By Randy Quarin, Co-Founder & Emerging Technology Recruiter
The cannabis business is about to explode here in Canada. With marijuana set to be legalized in 2018, many within the cannabis industry are hiring.
As with any other industry, the ability to attract, hire, and retain the top talent in the marijuana industry is critical to a company’s success. Outside of expert knowledge, many top job candidates share similarities in terms of personality and soft skills.
The marijuana industry is also very unique in the sense that it has faced much scrutiny and will be a newly legalized industry. There is little hiring data or trends to refer to when hiring employees. However, the principles of hiring experienced and reliable employees remain the same.
Here are some important things to look for when hiring for your cannabis business:
Transferrable skills and experience
You’re not going to find too many candidates with a degree in cannabis studies. Look for candidates who have related skills and experience. Do they have extensive retail experience? Do they have the soft skills you are looking for? Specific industry knowledge can be taught.
Watch out for enthusiasts
Expect to have a fair number of marijuana enthusiasts apply for positions. Do they know the product and industry? Perhaps. But are they reliable, and do they have the type of skills you are looking for in a dependable employee?
Seek out candidates with the motivation to succeed
Top candidates see opportunity in the cannabis business. Since it is still in its infancy, there will be ample opportunities for career growth and development. Top candidates will have aspirations to grow into management roles and take on more responsibility as the industry evolves in the next few years.
Look for candidates who fit the culture
The cannabis industry is a sub-culture. It has a specific vibe and characteristics that make it unique. Look for candidates who fit the culture and share the same values and principles as your company.
Consider Hiring a Recruiter
The people you hire now, especially in an industry that is in its infancy, will have a significant impact on your future success. Hiring is your opportunity to find the best talent and establish a strong culture. A recruiter can help you find the talent you want to be the core of your company.
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