Asking for a sign-on bonus can feel awkward, especially if you’ve already accepted a job offer.
But in today’s competitive job market, many employers are open to offering sign-on bonuses to attract and retain top talent.
A well-crafted email can help you make a persuasive case for why you deserve a sign-on bonus.
Before you hit send, do your research on the company’s financial health and typical compensation packages.
This will help you gauge whether a sign-on bonus is realistic and determine an appropriate amount to request.
Once you’re ready, use the sample emails below as inspiration for your sign-on bonus request.
Sample Emails Asking for Sign-on Bonus
Here’s a quick introduction before we dive into the 20 sample emails.
Each email is unique in content, structure, and style, but they all aim to make a compelling case for why you deserve a sign-on bonus.
Use them as a starting point and customize them to fit your specific situation.
1. Subject: Sign-on bonus request for [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am thrilled to accept the offer to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to such an innovative organization is truly exciting.
As I prepare to make the transition, I wanted to inquire about the possibility of a sign-on bonus. Given my unique qualifications and the value I believe I can bring to the role, a sign-on bonus of [Amount] would help me feel fully invested in hitting the ground running and making an immediate impact.
I understand budgets may be tight, but I am confident that my contributions will more than justify this initial investment. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide to support this request.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to finalizing the details and joining the team soon!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Subject: [Your Name] – Sign-on bonus inquiry
Hello [Hiring Manager],
I couldn’t be more excited to join the [Company Name] team as a [Job Title]. The culture of innovation and the opportunity to work on [Project/Initiative] are what drew me to this role, and I am confident I can make valuable contributions from day one.
As I make this career transition, I wanted to discuss the possibility of a sign-on bonus. Based on my research of industry benchmarks and my experience level, a sign-on bonus in the range of [Amount] would be appropriate and greatly appreciated as I ramp up in this new role.
I am fully committed to [Company Name]’s success and view this bonus as an investment in our mutually beneficial working relationship. Please let me know if you need any further details from me.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am eager to finalize the onboarding process and get started!
All the best,
[Your Name]
3. Subject: Requesting a sign-on bonus
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you again for the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am genuinely excited about this new chapter in my career and contributing to the company’s mission of [Company Mission].
Before I officially come on board, I wanted to open a conversation about a potential sign-on bonus. Given the current market conditions and the unique skill set I bring to the table, a sign-on bonus of [Amount] would demonstrate [Company Name]’s investment in my long-term success within the organization.
I am fully dedicated to making an immediate and lasting impact in this role. A sign-on bonus would not only help ease my transition but also reaffirm my decision to choose [Company Name] as my employer of choice.
Please let me know your thoughts on this request. I am happy to provide any additional context that might be helpful.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
4. Subject: Sign-on bonus for [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I am honored to accept the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The team’s passion and the company’s innovative approach to [Industry/Market] resonated with me during the interview process, and I cannot wait to get started.
As I wrap up my current commitments and prepare for this exciting transition, I wanted to discuss the possibility of a sign-on bonus. An amount of [Amount] would not only help bridge the gap as I relocate to [City], but also demonstrate [Company Name]’s commitment to my professional growth within the organization.
I am confident that my skills and drive will allow me to hit the ground running and deliver value from day one. A sign-on bonus would further motivate me to exceed expectations and make a lasting impact on the team.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me to consider this request. I appreciate your support and look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] family soon!
Best,
[Your Name]
5. Subject: Discussing sign-on bonus for [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am thrilled to formally accept the offer to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The opportunity to work with such a talented team and contribute to [Project/Initiative] is truly exhilarating.
As I prepare to make this transition, I wanted to inquire about the potential for a sign-on bonus. Based on my experience level and the value I plan to bring to the role, a bonus of [Amount] would be greatly appreciated and help me feel fully invested in my new position from day one.
I understand that budgets may be tight, but I believe my unique skill set and enthusiasm for [Company Name]’s mission will more than justify this initial investment. Please let me know if you need any further information from me to consider this request.
Thank you for your time and support. I am eager to finalize the onboarding process and start contributing to the team’s success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Subject: [Your Name] – Signing bonus request
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am honored to formally accept the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The team’s expertise and the company’s cutting-edge approach to [Industry/Market] truly excite me, and I am eager to contribute my skills and experience.
As I prepare for this new chapter, I wanted to discuss the possibility of a signing bonus. Given my unique qualifications and the value I plan to bring to the role, a bonus of [Amount] would help me feel fully invested in making an immediate impact and driving results for the team.
I understand that budgets may be tight, but I am confident that my drive and enthusiasm will allow me to hit the ground running and deliver a strong return on this initial investment. Please let me know if you need any further details from me to consider this request.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to finalizing the onboarding process and officially joining the [Company Name] family soon!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
7. Subject: Requesting a sign-on bonus for [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I couldn’t be more thrilled to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The opportunity to work on [Project/Initiative] and contribute to the company’s mission is truly inspiring.
Before I officially come on board, I wanted to open a conversation about a potential sign-on bonus. Based on my experience level and the current market conditions, an amount in the range of [Amount] would be appropriate and greatly appreciated as I make this transition.
