How many others are making an effort to understand and who you can share your challenges and goals with? People like working with us because we listen and because we care…
Blog / Q&A
Caring for candidates is good for business
Job applicants are evaluating you. If you want the top applicants, you need to provide a positive candidate experience. Here are a few strategies to help you do that…
The rules of the resumé
Trying to make your resumé stand out can be stressful, exhausting and time-consuming. It can be a wasted effort if you focus on the wrong things. Here is what you need to know…
How the pandemic has changed recruitment
The pandemic prompted us to realign and implement new strategies. Some of the changes are here to stay. Others were temporary measures that we are glad to be rid of…
Surviving these crazy times
Our lives and our businesses have been shaken. We’ve had to change to survive in conditions that we had never known. It has been a learning process…
Are professional recruitment firms still relevant?
Recruitment firms are the best choice when quality is critical. Online tools and software packages don’t have the human element that is so necessary…
The importance of women in leadership
Women make up just over half of Canada’s population, yet the number of women in leadership roles is painfully low. We need more women in leadership roles…
Opening a business during COVID lockdowns
January 2020 started off with a bang! We were expanding into another province, hired new staff and I was excited about where we were going. As every other business owner will tell you, I was not prepared for what was coming. As businesses were shutting down, my...
Growing a business from Saskatchewan
To be an Entrepreneur is extremely rewarding however can be very challenging. It takes a curious combination of passion to make a difference for clients, an appetite for risk, and an over-developed work ethic. For those of us located in Saskatchewan, scaling up beyond...
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Job Seekers Ask
Do you help people find new careers?
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.
Can I send you my resume even if I don't see a current opportunity that fits?
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.
Questions Employers Ask
What kinds of organizations do you help?
At Essence, we work with Not-for-Profit organizations and small to medium sized businesses. We focus on serving local clients from our branches in Saskatoon and Calgary.
I've never used a recruiter before, how does this work?
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:
- They’ve tried hiring on their own but aren’t finding the right candidates or have the reach
- The role requires a confidential or discreet recruitment process
- They don’t have the time, capacity, or in-house expertise to manage the search
- They are looking for outside opinion
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.
How do you find candidates?
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.
What types of roles do you fill?
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.
Do you help us determine salary and offer details?
Every recruitment starts with a targeted plan to identify the right candidates in the right industry or sector. Many of our roles are filled by finding and targeting these candidates by reaching out. We maintain a database of senior professionals we know will fit a position at a Not-For-Profit or SMB but do not limit our targeting plan to only these candidates.
What happens after a candidate accepts an offer?
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.
General Questions
What makes Essence different from other search firms?
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.
