A signing bonus is a sum of money that a prospective employer gives you before you start working with them. Some employers even pay a consideration bonus – i.e. to stop you considering offers from other employers.

• Most companies are under pressure when they are hiring. Typically, the previous employee has already left. They are often keen enough to pay you an enticement to join them.
• International management consultancies and investment bankers are often prepared to pay a sign-on bonus to get the right candidates from universities.
• You increase the chance of getting a signing bonus if you are looking at 2 or 3 offers at the same time, or you are in a stable job.