Arbutus Search Group

Searching for a new role can be exhausting and very hard on the self-esteem. Trying to find the perfect fit for such an important part of ones life is a huge decision. Arbutus and specifically Joel Petersen is a recruiting firm that genuinely cares about not just filling the jobs but about you as a person. It's a rare combination to find someone like Joel that knows the market, is intelligent & empathetic and very well versed from preparing you for interviews to helping you negotiate the very best deal! It's always a pleasure working with such a professional.

Joel was attentive and truly cared about my success by helping me navigate the complexities faced during the job seeking process. He has a proactive recruitment style, was able to highlight and recall details throughout every interaction, and often checked on my well being. These little things laddered up to this big component called trust. Overall, a very positive experience and would highly recommend Arbutus Search Group.

I worked with Joel first as a candidate, was so impressed with his knowledge and approach that when the opportunity came up for me to add talent to my team, Joel was the only person that I reached out to.As a candidate, Joel took the time to get to know me, my expertise and career aspirations, and matched me to the right companies, as opposed to matching to every and any job openings. As a busy professional juggling both professional and personal commitments, Joel took all the hard work out of the interviewing process, kept me updated on all details, small and large, down to the interviewing time, location, contact information, etc. He presented the job offer professionally, answered all my questions and obtained additional information that helped me make my decision.A couple of years later, when I was in the position of being the hiring manager, Joel took the same detailed and personal approach. He didn’t just send me a pile of resumes to review. Instead, he presented each shortlisted candidate with me over the phone, going over the strengths and weaknesses of each and his reasoning of why he thought they would be a good fit. I was able to fill the position in a short time and couldn’t be happier with the decision.Not all recruiters are created equal. Joel takes the time to get to know you (whether as a candidate or a hiring manager) and it really feels like he’s not just looking for people who check the competencies on a job posting, but people who are the right fit. I’ve enjoyed many other career development conversations with him over the years that I see him as a career coach that can really grow with a candidate or a company over the long run as our needs grow and change over time.

I've personally known and worked with Joel for many years and can only speak to his incredible passion, integrity, and willingness to do the right thing in helping me with my own career and business goals. Thank you Joel!Arbutus and the people there are a great reflection of who Joel is and what he brings day in and day out! Congrats to Joel and team in all their success!Goran Yerkovich,Writer, ConsultantThe-inspired.com

Working with the Arbutus Search Group team was a very positive and rewarding experience both from a candidate and recruitment perspective. We leaned on their experience and techniques to build an entire scientific team at a rapidly growing company at a time of very low unemployment. The candidates they found were A1 fantastic. They don't rely on traditional post and pray methods and more importantly spend considerable time with the hiring manager to learn and understand the job and company culture. The staff are extremely friendly, warm, honest, energetic and engaging. They delivered great results and would highly recommend this company for any recruitment engagement.

I would like to commend Joel Peterson and Carey Currey of the Arbutus Search Group for the great professionalism exhibited in the way they performed their duties recently while trying to higher me for a company. Recently I was contacted by Joel for a role and was followed up by Carey Curry for initial assessment interview. The way and manner the duo conducted themselves, provided interviews information and gave feedback was exceptional. You guys are the best. I must really commend both of them. You raised the bar so high, and I must say kudos to the Arbutus team and keep flying the recruitment team flag higher!

I've known Joel personally and have worked with him professionally for over a decade, and have only good things to say about him and Arbutus Search Group. With a blend of in-house and agency experience, the team understands the pain points and constraints that the hiring teams face, but he and his team consistently deliver. The next time I'm looking for someone in a sales or marketing capacity, Arbutus will get the call.

Absolutely a great professional working for their clients! Arbutus recruited me for a new position and I couldn't be more happier to work in my new company. Joel and Leila are efficient, professional and positive. Always keep me up-to-date and being honest with me

I know Joel during my time working for UBC. He is not just an experienced recruitment professional, but also a true strategist who has deep expertise and understanding of the big picture of a business, the labour market, as well as the nitty-gritty requirements of job roles. Joel is extremely authentic, personable, curious and treats everyone with attention and respect. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joel to anybody who needs support on their people strategy.

I have worked with the Arbutus Search Group in the past and again more recently. Joel recruited me for an intermediate technical role years ago at a great local company that matched my ambitious career goals. This was a pivotal role where I was able to grow quickly into a technical leadership position. Joel most recently coached me for an executive leadership role where I appreciated his personable, honest, and encouraging coaching style and approach. After working with Joel, I was more confidently able to articulate who I am as a professional throughout the recruiting process. Thank you Arbutus Search Group!