I received an offer letter for a position I am far more interested in, how do I ask for a sign on bonus?

Anonymous

June 9,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

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I received an offer letter for a position I am far more interested in, how do I ask for a sign on bonus?

I started at a company in January but it’s completely different than I thought it would be. It doesn’t match the job description and the project I am supposed to be support on, is going so slow and I’m barley involved. I’ve spoke my director and my boss about it and they both tried to help but because the project isn’t apart of my team there’s not much they can do and my position is so specific they don’t want me on other projects.

So I searched for a new job and got an offer letter. The only down side is that I will have to pay back this company for the “bonus” they gave me when I started which was actually relocation to help with moving fees. Either way I need to pay it back. Is it appropriate to ask the new company for a sign on bonus? Do I mention why?

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Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJune 9,2022 at 1:15PM UTC
Congratulations on the new offer!
I'm sorry for your situation. However, I don't think it's appropriate to ask your new company for money to pay off the old company. Unless you truly need it for moving expenses or something of the like.
Having said this, I don't think it's right for your current company to have you pay back your "bonus" either. Giving an employee stipend is part of the risk a company takes when they hire someone!
AnonymousJune 9,2022 at 1:42PM UTC
Is the offer what you asked for in total compensation? If so, then you need to do some research on the job and the market, to support the request for a sign on now. If they came in with an offer in range of what you said you were looking for than the same principle applies,
you just need to share that you are
very exciting about the offer and the company and wanted to see if they could get closer to x dollar amount for your total comp. While you can share that you will be losing a bonus for 2022 when you leave your current job, never tell a company about needing to pay back a sign on. That is not the new company’s responsibility and will not reflect well on you. I have worked in HR for 2 decades and while I will work to meet a candidate’s comp objective or help keep them from “leaving money on the table” from the job they would be leaving, I would be very direct with the candidate or the
recruiter that it is not our responsibility to pay back a sign on. There are a lot of creative ways to ask for this sign on so focus on that. Congratulations and good luck!
AnonymousJune 9,2022 at 1:46PM UTC
I have seen different scenarios where a candidate has asked for (and received) some sort of upfront bonus to offset what is owed to a previous employer (or in lieu of the candidate sticking it out for a bit longer with the current employer in order to receive a year end bonus or whatever). Not entirely unheard of.
That said, not everyone would be successful with that request. Usually the best of the best. And what happens if the new potential employer says no? Will you accept the offer anyway?
Audrey KirschJune 9,2022 at 4:07PM UTC
It never hurts to ask. Just be up front with why you need the bonus.
Anita GetzJune 10,2022 at 2:38AM UTC
As the saying goes if you don’t ask you don’t get. But definitely be upfront as to why you are asking
AnonymousJune 10,2022 at 3:17AM UTC
Sure, why not? The worst they can say is no. I don't know what line of work you're in, but in my previous industry, recruits often were given any number of perks, including paid housing or paid commuting for a certain amount of time, sign on bonuses, other types of contract buy-outs or hiring while awaiting conclusion of a non-compete, etc.
I feel like women often forget they are being recruited. They act like they're just so lucky to get an offer. You're not lucky. You worked hard. You bring skills and value. You are wanted and needed. Ask for what would make this entry absolutely wonderful and representative of what you're poised to contribute. Then deliver.