Will it be OK to transit through the US after being denied before?

[SCR471 1]

So, a few months ago, I was denied entry into the US for the purpose of visiting. It's because I was unemployed and they thought that I was going there looking for work, even though I told them that I was already awaiting the proper documentation for a job in Canada. Well, my Canadian job seems to be coming through with their documentation and as soon as I get my Labour Market Opinion (the key document I need for my Canadian work permit application), I'm eligible to fly directly to Canada and apply for my work permit at the airport (since I'm from a visitor's visa-exempt country for Canadian immigration). The problem is that I may have to pass through the US if there aren't any direct flights to Canada. After what happened a few months ago, I'm highly reluctant to enter the US for any reason. The last time I tried to harmlessly visit some friends and relatives in the US (in celebration of finding a Canadian employer willing to sponsor me), I ended up losing my visa-waiver program privileges for life and ended up getting an "application for admission withdrawn" stamp in my passport. I'm afraid of what could happen next time because up until now, I've been doing nothing but following the rules all my life, yet I'm now suffering the consequences of a criminal.

So, can someone let me know exactly what would happen if I showed up at the US port of entry yet again with my Canadian job offer, LMO, other documents, etc and print-out of Canada's work permit application instructions/document checklist, my ticket to Canada, and a US transit visa. How difficult would it be for me to get a transit visa given my previous denial of entry into the US? This is too much hassle so I'm STRONGLY hoping that I get my Canadian LMO before they stop offering direct flights to Canada. I already have one refusal of admission to the US to mention on my Canadian work permit application (as well as later provincial nomination and PR applications) and I don't need another one. Would I be better off not taking the job right then and waiting until fall when direct flights open up again?

[SCR471 1]

Never mind. I found another airline that flies from my country to Canada year-round. That's a huge relief.