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...
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...
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...
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...
Many clients and human resources professionals often ask me to share the secrets and special tools recruitment firms use to successfully secure new recruits time and time again. Of course, I can’t speak for all the recruitment firms out there but I can share three of...
People often have the misconception that as a recruitment firm we find jobs for people. ACTUALLY, our role is the other way around. We find the right people for specific positions in our client's organizations. HOWEVER, it is true that we do connect with many people,...
In a marketplace where competition for talent is fierce, people and organizations often wonder how to choose a recruitment firm. The obvious selection criteria such as price, location, and job market or industry knowledge are not enough. Too many organizations and...
You’ve realized that you need the expertise of a recruiting firm to ensure you hire the right people, at the right time and within the right budget. Now what? Some would think that it’s just a matter of providing the recruiting firm with the job description and voila!...
So, you’ve decided it’s time to hire. Regardless of the reasons for which you’re recruiting someone new to your organization – whether it is to fill a vacancy, to create a brand new position or to complement your existing team – hiring the right person the first time...
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.
