Oct 22, 2024

Signing bonus - What is a reasonable ask?

Anyone have thoughts around reasonable range for signing bonus?   

I was thinking to ask for signing bonus + relocation of $50k, maybe ask for $60k with the expectation of settling on $50k.  VP / D level. 

Will be moving a very long distance, so expecting costs to be $20k area, excluding cost of buying a car. 

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding signing bonuses and relocation fees:

  1. Signing Bonus for 1st Year Analyst in IB (London):

    • Standard signing bonus: £6-7k.
    • Some banks may also cover one month at a hotel to help you find a flat.
  2. Real Estate Finance Compensation:

    • Example: $5,000 signing bonus for a 2nd Year Associate in Real Estate Finance.
  3. General Insights:

    • For entry-level positions, negotiating a higher sign-on bonus can be challenging.
    • Unique situations, such as having a clawback from a previous employer, might allow for some negotiation.
  4. Specific Examples:

    • One user mentioned receiving £6k sign-on with no additional hotel coverage.
    • Other banks like HSBC, RBC, BNP, and MAC might not offer any signing bonus.

Given your VP/D level and the significant relocation costs, asking for a $50k signing bonus plus relocation seems ambitious but not unreasonable, especially if you can justify the costs involved. However, be prepared for negotiations and possibly settling for a lower amount.

For more detailed advice, consider consulting specific threads or discussions on WSO related to your industry and position level.

Sources: What is your compensation in Real Estate Finance?, Signing bonus, relocation fees (London), What to pay attention to when signing a contract?, Signing Bonus for FT, Management Consulting Salary & Compensation, Average Bonus in Consulting

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Signing bonus probably a bit off market at that level. If you are moving jobs in October, would imagine you get more traction discussing a guaranteed bonus in the normal cycle. Relocation should be standard. Have seen instances where firms will have you use their providers and the costs flow through them or more typically ~$25k. If its cross country maybe you can ask for a little bit more, but $50-60 seems high for relocation. 

 

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