Don’t be seduced by a high-paying job offer

How to assess job offers and start your career off on the right path

It’s a common mistake: fresh graduates leap at the first company dangling a big salary and an attractive benefits package. In Canada, where many sectors—tech, finance, engineering, energy—can offer impressive starting pay, it’s tempting to let dollars drive your decision.

But smart job hunting goes much deeper than that.

Canadian universities and colleges are doing better at preparing graduates for the realities of the workforce, especially with co-op programs and career services. However, even today, most schools focus on placement rates over long-term career health. It looks great for a school to say that 90 per cent of its grads are employed within six months but that stat doesn’t tell you how many are actually happy or growing in their roles.

What schools often don’t teach is how to properly evaluate a job offer—not just for the next six months but for the next six years. Even if you have some work experience, you probably still have limited knowledge of Canada’s vast and varied job market.

Whether you’re looking at positions in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, or elsewhere, focus first on established, stable companies over underfunded startups. That doesn’t mean avoiding innovation, but you need to know the difference between a promising young company and a high-risk gamble. Canadian startups, while vibrant, face tight capital markets and often struggle to scale.

That said, not every established company is a good bet. Some large Canadian employers, particularly in government or big corporate sectors, have reputations for placing junior employees in rigid roles with little exposure beyond their cubicle. Unless you’re a standout performer, you risk becoming just another name in the system.

Instead, target companies that actively recognize and develop their talent. In your first job, you want to be part of a team that assigns you meaningful projects and gives you access to seasoned professionals who can show you the ropes. Be cautious of companies that rely on vague slogans like, “We’re all about people.” Look for genuine opportunities, not marketing fluff.

While formal mentorship programs sound promising, don’t be overly impressed by them alone. Good companies naturally create environments where managers mentor rising talent. Real growth often comes not from formal programs but from being given increasing responsibility and room to prove yourself.

And beware of job titles that sound impressive but reveal little about your actual role. Titles vary widely and often don’t align with your day-to-day responsibilities. Focus instead on what the work involves and what skills you’ll build.

To truly understand what a company offers, go beyond the job description. Ask thoughtful questions during your interview:

• How do you help new employees get up to speed?
• What kinds of projects will I be working on in my first year?
• How do people typically advance within the company?
• Is there a chance to move between departments?

Whenever possible, connect directly with the team members you’ll work alongside. A quick conversation can give you valuable insight into the company’s culture and expectations.

Your ideal first job should offer structure, learning opportunities, and the chance to grow. Be cautious about taking roles at small startups that might promise exciting projects but operate in survival mode. Even if they pay well upfront, you may find yourself burned out or unemployed within a year.

Lastly, don’t skimp on your research. Use Canadian-specific platforms like Glassdoor.ca, LinkedIn, and Indeed, and check the company’s profile in industry associations or rankings like Canada’s Top 100 Employers. A solid company will have a clear online footprint and detailed job postings that show exactly the kind of talent it seeks.

Good companies understand that investing in recruitment is about attracting the right people. One of those people could be you—if you make smart, informed choices from the very start.

| Work and Careers Desk