About Next Step Recruitment
We work with SMBs to approach hiring with clarity, market awareness, and intentional execution — because how you hire affects more than one role. It affects how candidates experience your brand.
Hiring is not just an operational task. It’s a market-facing decision.
The way a company scopes a role, communicates compensation, runs interviews, and makes decisions sends a signal to candidates — and those signals shape reputation over time.
Next Step Recruitment partners with growing companies to help them enter the talent market thoughtfully, execute with intention, and make hiring decisions that support long-term positioning.
After an incredibly rewarding decade in recruitment, I’ve now embarked on an exciting new chapter with Next Step Recruitment!
My mission is simple – to help great companies find great people, while also using recruiting as an opportunity to grow and enhance their own brand.
I’m genuinely excited to get to know your business and channel my experience and resources into helping your company flourish!
– Alison
Our Approach
Intentional hiring support for companies that care about both outcomes and how they get there.
We believe hiring should be approached as a strategic business move — not a rushed transaction.
That means doing the work upfront:
Clarifying role scope
Aligning decision-makers
Evaluating compensation positioning
Choosing the right search approach
Executing a process that reflects your company well
Sometimes that leads to a full recruiting engagement. Sometimes it leads to a different recommendation.
Our role is to provide clear, honest guidance and support execution in a way that protects momentum and strengthens your position in the talent market.
Experience Across Hiring Environments
Practical recruiting experience across industries, company sizes, and hiring stages.
Industries Served
- Tech
- AEC
- Banking & Financial Services
- Real Estate
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Non-profits
- (and other SMB sectors)
Experience Highlights
10+ Years of Recruitment Experience
Deep experience supporting hiring decisions across different markets, business models, and team structures.
Hundreds of Candidate Conversations and Placements Supported
Experience that informs better role calibration, candidate communication, and hiring process decisions.
How We Work
Clear and honest recommendations
Flexible support based on your internal bandwidth
Intentional execution aligned to your hiring goals
Long-term market positioning over rushed decisions
Client Success Stories

Jesse Atkinson
President, Colony Construction Corp
“Alison didn’t just aim to fill a role, she was determined to find candidates who not only excelled in their roles but also seamlessly integrated into our company culture. Her tireless efforts and commitment to finding top talent have been invaluable to our company’s growth and success.”

Franck Paulet
PMP, Project Manager, IT Strategy
“Here is what Alison can do: pitch her what you want, use your own words, do not care about consistency or market alignment, just tell her what you feel the candidate should look like and she will be smart for you, which is what you expect from any expert.”

Penny Todd
President, The Install Crew Ltd.
“Alison successfully sourced multiple candidates for a challenging position, demonstrating a deep understanding of the job market and the importance of a swift hiring process. Her efficiency, personable approach, and ability to refine the role exceeded our expectations.”

Lachlan
Placed Candidate, Purchasing Manager, Rapid-Span
“Alison’s outstanding communication and constructive feedback helped me secure an excellent position. She was professional, positive, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire process, making sure I felt confident and well-prepared.”

Carolina
Candidate
“Alison’s personable approach made me feel incredibly supported throughout the process. She brings a refreshing touch to recruiting.”

Mary
Client & Colleague
“Alison’s deep industry knowledge helped us fill a tough technical role quickly. Her targeted approach made the entire hiring process seamless.”

Santiago
Business Owner and Serial Entrepreneur, School of Rock
“Next Step’s professionalism and availability made the hiring process stress-free. I highly recommend them for senior-level recruitment.”

Maureen
Operations Director, Trivium Group
“Next Step Recruitment combined professionalism with a personal touch, making me feel supported throughout the entire process. They truly care about their candidates and went above and beyond to ensure my success.“

Chandler
CMO
“Alison stands out from the rest—she cares deeply about both candidates and companies, creating win-win scenarios. She placed me in an executive role and has been my go-to for industry insights ever since.“

Laurian
Candidate
“Alison’s expertise helped me significantly improve my CV and stand out to employers. Her support and advice were invaluable throughout the job search.“

Jesse
Sales Director
“Next Step’s high placement success rate speaks to their dedication and expertise. Alison placed me in what feels like my dream job, and their personalized guidance made all the difference.“

Shuang
Financial Controller, Candidate
“Alison matched me perfectly with a financial controller role and provided great insights about the company. Her patience and experience made the process smooth and successful.”

Wendy
Project Coordinator, Construction
“Next Step Recruitment was pivotal in helping me transition to my new career. Their support and responsiveness were key to my success.”

Sibel
Candidate
“Alison’s kindness, professionalism, and clear communication made the entire process seamless. She kept me updated every step of the way.”

Gina
Candidate
“Alison’s professionalism and support were outstanding, even though the role wasn’t the right fit for me. She truly advocated for both me and the employer, which is rare in a recruiter.”
Start With a More Intentional Hiring Plan
If you’re preparing to hire, start with clarity on role scope, compensation positioning, and hiring strategy before entering the market.