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Blog / Q&A
Caring for candidates matters
Often employers are so focused on filling a position that they forget they’re actually recruiting individuals. As an expert in my industry, it’s my role to help remind you that you are dealing with people—individuals with values, emotions, voices, and choices to make....
What makes us different than the rest?
In today’s market place where there’s an app for pretty much everything, what makes a profession and executive recruitment firm like Essence Recruitment different? IT’S YOU! At Essence, our primary focus is you the client. Don’t give me wrong, technology is definitely...
How important is onboarding?
Today, managers understand and agree that it is time and money well spent to invest in recruiting the right employee the first time. The value of partnering with an executive recruitment firm has been demonstrated to be successful time and time again. However, in my...
What’s your leadership style?
Not so long ago I came across this quote from Albert Einstein that states “the true measure of a leader is how they treat their employees, not their equals,” and it reminded me of some of the conversations I often have with my clients. When it comes to leadership and...
Employee referrals may have negative consequences: U.S. study
Canadian recruiters say they will continue to promote employee referral programs, even as a study out of the United States suggests there may be negative consequences to this approach. One-third of new job offers go to recruits who had a referral, according to...
Employee referrals work!
A few weeks ago, I shared some of my thoughts about employee referral programs with the Canadian HR Reporter Weekly for an article they published on that subject. Some people think that when employers use employee referrals there is less diversity in the workplace. In...
Digging deeper
At the beginning of every year I ask myself what is it that I do well, what value do I bring to my clients and what really makes Essence different than any other recruitment firms? Although every year brings its new slate of answers, there is one answer that remains...
A year of Essence Recruitment advice
Professional recruiters bring expertise in the design of the right position to meet operational objectives, the offer of fair rewards for the position, the delivery of pointed interviews to efficiently identify potential recruits, and finally the selection and...
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 organizations. 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 organizations. 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 SME 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 organizations across Canada, with deep roots and extensive experience. We’re not just filling a role, we’re helping build your future leadership.