lateral sign on bonus as analyst?

I'm third year IBD analyst interviewing for a third year analyst position at a higher bank for a start date one month before my third year bonus is announced at my bank. Unfortunately they won't consider me for an associate.

Would I be able to ask for a sign on bonus to make up for losing my bonus? I know its common to 'buyout' bonuses at the senior levels but I've never known places to 'buyout' bonuses at the junior level so am unsure but it is annoying to have worked the entire year not to receive my third year bonus.

If you've seen this happen before and think its possible, how much could i expect for the sign on? say my analyst three bonus is expected to be about 75% of my base salary how much would they likely pay to 'buyout' my bonus considering im still a junior.

5 Comments
 

Thanks, how much should i be 'happy' with? i.e. if my bonus this year was expected to be $80,000 and they offered to give me a sign on bonus to make up for me missing it how much should i settle for? Would half still be too low i.e. if they offered $40,000 should i ask for more or do you think half would be a very positive outcome I should be grateful for?

 

Comes down to a personal choice IMO, if they offer you 40 and it's a jump from a no-name boutique to GS/MS I'd be pretty happy about it. But if it's from CS to EVR/PJT, you'll have to take a look at your long-term goals as if you stay you're bonuses will be higher in EB and will more than make up for it in the long, but if you plan to exit after a year anyways, probably better off staying put.

Should prob clarify this is just off the top of my head and I've not experienced this decision before.

 

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