Getting a job offer is exciting, but it's worth taking a little time before you say yes. A careful review helps you understand the full value of the offer, spot any terms that need clarifying, and start the new role with clear expectations.
Ask for the offer in writing
A verbal offer is a good sign, but you should review the written offer or employment agreement before you accept. It's reasonable to ask for a day or two to consider it. Most employers will agree to a short, defined review period.
Look beyond the base salary
Base pay and how it's paid
Confirm the annual salary or hourly rate, how often you'll be paid, and whether overtime applies. If part of your pay is variable, such as commission or a bonus, ask how it's calculated and whether any portion is guaranteed.
Remember that statutory deductions come off your gross pay. These include income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. In Quebec, the Quebec Pension Plan and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan apply instead of some of these. Your take-home pay will be lower than the gross figure in the offer.
Benefits
Group benefits can add significant value. Ask about:
- Health, dental and vision coverage, and when coverage starts
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement savings, such as a pension plan or RRSP matching
- Health or wellness spending accounts
- Employee assistance programs
Time off
Every province and territory sets minimum vacation and public holiday entitlements, and federally regulated employers follow the Canada Labour Code. An offer may include more vacation than the legal minimum. Confirm how many days you'll receive, when you can take them, and the policy on sick days and personal days.
Understand the working arrangement
- Location and schedule: on-site, hybrid or remote, and how many days in the office each week if it's hybrid.
- Hours: standard weekly hours and any expectation of evening, weekend or on-call work.
- Equipment and expenses: what's provided for remote work, and whether travel is reimbursed.
Review the contract terms carefully
Type of employment
Is the role permanent, a fixed term, a contract or temporary? If it's a contract, find out whether you'll be an employee or a self-employed contractor. This affects taxes, benefits and employment standards protections. Our guide to permanent, contract and temporary hiring explains the differences.
Probation
Many offers include a probationary period. Ask how long it is and how performance will be assessed.
Termination, restrictive covenants and policies
Pay attention to clauses about termination, confidentiality, non-solicitation or non-competition, intellectual property and the policies you're asked to accept. The rules on these terms vary by province and can be complex. If anything is unclear, or the role is senior, consider getting independent legal advice before signing.
Raising questions or negotiating
If something in the offer doesn't meet your expectations, raise it respectfully and specifically:
- Explain which part of the offer you'd like to discuss and why, based on the role's scope, your experience or market information.
- Consider the whole package. Sometimes vacation, a start date, flexibility or professional development is easier to adjust than base salary.
- Know your priorities and the point at which you'd decline.
If you're working with a recruiter, they can often relay questions and help both sides reach an agreement that works.
A quick checklist before you accept
- You have the offer in writing and have read every clause.
- You understand your gross pay, variable pay and likely take-home pay.
- You know when your benefits start and what they cover.
- The schedule, location and work arrangement are clear.
- You understand the employment type, the probation period and any restrictive covenants.
- Your questions have been answered in writing where it matters.
Next step
Still looking for the right role? Browse current vacancies, or submit your resume so we can contact you about suitable opportunities.