I am fully committed to making an immediate and lasting impact in this new role. A sign-on bonus would not only help ease my transition but also demonstrate [Company Name]’s investment in my long-term success within the organization.
Please let me know your thoughts on this request. I am happy to provide any additional context that might be helpful in your consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
8. Subject: Sign-on bonus discussion – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you again for the opportunity to join the [Company Name] team as a [Job Title]. I am genuinely excited about this new chapter and contributing my skills to help drive the company’s growth.
As I wrap up my current commitments and prepare for this transition, I wanted to inquire about the possibility of a sign-on bonus. An amount of [Amount] would not only help bridge the gap as I relocate to [City], but also reaffirm my decision to choose [Company Name] as my employer of choice.
I am confident that my unique skill set and passion for [Industry/Market] will allow me to deliver value from day one. A sign-on bonus would further motivate me to exceed expectations and make a lasting impact on the team.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me to consider this request. I appreciate your time and look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] family soon!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
9. Subject: [Your Name] – Sign-on bonus inquiry
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I am thrilled to formally accept the offer to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The team’s passion and the company’s innovative approach to [Project/Initiative] resonated with me during the interview process, and I cannot wait to get started.
As I prepare for this exciting new chapter, I wanted to discuss the potential for a sign-on bonus. Given my unique qualifications and the value I plan to bring to the role, a bonus of [Amount] would be greatly appreciated and help me feel fully invested in my new position from day one.
I understand that budgets may be tight, but I believe my skills and enthusiasm for [Company Name]’s mission will more than justify this initial investment. Please let me know if there is any additional context I can provide to support this request.
Thank you for your consideration. I am eager to finalize the details and start contributing to the team’s success.
All the best,
[Your Name]
10. Subject: Signing bonus request for [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am honored to accept the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The opportunity to work with such a talented team and contribute to the company’s growth is truly exciting.
Before I officially come on board, I wanted to open a conversation about a potential signing bonus. Based on my experience level and the value I plan to bring to the role, an amount in the range of [Amount] would demonstrate [Company Name]’s commitment to my professional development within the organization.
I am fully dedicated to hitting the ground running and making an immediate impact in this new role. A signing bonus would not only help ease my transition but also reaffirm my enthusiasm for joining the [Company Name] team.
Please let me know your thoughts on this request. I am happy to provide any further details that might be helpful in your consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
11. Subject: [Your Name] – Request for sign-on bonus
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I couldn’t be more excited to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The team’s expertise and the company’s commitment to [Industry/Market] are what drew me to this role, and I am confident I can make valuable contributions from day one.
As I wrap up my current commitments and prepare for this transition, I wanted to inquire about the possibility of a sign-on bonus. Given my unique skill set and the current market conditions, an amount of [Amount] would be appropriate and greatly appreciated as I ramp up in this new position.
I am fully committed to [Company Name]’s success and view this bonus as an investment in our mutually beneficial working relationship. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me to consider this request.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to finalizing the onboarding process and officially joining the [Company Name] family soon!
Best,
[Your Name]
12. Subject: Sign-on bonus discussion for [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you again for the opportunity to join the [Company Name] team as a [Job Title]. I am genuinely excited to contribute my skills and experience to help drive the company’s mission forward.
As I prepare to make this transition, I wanted to discuss the potential for a sign-on bonus. Based on my research of industry benchmarks and my unique qualifications, a bonus in the range of [Amount] would be appropriate and help me feel fully invested in my new role from day one.
I understand that budgets may be tight, but I am confident that my drive and passion for [Industry/Market] will allow me to make an immediate and lasting impact on the team. A sign-on bonus would further motivate me to exceed expectations and deliver value.
Please let me know if you need any further context from me to consider this request. I appreciate your time and look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] family soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
13. Subject: Requesting a signing bonus – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I am thrilled to formally accept the offer to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The opportunity to work on [Project/Initiative] and contribute to the company’s growth is truly inspiring.
Before I officially come on board, I wanted to open a conversation about a potential signing bonus. Given my experience level and the value I plan to bring to the role, an amount of [Amount] would not only help bridge the gap as I relocate to [City], but also demonstrate [Company Name]’s investment in my long-term success within the organization.
I am fully dedicated to hitting the ground running and making an immediate impact in this new position. A signing bonus would further motivate me to exceed expectations and deliver results for the team.
Please let me know your thoughts on this request. I am happy to provide any additional information that might be helpful in your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
14. Subject: [Your Name] – Sign-on bonus discussion
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am honored to accept the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. The team’s passion and the company’s innovative approach to [Industry/Market] resonated with me, and I cannot wait to contribute my skills and experience.
As I wrap up my current commitments and prepare for this exciting new chapter, I wanted to inquire about the possibility of a sign-on bonus. Based on my unique qualifications and the current market conditions, a bonus in the range of [Amount] would be appropriate and greatly appreciated as I transition into this new position.
I am confident that my drive and enthusiasm for [Company Name]’s mission will allow me to make valuable contributions from day one. A sign-on bonus would not only help ease my transition but also reaffirm my decision to choose [Company Name] as my employer of choice.
