Proper Attire for a Successful Cannabis Job Interview

What you wear is an expression of your character, especially in a professional setting. The attire you choose to wear at a job interview is a preview of who you are. Before a hiring manager hears you speak a word in person, they observe how you dress.

To make a positive first impression, you should be conscious of what you wear and put in effort to make yourself presentable to the potential employer. Although the cannabis industry is typically more relaxed compared to other industries, what you wear to a job interview still matters. So, we’ve put together simple tips on how to dress for a job interview in the cannabis industry. In creating this guide, we took into consideration interviews ranging from entry-level positions up to cannabis executive jobs. 

Why Dressing Well is Important for a Job Interview 

No matter how relaxed the cannabis business seems, all interviews should be considered formal situations. Presenting yourself well means you should work on both your nonverbal and verbal skills, which is why attire is such a crucial factor. Looking well-groomed, neat, and professional contributes immensely to making a good first impression. Your primary goal is to have your interviewer focus mainly on your personality and skills rather than your clothes. Additionally, dressing up for an interview will help you feel more comfortable, which makes it easier to convey confidence. And, yes, you should dress the part even if you’re doing an online video interview. Whether you’re going to a dispensary interview for an entry-level position or a cannabis executive job, what you wear plays a big role. 

Business Casual vs. Professional

There are plenty of cannabis jobs, ranging from budtenders to cannabis executive roles. So, considering the cannabis job you’re going after when thinking about what to wear is a must. Business casual means no shorts, jeans, or short dresses/skirts. However, ties are optional, and button-ups or blouses are acceptable. Professional attire is more formal, aligning with management or executive positions in cannabis. Suit jackets, ties, button-downs, dress skirts, slacks and dress pants are associated with a more professional look. Whether you’re going for a business casual or professional look, make sure your attire is clean and wrinkle-free. And, it’s imperative that what you decide to wear is also comfortable to reduce distractions. The last thing you want to wear is an odd-fitting garment that disrupts your focus. Lastly, you may want to look at the cannabis dispensary or company’s website and social media photos to gauge if they have a dress code of some sort.

The Best Colors to Wear 

Understanding color psychology will assist you in putting together an outfit that’s perfect for your next interview. The first minute of an interview is crucial in setting the tone, and the colors you choose will contribute to the entire presentation of yourself. Colors project essential, subconscious messages about your personality and character, conveying levels of honesty, professionalism, reliability, and more. Medium to dark colors are more business-like. Black conveys leadership, navy blue presents confidence, brown sends the message that you’re reliable, and gray communicates logic. Then there are louder colors like orange, purple, yellow, and green, which are all associated with creativity. And then there’s red, which conveys power or energy. Everything matters in how you dress for a job interview, so think about the position and choose the appropriate colors to wear. 

Match Your Outfit to the Workplace 

Before putting together the outfit you’ll wear to your cannabis job interview, you have to research the company. Head to their website and social media channels and look for recent posts of office photos. How are the employees dressed? Observe what they’re wearing to get a feel for what is acceptable in their work environment. In general, you’ll want to dress a level or two higher than what you perceive from the work photos. If you’re still struggling with how to dress for a job interview for a CBD or cannabis company, err on the side of caution. Put something together that’s more conservative. And, you definitely don’t want to walk into an interview with something you might wear to a nightclub–don’t overdress. 

What Should You Bring?

Not only do you have to dress well, but you also have to bring the proper items to help ensure your cannabis job interview runs smoothly. First, make sure you bring a copy of your resume and references, even if the potential employer doesn’t request them. Next, make sure you have a pen and paper to take notes. Don’t rely on your smartphone for taking notes in case the battery dies. On your notepad, you may want to write down any questions you have about the company or the role. Remember, a job interview is a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions that will allow you to evaluate the company further. You will also want to print out directions to the company–just in case your GPS or smartphone fails. And, you should place all of your materials in a professional bag or briefcase. Lastly, consider wearing a wristwatch–once again, you don’t want to rely solely on your smartphone. Bring these go-to items to help your interview go well. 

What Not to Wear at a Cannabis Job Interview

What shouldn’t you wear to a cannabis job interview? The short answer: do not wear anything that is not business casual or business professional to a job interview. To get more specific, here is a list of things you shouldn’t wear to cannabis industry interviews:

• Any apparel that is too revealing
• Items of clothing that are too casual (jeans, shorts, flip-flops, etc.)
• Clothes that have a stain, hole, or snag
• Any apparel or accessories that are too distracting or may be controversial
• Clothing that doesn’t fit properly
• Any item of clothing that is uncomfortable or makes you feel self-conscious

In a job interview for the marijuana industry, you want to look your best. Not only will the hiring manager see it as a sign that you’re serious about the position, but you’ll be more confident, too.

Looking for Cannabis Staffing Solutions?

Stoners, cannaseurs, non-cannabis users, and everyone in between are looking for cannabis jobs. From teaching you how to dress for a job interview to covering common interview questions, we can help you pursue your ideal cannabis career. Check out our cannabis job board for the latest opportunities in the industry. 

FAQs About Dressing for a Cannabis Job Interview

What is appropriate to wear to a cannabis job interview?

For a cannabis job interview, it is best to look professional. Dress shirts, slacks, formal shoes, suits, blouses, and other similar attire are considered appropriate. Make sure your clothes are clean and free from wrinkles. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts, short dresses/skirts, or anything too revealing.

Are jeans or casual attire acceptable for a cannabis job interview?

While the cannabis industry may have a more relaxed atmosphere, it is recommended to dress on the more formal side for a job interview. This applies to full-time, temporary, or consulting cannabis jobs.

Does dressing for a job interview in the cannabis industry matter?

Yes, how you dress for a job interview reflects how seriously you take the opportunity. Dressing in business professional or business casual attire is always recommended. For executive or management positions, a business professional look is ideal.