Say it like this
- They offered me a signing bonus to join the team.
- I negotiated a higher signing bonus as part of the offer.
- The company gave me a signing bonus to offset my relocation costs.
Use it at work
Negotiating
- Can you add a signing bonus to the offer?
- A signing bonus would help cover my unvested shares.
Understanding
- The signing bonus is paid in the first paycheck.
- Do I have to repay the signing bonus if I leave early?
Recruiting
- We can offer a signing bonus for this role.
- The signing bonus is $10,000.
Don't say this
Signing bonus is a noun, not a verb. You receive or get a signing bonus, not signing bonus something.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. When I accepted the job offer, the company promised me a _______ of 60,000 dollars.
2. Which sentence uses signing bonus incorrectly?
3. How would you naturally say this in a job discussion?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using signing bonus: I got extra money from the company when I agreed to work there, separate from my regular pay.
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"They offered me a signing bonus to join the team."
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More about signing bonus
Real examples(3)
- in a job negotiation
"I asked if they could increase my signing bonus since I'm leaving equity at my current company."
- in a team conversation
"She received a 75,000 dollar signing bonus when she joined our engineering team last month."
- in an HR meeting
"We offer competitive signing bonuses to attract senior software architects from other tech companies."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Often confused with other compensation types like bonuses or raises. Not related to code signing or digital signatures in tech.
- ✕My signing bonus is part of my monthly salary.✓My signing bonus is separate from my monthly salary.
A signing bonus is a one-time payment, not part of recurring monthly compensation.
- ✕I earned a signing bonus for good performance this quarter.✓I received a signing bonus when I joined the company.
Signing bonuses are only given when you are hired, not for performance.
Other forms(2)
- signing bonus noun
"The signing bonus was deposited into my account after 30 days."
- signing bonus package noun phrase
"The signing bonus package included relocation assistance."
Often used with(5)
- offer a signing bonus · Companies offer signing bonuses to attract candidates
- negotiate a signing bonus · Candidates can negotiate the size of the signing bonus during offer discussions
- receive a signing bonus · An employee receives their signing bonus after joining
- signing bonus amount · Refers to the specific dollar value of the bonus
- clawback on signing bonus · A condition requiring return of bonus if employee leaves early
Similar words(2)
- sign-on bonus · Alternative term with identical meaning, commonly used interchangeably
- hiring bonus · Broader term that may include various new-hire incentives
Questions(5)
- What does signing bonus mean in tech recruitment?
- A signing bonus is a lump sum payment made to a newly hired employee when they join a company. In tech, it is used to attract experienced professionals by offering additional compensation beyond base salary. The bonus is typically paid within the first month or two of employment.
- Is a signing bonus the same as a performance bonus?
- No. A signing bonus is paid only when you join the company and is part of your hiring package. A performance bonus is earned throughout the year based on your work achievements and company performance. They are separate types of compensation.
- Can I lose my signing bonus if I leave the company?
- It depends on the contract. Many signing bonuses include a clawback clause requiring you to return the bonus if you leave within a certain period, usually one to two years. Always read your contract carefully to understand these conditions.
- How should I talk about signing bonus in salary negotiations?
- You can ask to increase or add a signing bonus by saying: Could you increase the signing bonus? or Would you be able to offer a signing bonus as part of the package? Frame it as offsetting lost benefits or equity from your previous job.
- When do I receive my signing bonus?
- Most tech companies pay the signing bonus after you have completed your first few weeks or months of employment, or after your employment contract is fully processed. The exact timing should be specified in your offer letter.
