Negotiate Sign in bonus or not risk it?

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear about the situation. In terms of your question:

Q: Am considering asking for an increase in my signing bonus to compensate for the financial damage. If it's worth pursuing, how should I determine a new amount without risking my offer? 

I don’t see issues if you ask in a professional way. The way I would formulate it is as follows: 

1. Call HR
2. Explain you have resigned from the previous job after their offer
3. Clarify you understand their need to postpone the start due to the current situation, and you are happy to accommodate as you can
4. Mention that due to the fact you resigned, nonetheless you are having financial difficulties
5. Indicate that you wanted to check if there might be flexibility in terms of a different start date or financial help from their side

If you ask respectfully, there should not be issues with your request, although there are no guarantees they will accommodate it.

Regarding the amount, I would leave it to them to offer something first. After that, you can refer to your historical cost of living as a reference point to ask, if needed, a different amount.

Good luck!

Francesco

Sorry to hear about your situation. It is unfortunate. 

Given your situation, it's reasonable to negotiate an increased signing bonus. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Assess Financial Impact: Calculate the financial gap due to the postponed start date and decide on a specific amount
2. Prepare Your Case: Clearly explain the financial impact and express your interest and commitment to the firm.
3. Communicate: Request a meeting with HR, present your case professionally, and be open to alternative solutions.
   
   It is unlikely firm will transcend the offer if you make a genuine request. In the worse case they will refuse to give the signing bonus. 
   
   All the best,
   Thanks Ashwin 

Hi there,

this is a tricky situation. I would definitely seek the conversation with HR at your new firm. Since you are a future employee, they will care about your well-being as it impacts them directly.

You should explain to them that based on the initial offer you signed with them, you submitted your resignation at your current job on time to adhere to required notice periods. All that to make sure that you are available to start your new job at the agreed upon date. Now the new firm has just pushed the starting date back considerably which leaves you without income. Had you known that before, you would have stayed with your current job longer and continued earning income. 

Then you can ask HR from your new company what they suggest can be done to resolve the situation and ease the financial burden you are now bearing. Don't use an accusatory tone, but make it clear that their change in plans carries a high opportunity cost for you - and that you didn't really have a choice but to resign at the time you did believing you would start in September 2024. 

The worst that can happen is that they look at you quizzically and tell you that they never had a situation like this and that they unfortunately can't be doing anything about it - but they won't rescind your offer based on a legitimate inquiry.

Best of luck

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• Negotiations are generally accepted in the consulting industry, but should be approached with tact. In your case, I would advise you to prepare a clear and logical argument for a higher signing bonus, perhaps leveraging your previous experience and explaining your work situation.

You can find more on this topic here: Salaries in the consulting industry.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming negotiation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Wow, sorry to hear, this is really unfortunate. 

Basically, I would have a call with HR and position it as a problem-solving session. 

You can explain to them - as you did here - that you quit your job after having the start date confirmed, but now that it's been moved, you find yourself without pay for the next x months and whether there is any way in which the firm could fairly compensate you for this in the form of a bonus. 

Honestly, I don't think it's impossible for them to offer something. I believe it would be fair for you to be compensated. But I don't have a precedent in mind to confirm that this is possible. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

I remember your case from a previous thread. 

I would definitely reach out to HR and explain your situation.

• Make your case based on the situation (it's very clear)
• Find 2-3 strong arguments for the increase in hiring bonus
• Try to focus the discussion not only on yourself
• Think ahead about common counterarguments and how you could deal with them

If you do this politely and professionally, the worst thing that can happen is that they decline.

All the best and fingers crossed!

Florian

I believe I suggested you to do that on the previous question you asked. I don't see a negative / risk here, just be polite. You have a valid reason to ask for this, and of course you may have to be willing to give something in return (i.e., a longer commitment to stay), but it is totally reasonable to ask for that higher sign up, as you need to be able to survive until your new starting date.

Still, what I suggested still applies, and you should be looking for alternatives.