than standing behind a counter at a dispensary recommending strains of pot to customers. So take the time to educate yourself as much as possible so that you will be a well-informed job applicant.
Decide What Kind of Job You’re Interested In
Everyone has different interests and goals. This is what makes life fun.
The cannabis industry has a wide range of important jobs from growers to budtenders that need to get filled by motivated and qualified job candidates.
Be honest with yourself about your talents and personal goals. Then, align these attributes with the needs of the industry.
Remember that the weed industry needs accountants, truck drivers, business managers, etc., like any other industry. You might end up pretty surprised at all the opportunities you can plug yourself into.
Look at Online Job Sites
As with any other industry, online job sites are a great resource for looking for employment opportunities. Employers in the cannabis industry cast a wide net for potential applicants, so check job boards for cannabis jobs to see to see what kind of openings are out there.
This is also a quick and easy way to get your resume looked at by someone in the industry. Employers will download your resume and see if you’re a good match for the positions they need to fill. If there’s interest in your skills, they’ll contact you to set up an interview.
Get Certified
You aren’t alone in wanting to find a job in the cannabis industry. Jobs openings can be tough to find and the competition for those jobs can get fierce.
So what sets you apart from the competition?
Consider attaining some form of cannabis industry certification. This could include Patient Focused Certification (PFC) for working in a medical marijuana dispensary, or ASA-CTI core certification.
Becoming certified will help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants. It shows you’re dedicated to learning and that you’re serious about pursuing a career in the industry.
Put Together Your Resume
When it comes time to create your resume, a smart job seeker will tailor their resume for the kind of position they’re seeking. But, don’t worry if you don’t have much — or any — cannabis industry experience, because few people do.
It’s best to focus on how your education, skills, and previous work experience are relevant to the position you’re interested in. Employers will be looking at your potential as much as any other factor, so you want to make sure that your best qualities are clear in your resume.
Make Friends Within the Industry
It’s almost impossible to overstate the value of networking. Regardless of the industry, connections are everything. That’s why it’s vital to make friends within the cannabis industry, if possible.
You can start by chatting up the employees at your local dispensary. This could lead to introductions to other contacts like at a cannabis farm or with a member of management. You want to make a good impression on the people with the power to make hiring decisions.
Remember that every contact is important. You never know where a conversation might lead and who you might meet or get introduced to during a visit to your favorite head shop.
Get an Interview
At the end of the day, the only way to get a job is to land an interview. Once you’ve discovered a job opening and a potential employer has responded to your resume, they’ll set up a date and time for you to come in and talk.
Be sure to treat a job interview within the marijuana industry with the same respect as you would any other interview.
This is your chance to impress them with your interpersonal skills and to let them see your potential. Rest assured that they won’t be impressed if you show high or act unprofessionally.
Be on time and act like the professional they want representing their company.
The Path to Your Dream Job
Taking the time to learn how to get into the cannabis industry could be the best decision you ever make. The growth potential is limitless and there’s never been a better time to become part of the industry.
The key is to focus on what you want to accomplish and to show employers what you have to contribute.
So take a look around, see what’s out there for you and your particular skill-set, and take the leap to make your dream of working in the cannabis industry a reality!
Want more tips? Click here to learn 12 potentially surprising medical uses for marijuana.