   Sign on Bonus $2000
  Hi, as many of you know, because of the vast help I have received on GameDev this week, and I much appreciate it.  I have been making my resume, sending it out to companies, choosing the correct sample code to show them that could be the difference between a, "Thank you for sending us your sample code, but.." to the, "Could you possibly be ready to jump on a plane this week for a more in depth interview?".I have been working on my negotiable skills as well, but I'm lost when trying to put them in professional terms, so I don't get laughed at.My Sr. Developer who I'm currently employed under, but only under contract work tells me that I should definitely be getting some calls this week, for I am well diverse in many different languages expanding from open-source to .Net, Web Development, to WPF development, and a touch of game development.I was curious in knowing if $2000 would be a correct sign on bonus, for relocation and what would the proper calculations be of bringing your skills into the room where your life's salary will be negotiable depending on your skills.So what is the proper way to ask for a sign on bonus for relocation?What is the proper professional way to ask for a raise in your salary that solely depends on your skills?This weekend I took the time to fill out my resume to 21 various companies all entry level through vast searching, and careful reading.  With those 21 companies that I have found, and applied to; I have applied to 33 entry level positions, and 2 more contract work in the local area.My plan if I had to relocate was going to ask for a $2000 sign on bonus, but then I thought well if I only move to Raleigh there isn't a need for that much, and I could make it to Florida with $500 for a week the way I eat, so I'm thinking there is a calculation for this problem.I would like to know... please A.) What is the correct professional way to ask for a sign on bonus (if one is needed) and how to politely ask for one?B.)How to professional negotiate your skills you have that could increase your salary professionally, so you don't look like a jack-ass, or think too highly of yourself?C.) What is the turn over ratio of an average 1-2 year experience programmer with degree (minor in mathematics) per resume he/she sends in?  Like 2 call backs per 20 resumes you send in?   
  Ive never heard of a sign on bonus.I moved from belfast to london. Before i got paid i spent about £1500, about 50% from my parents and other 50% was my savings and overdraft. If there is a way you can move without asking for a bonus i would do that, i.e. bank overdrafts and short term loans. This shows independence. Also try your best of find a place and dont expect the company to put you up in a hotel for a few weeks.How much do they need you? Asking for a starting bonus is like asking for a first year pay rise before they even know if you are any good.   ;  On at least one occasion, I was offered a €4000 sign-on bonus (more-or-less equivalent to a year of my student loans). That amount represented a little less than 10% of the gross income they proposed. Salary negotiations all work the same way: you make a proposal and the other either accepts, makes a counter-proposal, or gives up. The key to negotiation is to have a large number of "alternative payment modes" available. That is, if all you have to negotiate is your wage, then it's more haggling over a single value than anything else. Because of this, the other side will propose benefits not related to your wage that are cheaper for them while still bringing the same advantage to you. For instance, you'd say "$2000 to cover my moving costs and the time required to set it all up", they'd answer "we'll take care of moving everything for free". This is what happens for Tokyo traders at the Société Générale (IIRC) : the bank basically tells them "choose a flat, and we'll pay your rent", which greatly cuts down on negotiation time.   ;  Since you put it that way you're absolutely right.  I should be thankful just getting asked, or landing the job if that occurs. ;Quote:Original post by ToohrVykOn at least one occasion, I was offered a €4000 sign-on bonus (more-or-less equivalent to a year of my student loans). That amount represented a little less than 10% of the gross income they proposed. Salary negotiations all work the same way: you make a proposal and the other either accepts, makes a counter-proposal, or gives up. The key to negotiation is to have a large number of "alternative payment modes" available. That is, if all you have to negotiate is your wage, then it's more haggling over a single value than anything else. Because of this, the other side will propose benefits not related to your wage that are cheaper for them while still bringing the same advantage to you. For instance, you'd say "$2000 to cover my moving costs and the time required to set it all up", they'd answer "we'll take care of moving everything for free". This is what happens for Tokyo traders at the Société Générale (IIRC) : the bank basically tells them "choose a flat, and we'll pay your rent", which greatly cuts down on negotiation time.Thank you ToohrVyk!  I shall think of other reasonable negotiations only if I am in that moment, and it's called for one.Also, I don't want anyone to pay me on potential, but of the quality of work that I do.;Quote:Original post by RivieraKidI moved from belfast to london. Before i got paid i spent about £1500, about 50% from my parents and other 50% was my savings and overdraft. If there is a way you can move without asking for a bonus i would do that, i.e. bank overdrafts and short term loans. This shows independence.Were I your employer, that would certainly tell me that I can safely underpay you, since you have the "independence" to work with less money.It never hurts to ask whether a relocation package is available. Worst that could happen is that there isn't one, so you'll have to pay from your own pocket. Of course, have an answer ready in case they ask you how much you'd need. Usually, if you've gone far enough in the hiring process to be asked what your wage requirements are, it's extremely unlikely that you'll be kicked out because you asked if you could have a little more. As long as you don't demand more money, the standard behavior for an interviewer is to ask you to lower your requirements until you become affordable. Of course, if you're given a choice between a sign-on bonus and a small but significant initial wage increase, always choose the wage increase. Your wage will bring you more on the long run, even if you leave the company, because your future employers will often use it as a point of reference for how much you're worth.   ;  I was wondering if you could give me a quick synopsis on what to expect from the companies processing my resume, evaluating it, and what I should bring to the table.   ;  First, read this and any related articles you find on that site (in fact, it's a good idea to read all of Joel's articles).Then, there are two possibilities. Either the company is hiring on the long term (so they're looking for a more general set of skills, and the ability to understand new technologies and pattern in order to adapt to new projects as they come up) or they're looking for someone for a given project only (so they're looking for a specific set of skills, and an expert level if possible on these). Most of the time it's a mix of these, but it's good to find out which side is heaviest.Companies receive a lot of resumes and don't have the time to read them all thoroughly. In addition to the above, I often add:Avoid all forward references. For instance, if your address in the resume header is in Seattle, don't expect the recruiter to read some more paragraphs to see that you're open to relocation and have a car and driver's license. Start with your skills (especially those relevant to the job) and then with how you got that skills.Mention non-technical skills.Help your recruiter organize his files. Keep all contact information on the resume, and add your name to the resume file. That is, don't e-mail a resume.pdf, email a john_smith_resume.pdf instead.As an example, you could look at my online resume page (it's fairly generic, and some of the layout elements are debatable, but the basic ideas are there).;  Another good practice before you go and haggle for the money is to check what the norm is. What is the average salary for people doing the job you applied for.That's always a good starting point for the negotiations.This is also a good thing to do before the yearly review. Check your market value.   ;  I think it's common for companies to offer some sort of relocation package.  Either direct financial help, or some sort of housing arrangement until you get your own place.  Every job offer I've had has come with some sort of relocation package.I'd recommend going to the interview and asking then and there (don't worry about asking, it's a reasonably common question, along with asking about medical cover, stock options, pension plan, etc.).  After the interview if they come to you with an offer it may or may not include a relocation package.  You can always negotiate with them; if they really want you they'll give you one. If not, you'll just have to decide wether or not the position they're offering you is worth the cost of moving (though if you cared enough to apply it probably is).   