Best Tips for Finding a Job in the Cannabis World
It's difficult to find a job you love. That's why here are some tips to help you with your search.
The marijuana industry continues to grow across the country. BDSA, a leading cannabis analytics firm, just released its 2023 report showing the industry growing to $29.5 billion in the US. We contacted Scott Rabinowitz of the nationally respected Herd Freed Hartz about the job search and he offered these suggestions.
The Fresh Toast – Finding the perfect role is difficult, so here are the best tips for finding a job in the cannabis world.
Related: California or New York, where there's the biggest marijuana mess
Scott brings over 16 years of experience in the executive search industry and serves as a strategic recruiting partner for top executives. He combines a strong national and international network with a concentrated focus on serving clients in the North West. Prior to joining Herd Freed Hartz, Scott spent five years as Executive Vice President and Managing Director helping to establish DHR International's Seattle office.
Is it better to contact a company you're interested in or wait until they post a job opening?
It depends on the role.
For leadership positions, I suggest using online posts ONLY for research purposes and NOT applying for leadership positions directly through a company website. Instead, use the information you learn about the company to write a compelling introduction that addresses the hiring company's challenges and demonstrates your insight into their needs. I firmly believe that it is also important to create your own opportunities. If you're passionate about a company and its products, services or brand, let them know!
The key to success in your job search is not only understanding yourself, your skills and experience, but also understanding the company that is hiring you. Many job seekers make the mistake of only looking at job offers from the perspective of “What’s in it for me?” Prepare for success by focusing on the challenges of your role and how you can make a difference
For non-managerial positions (supervisor, manager, director) the same strategy of thinking about the specific challenges of the hiring companies applies, but for these roles it's fine to apply online AND try to find someone you can work with directly can get in touch.
What should I focus on on my resume and interview?
In 30 years of executive search experience, I have come to believe that all interviews boil down to two simple questions.
1- What do you know about me?
2- How can you help me earn or save money quickly?
As a candidate, you want to focus all of your answers on these two potential topics
Q- Tell me about your career = What do you know about me?
Q- Share an experience where you =How can you help me make or save money quickly?
Interviews are a complicated and unnatural conversation. Typically, candidates have given a lot of thought to their own experience and expertise, the ideal culture they would like to live in, and how many weeks of vacation they would be eligible for. Successful candidates have taken the next step: being able to speak with passion and specificity about the hiring company, demonstrating that your experience will help solve their problems and that you are someone who aligns with their values and pace.
Simple interview hack:
To the question “Tell me about when?” Ask a question, your answer should consist of 5 elements
- Here is the challenge we faced
- Here's what I recommended
- Here's what we did
- These were the results
- That I have learned
Use this template to prepare relevant examples to share during your interview. Be brief and specific, and even if it's a challenge, now is the time to brag
What is the correct length of a resume?
It used to be best practice that resumes should be no longer than two pages. THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE. The highest and best use of a resume is to start a conversation. Your resume should authentically reflect your experience, include specific details, metrics and expertise, and include some compelling or interesting details that can spark a conversation. For me it doesn't matter how long it takes!
Continue hacks
No spelling mistakes!
Create multiple resumes depending on the role you are looking for.
Align your experiences with the problems and challenges of your target company
Be personal – Please add something that can spark a conversation beyond work – travel, reading, exercise, etc
RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality of Life
What is an appropriate follow-up period?
Send a thank you letter to everyone you interview with on the same day. Wait a week, then you can contact us again for clarification and continue to express your interest. Furthermore – don’t be offended.
We are entering a unique moment in our country’s hiring history. We are 10 million people short of the labor market. This means that as baby boomers increasingly exit the workforce, there is a huge need for skilled and experienced workers in the market and it is difficult to identify and attract the best talent. As a job seeker, this means you have more options than in the past. In order to survive in the competition, companies must increase their hiring potential. If you can arm yourself with a few simple tricks, the job search is the ideal time to take stock of yourself and your goals. Don’t forget to focus on your goal. Focus on this and you will be one step ahead of the game!
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