A reliable group of assistants is essential for the achievement of all businesses, and the cannabis industry is no different. The individuals hired to assist a business ultimately construct or harm a company the most. For dispensaries, how a budtender interacts at the point of sale can determine the entire experience for some customers. How can you be certain you’re employing the proper people for the position? There are some key questions potential budtenders should be asked during an interview to help find amazing budtenders. The marijuana industry is a popular place for people to want to find a career, and identifying excellent employees early on will help a dispensary excel.
1. WHAT IS THE KEY RESPONSIBILITY OF A BUDTENDER?
While it is correct to speculate most individuals coming into a dispensary are there to buy a marijuana product, impressive budtenders will go above and beyond performing a straightforward transaction. A great budtender listens to the customer’s needs, becoming the caretaker of that person’s transaction. Rather than waiting in silence while the buyer looks over products, a helpful employee engages in discussion, asking questions about what a customer is looking for, and ultimately delivering a positive customer experience. Budtenders that just want an easy job they can clock in and out of to make a paycheck will not make good ambassadors for your company. When going about a hiring strategy, think about how an individual sees themselves as a part of the group. Do they accurately represent the dispensary, its vibe, and work toward its goals, or are they just there to get paid?
2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDICA AND SATIVA?
Remembering every strain on the market would be impossible, but a fine budtender understands enough about the general differences between species of cannabis plant. Budtenders that stay up to date on current strain information can deliver outstanding service by providing information to interested customers. During the interview an ideal budtender might offer details about the strains they are currently smoking or enjoy most.
3. HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND IF YOU DISCOVERED ANOTHER EMPLOYEE STEALING?
Thievery is a problem in any industry but requires careful watch in a dispensary. Knowing that employees will look out for the dispensary instead of trying to hook a friend up or take something themself is essential when looking for new hires.
4. DESCRIBE WHY YOU ADORE A FAVORITE STRAIN.
Customers like to listen to first-hand stories about marijuana as it helps them understand what a certain strain can do for them. Budtenders that can excitedly discuss why they enjoy a strain are sure to complete more sales as they engage with customers.
5. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE REGULATIONS OF THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
Budtenders are expected to follow all regulations of the state as well as dispensary rules, whether or not the owner is present. Those who are interested in working in the cannabis industry should be familiar with at least some of the laws regarding marijuana in their state. Ideal hires will understand how important it is not only for the budtender’s job but for the dispensary as a whole to follow those rules.
6. WHAT’S ATTRACTIVE TO YOU ABOUT THE MARIJUANA INDUSTRY?
Accept it or not, some individuals simply believe it’s cool to work as a budtender. The dedication and professionalism of your workers will be tested with this question, and you can get a feeling of why they want to work for you. Look for those that show a genuine passion for working in the industry and have a professional approach to working in it.
7. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A BUDTENDER WILL BE?
You will get a variety of explanations on this one and that’s okay. For some, dealing with a difficult customer will be the answer, for others, it will be staying in compliance. Anyone who answers not stealing product would be a challenge should not be considered.
8. IN FIVE YEARS WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?
Although this isn’t a marijuana industry-specific query, it will provide a glimpse at how long the person is expecting to be with the dispensary. Do they see themselves as a manager or supervisor, or do they need a job while they look for something else? Do they plan on moving for school or other reasons in a few years? Knowing the answer to this will help determine the long term value a hire can bring to the dispensary.
9. WHAT’S SOMETHING RECENT YOU’VE HEARD REGARDING THE MARIJUANA INDUSTRY?
This industry is regularly changing, and your budtenders should be remaining up to date. If they’ve never read something concerning new outgrowths or restrictions, this query will make that very transparent. Great budtenders are interested in the ever changing industry.
10. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT OUR DISPENSARY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
You should always be looking for ways to improve the dispensary, whether it’s procedures, products, or the customer experience. Employees should share this mentality, and this question will also help identify team players. Look for answers that aim to make the dispensary better as a whole rather than just benefit employees.
11. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US?
Another question that isn’t industry-specific, but can show how interested the interviewee is in the job. Those who have questions or want to engage in discussion about the industry show a genuine interest for the position. Once you’ve answered their questions and the interview is complete, you should have an idea of how the individual would represent you as a budtender. Using these questions will help sort amazing employees from underperforming ones, leaving you with only the best budtenders.