Please let me know if you need any further details from me to consider this request. I appreciate your support and look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] team soon!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
15. Subject: Sign-on bonus request – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
Thank you again for the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am genuinely excited to work alongside such a talented team and contribute to the company’s mission of [Company Mission].
As I prepare to make this transition, I wanted to discuss the potential for a sign-on bonus. Given my unique skill set and the value I plan to bring to the role, a bonus of [Amount] would demonstrate [Company Name]’s commitment to my professional growth within the organization.
I understand that budgets may be tight, but I believe my passion for [Industry/Market] and drive to succeed will more than justify this initial investment. Please let me know if there is any additional context I can provide to support this request.
Thank you for your consideration. I am eager to finalize the onboarding process and start this exciting new chapter with [Company Name].
Best,
[Your Name]
16. Subject: [Your Name] – Signing bonus inquiry
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I couldn’t be more thrilled to accept the offer to join the [Company Name] team as a [Job Title]. The opportunity to work on [Project/Initiative] and contribute to the company’s growth is truly exhilarating.
Before I officially come on board, I wanted to open a conversation about a potential signing bonus. Based on my experience level and the value I plan to bring to the role, an amount in the range of [Amount] would be appropriate and greatly appreciated as I ramp up in this new position.
I am fully committed to [Company Name]’s success and view this bonus as an investment in our mutually beneficial working relationship. A signing bonus would further motivate me to hit the ground running and deliver results for the team.
Please let me know your thoughts on this request. I am happy to provide any additional information that might be helpful in your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
17. Subject: Requesting a sign-on bonus – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I am thrilled to formally accept the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The team’s expertise and the company’s commitment to [Industry/Market] are what drew me to this role, and I am confident I can make valuable contributions from day one.
As I wrap up my current commitments and prepare for this transition, I wanted to discuss the possibility of a sign-on bonus. Given my unique qualifications and the current market conditions, an amount of [Amount] would not only help bridge the gap as I relocate to [City], but also reaffirm my enthusiasm for joining the [Company Name] team.
I am fully dedicated to making an immediate and lasting impact in this new role. A sign-on bonus would further motivate me to exceed expectations and deliver value for the company.
Please let me know if you need any further context from me to consider this request. I appreciate your time and look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] family soon!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
18. Subject: Signing bonus inquiry – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I am excited to formally accept the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. The opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to such a forward-thinking organization is truly inspiring.
As I wrap up my commitments and prepare for this new chapter, I wanted to discuss the possibility of a signing bonus. An amount in the range of [Amount] would not only help ease my transition but also reaffirm my decision to choose [Company Name] as my employer of choice.
I am fully committed to making an immediate impact and driving results for the team. A signing bonus would further motivate me to hit the ground running and exceed expectations in this new role.
Please let me know if you need any additional context or details from me. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] team soon!
All the best,
[Your Name]
19. Subject: [Your Name] – Request for sign-on bonus
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you again for the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am genuinely excited to contribute to the company’s mission and work alongside such a talented team.
Before I officially come on board, I wanted to inquire about the potential for a sign-on bonus. Given my unique skill set and the value I plan to bring to the role, a bonus of [Amount] would demonstrate [Company Name]’s investment in my long-term success within the organization.
I understand that budgets may be tight, but I am confident that my drive and enthusiasm will allow me to make an immediate impact and deliver a strong return on this initial investment. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide to support this request.
Thank you for your consideration. I am eager to finalize the onboarding process and start this exciting new chapter with [Company Name].
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
20. Subject: Sign-on bonus discussion for [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I am thrilled to accept the offer to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. The team’s passion and the company’s commitment to [Industry/Market] resonated with me, and I cannot wait to contribute my skills and experience.
As I prepare for this transition, I wanted to open a conversation about a potential sign-on bonus. An amount of [Amount] would not only help bridge the gap as I wrap up my current commitments, but also reaffirm my enthusiasm for joining the [Company Name] team.
I am fully dedicated to hitting the ground running and making a lasting impact in this new role. A sign-on bonus would further motivate me to exceed expectations and deliver value from day one.
Please let me know your thoughts on this request. I am happy to provide any additional context that might be helpful in your consideration.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to officially joining the [Company Name] family and contributing to the team’s success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up Sign-on Bonus Email Requests
Negotiating a sign-on bonus can feel intimidating, but remember that many employers expect and are open to these conversations.
By crafting a polite, persuasive email that highlights your value and enthusiasm, you’ll be well on your way to securing the bonus you deserve.
Keep in mind that timing is key.
It’s best to bring up the sign-on bonus request after you’ve formally accepted the job offer but before your official start date.
This allows you to negotiate from a position of strength without appearing presumptuous.
Finally, be prepared for some back-and-forth. Your employer may counter with a lower amount or propose alternative benefits like additional vacation days or a performance-based bonus.
Stay open-minded and consider all options before making a final decision.
By using the sample emails in this article as a guide and tailoring them to your specific situation, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the sign-on bonus negotiation process with confidence and professionalism.
Good luck!