Working in cannabis is like no other industry because of its unique product and budding market. Don’t let its reputation scare you away though, the cannabis industry is showing incredible growth and needs top talent to help it continue expanding. If you’re interested in joining the cannabis industry, you had better prepare to participate in at least one interview, if not more, throughout the hiring process.
We’ve outlined our cannabis-specific interview tips so that you can ace your interviews and join one of the fastest-growing modern industries.
Research the Company
Like any job interview, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the company. Search their website and articles about them to find out what they do, any exciting news about their business, or relevant information for the role you are interviewing for. This will also help you answer questions about the role and the ones you have for them.
Prepare for Common Questions
While cannabis is a one-of-a-kind industry, its interview questions are going to be pretty similar to what you’ve experienced in traditional job interviews. Think about your responses beforehand so you can come to the interview with thoughtful answers.
Common general interview questions you can expect in a cannabis interview:
● Tell me about yourself
● What was a difficult work situation you’ve been through, and how did you respond?
● What motivates you?
● What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Prepare for Cannabis Specific Questions
On top of the standard questions, the interviewer will also ask you cannabis-related questions. This is not the time to speak about your experience with the product (though it can sometimes be relevant), but to show them you understand their business a little. You don’t have to have any particular background or experience in the industry, but demonstrate that you’ve done your research and understand the basics.
Common cannabis-specific interview questions you can expect in a cannabis interview:
● How can your skills and prior experience help our cannabis company?
● How has cannabis affected your life?
● What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Especially if you haven’t worked in the cannabis industry before, make sure you have questions ready for the person interviewing you. They will likely answer some of your questions up front but have questions prepared surrounding what’s important to you (PTO, benefits, team structure, etc.). This is where researching the company comes in handy; if you know more about them, you will be able to ask better, more informed questions.
Be Yourself
It’s crucial to be honest and genuine with the person you are speaking to in any hiring situation. When answering questions about your past experience or skills, feel free to be honest with the interview about your work history and area of expertise/interest. Remember that hiring professionals are people, too; it’s okay to have a conversation with them!
If you’re interested in making a move to a career in cannabis, Growing Talent is here to help. With more than 25 years in the recruitment space for new verticals, Growing Talent is well equipped to help you navigate this budding industry. We’ll connect you to a network of top minds in cannabis today and help you find your perfect fit within the world of cannabis.