Your First Job: How to Spot a Fake Employer and Stay Safe

KIBBI × RESTAURANTS CANADA · FOR STUDENTS · 5 MIN READ

Landing your first job is a big deal. Maybe it's bussing tables at a local diner, working the counter at a coffee shop or prepping in a restaurant kitchen. Whatever it is, it's your first paycheque, your first reference and a lot of new skills.

Through our work with Restaurants Canada, more students are finding that first job on Kibbi, and almost every employer you'll see here is a real local business that wants to hire young people. But some people online pose as employers to take advantage of teens and students. We want you to know what that looks like, so you can spot it early and spend your time on the jobs that are worth it.

01 · THE JOB POST

When a job post seems off

Real job posts are specific. They name the business, the location, the role and roughly what you'll be doing. Be careful when a post:

If you're not sure, look the business up. A real restaurant usually has a website, a Google listing with reviews or a location you can walk past. If you can't find anything, show the post to a parent, teacher or guidance counsellor.

02 · YOUR INFORMATION

What to keep private

To apply, an employer needs your name, a way to reach you and your resume. That's it.

Hold on to the rest until you've been hired and have the offer in writing. That includes your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank information, date of birth and home address. You also shouldn't need to send photos of yourself or a copy of your ID to apply.

If someone wants to move the conversation off Kibbi right away, to Instagram or Snapchat DMs, another app or a personal phone number, slow down. Keeping things private is a common way people avoid being noticed.

A REAL FIRST JOB: AT THE WORKPLACE, ON A SCHEDULE, WITH A PAY STUB.

03 · THE INTERVIEW

Before and during the interview

Interviews should happen at the business, somewhere public or over a video call. Never at someone's home, in a car or at a hotel.

Before you go, tell a parent, guardian or another adult you trust:

Share your location if you can, and plan how you're getting there and back home. Don't accept a ride from someone you've just met.

If the location changes at the last minute or something about the interview feels wrong, you're allowed to leave. You don't have to explain yourself.

04 · THE REAL THING

What a real job looks like

Once you're hired, a legitimate employer will pay you at least minimum wage, on a regular schedule, with pay stubs. That's when they'll ask for your SIN, so they can pay you properly. You keep your own ID, phone and money, you work set shifts at the workplace, and your school schedule is respected.

A job should never mean keeping secrets from your family, being taken somewhere you weren't told about, living with your employer or working off a "debt" for rides, housing or gifts.

05 · WARNING SIGNS

Signs someone may be trying to exploit you

People who exploit young people often don't seem dangerous at first. They can be very friendly and generous. Pay attention if someone:

If any of this sounds familiar, it is not your fault. Talk to someone you trust, or reach out to one of the numbers below.

06 · YOUR GUT

Trust your gut

If a job feels off, take a step back and talk to someone before going any further. It's always okay to say no.

On Kibbi, you can tap REPORT THIS JOB > on any posting that looks suspicious. The posting is hidden right away while our team takes a look.

Your first job should be something to be proud of. Ask questions, trust your instincts and look out for your friends too.