How to Write an Irresistible Resume for the Cannabis Industry in 2023 and Beyond
If you're eyeing a career switch or aiming for a fresh role at a new company this year, your resume’s rejuvenation can spell the difference between a callback and being overlooked. Revitalizing your resume for a 2023 job search demands a blend of creativity and introspection into your past roles.
From personalizing your presentation, including accurate months and years of employment, to effectively showcasing your professional persona, there's a myriad of ways to invigorate your CV and capture the gaze of your dream employer. According to TA industry professionals, these are the top strategies for writing a resume this year.
1. Incorporate Recent Accomplishments
Survey your accomplishments from the past year and ensure they find their place on your resume. Consider the projects you've overseen and quantifiable outcomes like sales or cost savings. Infuse industry-focused keywords by studying recent job listings in your field.
Example:
Territorial Sales Manager
Hexo Corp.
March 2021 - December 2022
Developed and executed comprehensive sales strategies tailored to the unique demands of the cannabis industry, resulting in 8% market share growth over 12 months.
Managed the development and execution of promotional campaigns, discounts, and incentive programs which stimulated sales growth by 19% and new customer engagement by 24%.
2. Infuse Personal and Professional Elements
Language holds sway in your resume. While industry jargon displays expertise, sprinkle in words that reveal your personality, values, and passions. Garner intrigue that prompts curiosity and a desire to meet you—people prefer working with those they like.
Example:
Budtender
One Stop Flower
January 2019 - April 2021
Passionately curated personalized cannabis experiences, and provided new and repeat customers with expert guidance and recommendations tailored to their preferences and needs.
Recognized for an innate ability to connect with diverse individuals, creating an inclusive and judgment-free space that encourages conversations about cannabis.
3. Validate Accomplishments with Data
Set yourself apart with narratives of success. Support your achievements with data-driven statements like “saved $400,000 through new workflows” or “reduced financial discrepancies by 45%.” Explicitly outlining your value proposition entices employers and sparks their interest.
Example:
Chief Financial Officer
CannaCorp
December 2018 - August 2021
Spearheaded financial restructuring, resulting in a 30% reduction in operating expenses while maintaining the quality of products and services.
Led financial forecasting efforts that guided the company's expansion plans, resulting in a 50% increase in store locations and a 60% rise in market reach.
4. Tailor to the Role
Tailor your resume — whether it's LinkedIn or traditional— to exhibit that you possess the abilities sought by your prospective employer. Answer the questions: Who am I? What do I do? How do I do it? What value can I bring?
Example:
Market Analyst
Greener Crop Inc.
May 2020 - May 2023
Utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to dissect market data, extracting actionable insights that guide product development, pricing strategies, and market positioning.
Develop insightful reports and presentations, effectively communicating findings and strategic recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
5. Spotlight Value Contribution
In 2023 and beyond, focus your resume on how you can contribute value to a company, not just on credentials or skills. Cut the fluff and demonstrate your capacity to articulate the value you offer—especially when companies prioritize nimble employees in lean times.
Example:
Software Engineer
Canopy Growth
June 2018 - March 2023
Leverage a customer-centric mindset to ideate, prototype, and refine software applications that cater to the evolving needs of cannabis businesses and consumers, fostering brand loyalty and user engagement.
Proactively seek opportunities to optimize existing systems and workflows, identifying areas for automation and process enhancement that lead to time and cost savings, ultimately contributing to improved company profitability.
6. Tailor to Each Company
Craft multiple resumes versions, maintaining consistent experience and timelines while accentuating specific skills or experiences aligned with the position you're applying for. Eliminate guesswork for hiring managers by highlighting your suitability.
Example 1:
Customer Service Manager
Value Buds
September 2022 - January 2023
Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs that equipped customer service representatives with in-depth knowledge of cannabis products, enabling them to provide informed recommendations and enhance customer experiences.
Quality Assurance Manager
OGGO Inc.
January 2021 - August 2022
Implemented a robust documentation and record-keeping system, enabling efficient tracking of quality control procedures and facilitating prompt resolution of any product-related issues.
Example 2:
Content Creator
Blunt Creative Inc.
July 2019 - October 2020
Crafted engaging and informative cannabis-related content across various digital platforms, including articles, blog posts, social media updates and video scripts, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 25% rise in social media engagement.
Social Media Manager
White Ash Group
February 2019 - January 2020
Drove the successful development and execution of the cannabis company's social media strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in followers, a 40% rise in engagement, and a substantial growth in brand awareness.
7. Maintain Social Media Consistency
Adapt your resume to fit the job, clarify your strengths, and ensure consistency across social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Employers are observant.
Example:
Dispensary Manager
Buds Next Door
November 2018 - April 2021
Cultivated a customer-centric environment by providing personalized cannabis product recommendations, fostering brand loyalty, and achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate through exceptional service.
Conceptualized and executed successful local pop-up events that garnered significant community engagement and brand exposure, resulting in a 25% increase in foot traffic to the store during event periods.
8. Harness Storytelling for Proof of Value
Storytelling is underexplored in resumes. Condense achievements into concise bullet points— mention the processes you devised, innovations you spearheaded, sales you generated, and if possible, include quantifiable metrics. Presenting your accomplishments helps employers envision your potential contributions.
Example:
Human Resources Manager
Redecan
June 2020 - July 2023
Introduced a comprehensive employee development program that facilitated cross-functional training and career advancement. One notable success story was nurturing a junior staff member from a budtender role to a supervisory position, showcasing the company's commitment to internal growth and fostering a motivated workforce.
