MARCH 10, 2023

Top 5 Interview Tips For Success in the CHP Industry

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Ready for a career change? Looking to for work in a new and exciting industry? Passionate about cannabis, hemp and psychedelics (CHP) and want to make a good impression in your next interview? We’ve got your back.  

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the CHP industry, the opportunities for employment within cannabis, hemp and psychedelics are growing in popularity and availability. Still, that doesn’t do much to alleviate stress the all-too familiar interview process

Just like with any job interview, when it comes to applying for CHP positions, you need to walk in prepared to make an impact and turn heads. To help you on your quest for greatness, we’ve compiled 5 must-know tips to that show your prospective employer you are ready to rock and have the skills and motivation they’re looking for.  

Interview Tip 1: Do Your Homework

Nope, homework doesn’t end when you graduate. If you’re looking to impress your prospective employer, the first thing you need to do is learn more about them. Researching the company before your interview will give you an understanding of who they are and what they’re about. From company values to product descriptions and all the pages in between, having that information at the top of mind will make it easier for you to understand expectations, and answer questions in a way that reflects the overall business.  

Plus, a self-guided exploration of your prospective employer is a surefire way to showcase your ability to independently absorb information and think critically about your findings. You never know when a blog post hidden on page 3 will be a critical conversation piece.  

Beyond just researching the company, having a basic understanding of the industry goes a long way to showcase your interest and excitement about the new role. By brushing up on industry trends and scoping out some of the competition, you’ll be able to make a next level connection with your interviewer and ask questions that highlight your ability to understand new concepts, problem solve and once again, think critically about the information you’ve learned. 

Interview Tip 2: Highlight your Skills and Experience

When you’re wanting to make a good impression, it’s important for you to highlight that YOU are what the company is looking for. The way to accomplish this is to highlight your skills and experience relevant to the role. Be sure to read the job description and understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie compared to it. This way, you know the key points need to touch on that best position you for the role.  

When it comes to cannabis, hemp and psychedelics it’s possible that you don’t have much experience in the field. If that’s the case, then touching on any transferrable skills, or relevant experience – customer service, project management, sales – will be key to letting your interviewer know you have the skills needed to fill the role.  

It’s important to understand that while you might have a good handle on your skills and experience, being able to provide concrete examples of those skills in action will go a long way to solidifying your candidacy.  

This is your time to talk about how your accomplishments. Managed a team? Super! Tell your interviewer about how you motivated your team to stay on track and reach their targets. Have sales experience? Perfect! Be sure to highlight your success in bringing on and retaining new clients and increasing sales. Worked in a niche industry? Absolutely! Overall, the cannabis, hemp and psychedelics are a still in the incubation phase. Highlighting your ability to thrive in a new or specialized industry will go a long way to wowing your prospective employer.  

Let’s be real, the purpose of an interview is for you to convince the interviewer why you are better than everyone else for this job. 

So don’t be shy. Don’t be too modest.  

Use your powers of persuasion and sing your praises in a way that demonstrates who you are and what you are capable of.

Interview Tip 3: Regulation and Compliance

Before you walk into your interview with a CHP company, you need to know that the industry is chock full of heavy regulation and compliance requirements. That’s right: there are lots of rules to follow.  

Don’t worry, you don’t have to know them all for the interview – it’s definitely a process! – but you should show up to your job interview with some familiarity of the regulation and compliance requirements. At the very least, you should understand how the regulations and compliance requirements pertain to the role you’re applying for.  

Because it’s very possible that depending on the role you’ve applied for, regulation and compliance may play a significant part in your day to day. Your interviewer will be looking for cues that you are not only able to the regulations of the industry but also stay up to date with any changes that might arise.  

Not only will your knowledge impress your interviewer, but by diving into the complexities of the role you’re interested in, you’ll be showing your potential employer that you’re a self-starter and ready to become an expert in the subject matter… which, to an employer shows commitment and genuine interest.

Interview Tip 4: Be Flexible

Unlike many other industries, the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics is still in the growth phase. This means that the industry is still subject to changing regulations, evolving business landscapes, and at times, ambiguity.  

Of course, this is all in a day’s work in an industry still learning to stand on its own feet.  

As a job seeker, you want to make it clear that you not only understand the ups and downs of the industry (see Interview Tip 1 for the required reading list), but that you’re ready and willing to face them and grow alongside a trailblazing industry.

Interview Tip 5: Show Your Passion

Not to sound like a broken record, but the cannabis, hemp and psychedelic industry is still new and exciting. And that means that companies looking for employees who are as excited and passionate by the new developments, learning opportunities and growth potential. In short: if you’re looking to wow you’re prospective employer, show them your passion for the industry.  

Nothing will get your foot in the door faster in this industry that giving your interviewer the clear, unquestionable knowledge that this job is more than a paycheque for you. It’s rooted in your love and appreciation for the plant, and the desire to help grow the budding industry into something great.  

Be specific about your experience with, tell the interviewer what it was about their company that enticed you, talk about the changes you’d like to see in the industry or the social acceptance you’re hoping witness as the industry progresses. Don’t be afraid to nerd out on terps, flavour profiles, lineage, cultivation practices, potency, and dosing.  

Different from your skills and experiences, demonstrating your passion for the industry will set you apart from others.

Bonus Interview Tip: Be Professional, Be Yourself

So, you’re applying for a job in the cannabis, hemp and psychedelics industry. Congratulations! There’s nothing quite like the CHP industry, with it’s evolving regulatory landscape, breakthrough research, innovative products and excellent cultivation practices.  

However, just because cannabis consumers are reputed for being “relaxed”, “chill” or even dare we say, “lazy”, doesn’t mean you’ve got a pass to show up unprofessionally for your interview.  

In fact, you should treat your CHP interview as you would any other industry and show up dressed to impress. Keep in mind that one unofficial goal of the industry is shirking off the “stoner” persona replacing it with one of business acumen and success and normalizing the consumption of CHPs.  

That said, while a CHP business might be relatively casual when you’re employed, that’s not something you can take for granted before the ink dries on the contract.  

If you’re uncertain of the appropriate attire, you can always inquire with the recruiter or hiring manager after doing your own research into the company dress code.  

Above all, be kind, courteous, and respectful during your interview and throughout the process. You’d be surprised to know that simple gestures go a long way to demonstrating your people skills.   

After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank you note to your interviewer. This will show your appreciation, and further solidify your interest. 

And finally, be yourself. No matter what job you’re looking to land, showing up as your authentic self speaks volumes about who you are. Don’t be afraid to be honest with your interviewer about any gaps in your experience but be sure to counter it with your willingness to learn.  

Job searching can be a daunting task and it can get easy to be bogged down by nerves. Just  remember that your interviewer is a person too, and it’s ok to engage with them and build a report, then you’re well on your way to making a solid impression. 

Parting Thoughts

It’s an exciting time to be considering a job in the CHP industry. As the foundational blocks of legalization and regulation are still being laid, you can be confident that the opportunities in this field promise to be both exciting and dynamic.  

Like any other job, being well prepared for your interview will alleviate any last-minute nervousness and build your confidence. With the right information, and the appropriate study material, you’re bound to launch your career in the growing space of cannabis, hemp and psychedelics.

Vivian Allen

Copywriter at CanMar

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TagsCanadian cannabiscanmar recruitmentcannabis blogCannabis careersCannabis CultureCannabiscannabis communitycannabis globalCannabis IndustryCannabis JobsCHP industry

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