What is executive search, and how is it different from regular recruitment?
Executive search is a focused, research-led method for filling senior and leadership roles. Rather than posting a job and screening applicants, we map the market, approach qualified people directly — including those who are not actively looking — and present a small, carefully assessed shortlist. It is built for roles where the quality of the hire matters more than the speed of filling the seat.
What is the difference between retained and contingency recruitment?
Contingency recruiters are paid only if they place a candidate, so they often run many searches at once and compete to submit resumes first. Hawthorne works on a retained or engaged basis: we commit to one search at a time, exclusively, and dedicate the time it takes to find the right person. That focus is what allows for discretion, depth, and a genuinely curated shortlist.
What types of roles does Hawthorne Recruitment fill?
We handle executive and senior leadership searches (C-suite, vice-president, director, and board roles) as well as mid-to-senior professional roles across functions such as finance, human resources, marketing and communications, operations, legal, technology, and project management.
What sectors do you work in?
Our searches span sectors including financial services, energy, healthcare, technology, professional services, government and public sector, non-profit and charitable organizations, real estate and construction, education, and family business across Atlantic Canada.
Where does Hawthorne Recruitment operate?
Hawthorne Recruitment is based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and works across Halifax and Atlantic Canada. We also support clients nationally when a search calls for a wider reach.
How long does a typical search take?
Most searches run from briefing to shortlist in a matter of weeks, with the full process through offer and acceptance typically completing within a couple of months. Timelines depend on the seniority of the role and the size of the qualified market, and we set clear expectations at the start of every engagement.
How are your fees structured?
Fees are typically a percentage of the role's first-year compensation, structured to the engagement. We outline the cost clearly before any work begins, with no surprises.
Do you offer a replacement guarantee?
Yes. We stand behind our placements. The specific terms of the guarantee are agreed up front as part of the engagement, so you know exactly where you stand.
Do you represent the employer or the candidate?
On a search engagement we represent the hiring organization. That said, we treat every candidate with care and honesty — strong, respectful candidate relationships are exactly what give us access to the best people over time.
How do you reach candidates who aren't actively job-seeking?
The strongest leaders are rarely scrolling job boards. We rely on years of relationships and deliberate market mapping to identify and discreetly approach the right people — including those who would never see, or respond to, a public posting.
I'm a candidate. How do I work with Hawthorne?
Reach out or submit your details through our Candidates page. Even when there isn't an immediate match, we build long-term relationships and keep strong people in mind as the right opportunities emerge.
How do we get started?
Start a conversation through the contact form or email info@hawthornerecruitment.com. We'll talk through the role, your organization, and what a great hire looks like before any work begins.