Streamlined the hiring process by implementing a tailored applicant tracking system, reducing time-to-fill open positions by 30%. This innovation led to successfully onboarding a critical team member during a rapid expansion phase, enabling the company to meet increased market demands without compromising quality.
9. Integrate Passions and Interests
Enhance your resume by showcasing your interests and passions; they serve as icebreakers during interviews. Position your skills, objectives, and passions to differentiate from experiences and education.
Example:
Brand Developer
Right Height
October 2017 - September 2019
Created visually captivating packaging designs that harnessed color psychology to evoke specific emotional responses and reinforce brand messaging. These designs effectively captured attention on dispensary shelves, contributing to a 25% increase in product sales within the first quarter of launch.
Demonstrated a passion for continuous learning and innovation by staying current with trends, industry research, and attention retention tactics. This dedication led to the successful implementation of novel branding strategies, resulting in a brand that remains fresh and resonant within the competitive cannabis market.
10. Spotlight Achievements Over Responsibilities
Accentuate accomplishments, not just duties, as the real differentiators in your resume. Given the prevalence of resume software screening, incorporate keywords found in LinkedIn profiles of professionals in roles similar to your target.
Example:
Marketing Director
Mama Jamba
March 2020 - July 2022
Revitalized the company's digital presence by overhauling the website's design, navigation, and content strategy, leading to a 40% increase in organic website traffic and a 20% improvement in user engagement.
Led a cross-functional team in the development of an educational cannabis seminar series, attracting over 500 attendees and positioning the company as an industry thought leader. The initiative resulted in heightened brand authority and elevated consumer trust.
11. Reflect Desired Work
Rather than merely documenting your work history, craft a resume that mirrors the role you aspire to undertake. Highlight skills, competencies, and roles where you've found the most fulfillment — aligning with your forward-looking career pursuits.
Example:
Sales Associate
Flower Power
November 2020 - September 2023
Continuously demonstrated a strong work ethic, a commitment to personal development, and a desire to excel in a sales-focused role. Aspiring to step into a territory sales manager role to further contribute to the company's growth and success.
Actively contributed to the expansion of the company's market presence by identifying and targeting new business opportunities within the assigned territory. Successfully secured partnerships with several key accounts, resulting in a 30% increase in market penetration.
12. Demonstrate Fit for the Company
In tough economic times, organizations tend to lean toward traditional hiring. Demonstrate a strong alignment by matching language and accomplishments with key skills from the job description. First, establish safety; the rest is a value-add.
Example:
Cyber Security Analyst
Kickin It
April 2019 - December 2020
Championed incident response planning and execution, leading to a swift and effective response to a phishing attack that prevented data compromise and mitigated potential financial and reputational damage.
Conducted regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests on critical systems, identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities to ensure a secure environment for both customer transactions and internal operations.
13. Seek Resume Advice from Experts
Don't subject your resume to every critic's whims. Rely on proven, paid resume writers for guidance. Your opinion matters most, followed by savvy hiring authorities who emphasize specific background facets that enhance your candidacy.
Example Before Recruiting Professional:
Lead Grower
Big Inc.
March 2020 - January 2022
Plant and take care of cannabis plants and make sure bugs, mould and diseases stay away.
Follow a feeding schedule for each cannabis plant to make sure they are ready for harvest in time.
Example After Hiring Recruiting Professional:
Lead Grower
Big Inc.
March 2020 - January 2022
Orchestrated the cultivation and care of cannabis plants throughout their growth cycle, ensuring optimal health and growth conditions through precise monitoring of nutrients, light exposure, and environmental factors.
Employed advanced pest management strategies, conducting routine inspections and implementing integrated pest management techniques to prevent and address infestations, safeguarding crop quality and yield.
14. Lead with Your Value Proposition
While targeting is crucial, enhance your resume by leading with a summary that highlights how you excel—doing the job better, smarter, faster, or more profitably. This approach ensures your prominence among qualified competitors.
Example 1:
Dedicated cannabis enthusiast and aspiring dispensary manager with a proven track record of delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving revenue growth. Combining in-depth knowledge of cannabis products, regulatory compliance, and team leadership, I am poised to elevate operational efficiency, elevate customer engagement, and maximize profitability for your dispensary.
Example 2:
Passionate and knowledgeable cannabis enthusiast aspiring to excel as a budtender. Offering a strong foundation in cannabis strains, products, and consumption methods, along with exceptional customer service skills, I am eager to contribute to a thriving dispensary by sharing insights, enhancing customer satisfaction, and promoting responsible cannabis use.
15. Foster Digital Visibility
In the digital age, your resume is surpassed by personal digital brands. Elevate your digital presence, especially on platforms like LinkedIn and social media, as organizations and recruiters increasingly scour these platforms. Be digitally visible to secure consideration for contemporary roles.
Example:
Operations Executive
Midlands Inc.
April 2019 - May 2023
Implemented data-driven supply chain strategies, leading to a 30% decrease in lead times and a 20% improvement in inventory turnover, ensuring consistent product availability.
Sought and acquired high-performing operational teams through the use of LinkedIn webinars and mentored team members to enhance staff productivity, reduce turnover rates by 20%, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
As you embark on the journey to switch careers or explore new opportunities, the impact of a freshly updated resume is undeniable. It's not just a piece of paper; it's your key to opening doors and securing that coveted callback. Through creativity and introspection into your past roles, you have the power to transform your resume into a compelling narrative that captures the essence of your professional journey.
Furthermore, the emphasis on digital visibility and consistency underscores the evolving nature of recruitment in today's technology-driven landscape. By staying engaged on platforms like LinkedIn, you can enhance your personal brand and amplify your chances of being discovered by potential employers who are seeking candidates with a strong online presence.
