Recruitment should be as simple as posting a job and finding a candidate. Wrong. You might be surprised to learn that the recruitment process involves several stages, both BEFORE and AFTER the main process of sourcing and interviewing candidates. Finding and...
Every year there are new obstacles to overcome and adjust to in the recruitment world. While some changes are welcome, others can be challenging and require more thought and strategy. 2023 brings a new set of trends and priorities that shape the way individuals...
Where do I even start? I’m sure this question has crossed your mind at some point if you’ve ever been in the hiring business. Rest assured, you aren’t alone. Since its inception 12 years ago, Essence understands how hard it can be to find experienced candidates who...
Employee Centric Culture = Exceptional Customer Experience = Better Business As we navigate through our new workplace culture—our working models—and deal with a tight labour market that will not be going away anytime soon, we still need to remember to ensure we are...
In years prior, a labour shortage was often cyclical in which some markets do well and some don’t. Today, a recession doesn’t necessarily affect the employment rate. If there’s a recession in Eastern Canada, job-seekers can relocate to the west. This is a new...
Recruitment can be a challenging part of the job. In most cases, business owners, managers, or leadership teams have not had formal training on how to source, evaluate, and hire the right fit within a short period of time. And yet, it is a crucial part of the job...
Every year, like many others, I take the time to reflect on what I have learned in the past year. There has been a whole lot of learning this year! Thinking back to January, I would have never anticipated so many changes and challenges in our economy and business. ...
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we cannot always be one hundred percent prepared for the future. Who could’ve predicted 3 years ago that one virus would have such an immense impact on our global economy? With an ongoing labour shortage for some...
Almost 3 years ago, the world paused. Following this, there have been conversations about an economic recession in some areas of Canada (and even around the world). But there are no signs of a recession close to home, especially when you consider all the projects and...
We’re a professional search firm, which means we work on behalf of our clients to recruit for leadership and professional roles. While we don’t provide general job placement services, we do connect talented individuals with opportunities that align with their experience and career goals. We encourage you to review our current listings and apply directly to any roles that match your qualifications. Not every opportunity is posted publicly, so if you’re interested in being considered for future roles, feel free to send us your resume.
Yes, absolutely. While we may not have a role for you at this moment, we’re always interested in connecting with professionals who align with the types of positions we recruit for. By submitting your resume, you’ll be on our radar for future opportunities that may be a strong fit.
Great question, and you’re not alone! Many of our clients are working with a recruitment partner for the first time. Typically, organizations come to us when:
Once we understand your situation and what success looks like for your organization, we build a tailored recruitment plan. From role definition and market outreach to interviews and onboarding support, we manage the process from start to finish. Every search is unique, but the goal is always the same: to help you find the right person to join your team and move your organization forward.
Every search begins with a targeted strategy tailored to the role, organization, and sector. While we do post publicly when appropriate, many of our successful placements come from directly reaching out to candidates who aren’t actively looking, but are the right fit.
We maintain a curated network of senior professionals with experience in not-for-profits and small to medium sized businesses. That said, we don’t limit our search to our existing network. We conduct proactive outreach, industry research, and referrals to ensure we’re identifying the best possible candidates for each role, not just the most available ones.
We specialize in recruiting for leadership and executive roles, typically at the manager, senior manager, director, and C-suite levels. Many of our clients are not-for-profit organizations and small to medium sized businesses (SME’s) that need strategic support in hiring key members of their leadership teams. We work across a broad range of sectors and focus on long-term fit, leadership alignment, and values-based hiring.
Our work doesn’t end when the contract is signed. We continue to support both you and your new hire through the onboarding process. Your recruitment plan includes onboarding priorities to help ensure a smooth transition, set clear expectations, and position the candidate for long-term success within your organization.
At Essence, we do more than fill positions, we become a true partner in your recruitment journey. Our approach is rooted in our core values: integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for people and purpose-driven organizations. We take the time to understand your culture, your challenges, and your goals, and then build a recruitment strategy that aligns with all three.
We offer a full-service, white-glove experience, managing every step of the process, from crafting compelling job descriptions and advising on compensation, to leading interviews and supporting onboarding. Our team leads the search with precision and professionalism, but keeps you engaged and informed from start to finish.
What sets us apart is our ability to bring the right people to the table, individuals who align not just with the role, but with your long-term vision. Whether you’re hiring a new Executive Director, a senior leader, or a specialized professional, we provide thoughtful, hands-on support every step of the way.
Essence is proud to specialize in working with not-for-profits and small to medium sized businesses across Canada, with deep roots and extensive experience. We’re not just filling a role, we’re helping build your future leadership.
