How to Get a Job in the Cannabis Industry

Anyone who's ever tried to get a job can tell you the process isn't easy. Job searching can feel especially hopeless in a more niche industry like cannabis.

However, job markets aren't what they used to be. Employees have more power than ever before. From flexible working options to comprehensive PTO and sick day policies, you're the one in charge.

Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do so finding a cannabis job isn't a headache.

As a cannabis staffing agency, The United Green works with both employers and employees. We know what it takes to get a cannabis industry job. Here's how to do it:

Identify your wants and needs

The average person spends about a third of their lifetime - approximately 90,000 hours - working. With this in mind, it's important to identify what you're interested in so you can spend this time enjoying your work.

When it comes to cannabis, there are so many different opportunities:

• Cultivation
• Horticulture
• Production
• Testing
• Sales
• Marketing
• Finance

Consider what areas of the industry you want to explore or have a passion for. You should also think about your wants and needs:

• Location
• Work environment
• Company culture
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Job growth

Whether you're looking for ancillary opportunities or plant-touching roles, employers value candidates who know what they want.

Research the cannabis industry

Job searching can be a lot like preparing for an exam. Figure out what you're aiming for, then prepare accordingly. Part of that preparation involves researching the industry.

Explore cannabis job boards and take note of the in-demand positions across the industry. This will help you leverage your qualifications for a satisfying compensation package while increasing your chances of finding a cannabis job faster.

At The United Green, our clients are often looking for positions such as:

• Licensing & Compliance
• Human Resources
• Budtenders
• Extraction Technicians
• Lab Testing
• General Manager
• Business Development
• Sales Lead

You can also explore the websites and company pages of cannabis businesses you have your eye on. Here are some questions to think about:

• What is this company looking for in an employee?
• What opportunities are available?
• Budtenders
• What processes, certifications, and skills are required?

Most importantly, ask yourself if the company and the role align with your wants and needs.

Be honest about your experience

In a specialized industry like cannabis, prior experience (or passion) is valuable to employers.

Businesses place a great deal of emphasis on candidates who know what they're doing. This saves the company time and money on training and onboarding costs. More importantly, it allows the candidate to adjust to the new role a lot quicker.

If you don't have industry experience, don't fret. Your experience outside the cannabis industry can be relevant for more ancillary roles, such as:

• Marketing
• Event coordinating
• Finance
• Human resources

You can also find opportunities for part-time, contract, temporary, or seasonal work to gain experience. The United Green's cannabis job board allows you to filter by these positions to make it easier to find what you're looking for.

Think of these types of roles as apprenticeship opportunities or internships to break into the industry. This approach is particularly useful for plant-touching roles as the harvest season creates a large influx of cannabis job openings.

The great thing about more temporary jobs is that you can experiment with different areas of the cannabis industry and find what suits you best. Some positions only need help for a few weeks. Any experience is helpful to demonstrate your familiarity with the industry when searching for longer-term employment.

If you want to get a job in the cannabis industry, be honest about your current experience level. Do what you can to close any gaps you may have between where you're at now and where you want to be in the future.

Network with cannabis industry professionals

Over 80% of jobs are filled through networking. In fact, 70% of jobs are never published publicly.

In other words, don't underestimate the power of networking. The cannabis industry is a strong community. People are very willing to help each other and make introductions to key players.

Some ways to network with cannabis industry professionals include:

• Attend industry events, such as conferences, virtual events, or trade shows
• Follow cannabis pages and companies on LinkedIn
• Use LinkedIn and other social media to connect with people and companies you want to learn more about

Make a genuine connection when networking. While it's helpful to mention that you're searching for a job, keep the conversation focused on building a relationship.

When you work with a cannabis staffing agency like The United Green, you get to tap into the wide network. Our connections throughout the industry open many doors for our clients and candidates. Our goal is for you as a candidate to come out on top.

In the long run, networking with people in the cannabis industry will go a long way for your career.

Don't be discouraged by rejection

No one likes how long and drawn out the job searching process is. You submit resumes, write cover letters, and get ghosted by companies you were really interested in. If you're lucky, you even get a few interviews.

It's completely valid to lose confidence throughout the process. But instead of feeling discouraged by rejection, try taking action!

There are plenty of opportunities out there, and it simply takes time to find the right one. Spend your in-between time working on new skills or networking with people in the industry. Ask recruiters why they rejected you and what you can do better.

Stay busy and find ways to improve yourself and your resume, and get back out there.

Connect with a cannabis staffing company

At the end of the day, finding a cannabis job can be a taxing experience.

Talking with a cannabis staffing company is a great way to take some of the burdens off your shoulders and get access to new resources and tips.

A recruiting agency like The United Green can help you find an employer that matches your desired culture, workload, skillset, and more. By working with a reputable firm, you can increase your value as a candidate and ask for compensation accordingly.

We'll help you save time and give you unbridled access to our vast network of companies. In fact, our cannabis job board has new listings that come in each week, so you get the most up-to-date postings

Getting a job takes time. With the right resources and preparation, you can save time and find a cannabis job that's both rewarding and a good fit. Contact us today to connect with a team member and become a part of our candidate network.