How do you delay a job offer?

Question

I received a job offer, it is a big company so they do not seem to be fixed on a start date.However, at my current job our bonuses for 2022 are distributed in March.This is a significant bonus, usually around $30K pre-tax.Obviously, I'd like to stay to collect my bonus and then leave.So I need to have a discussion with the hiring manager to see what's possible - obviously I should make up another reason for wanting to delay (maybe sabbatical, or feign some dedication to closing a project with current employer)?Lastly, other people at my company have left right after bonus in previous years so I'm not too concerned about the optics (it is after all, for last year's work).

dave4420 · Accepted Answer

Why not be open and honest about it? Say you can hand in your notice straight away if they&rsquo;ll give you a $30k signing bonus to make up for the bonus you&rsquo;d miss out on?(I guess it depends whether you think they&rsquo;re at risk of announcing job cuts and rescinding job offers.)

smarri · Answer

I agree with some other comments, just explain the bonus situation to your new employer. They can make you whole by bringing you in sooner and paying it to you themselves, or let you join after the bonus is paid. I've been on both sides of this, I waited hiring someone for a sales role as she wanted to collect a quarterly bonus at the place she was leaving, I though it was the sign of a good sales person! I also was offered a role when the hiring company agreed to match my anticipated bonus to bring me on sooner. Good luck!Edit : typo

paulcole · Answer

It all depends on whether you're willing to lose the job offer to keep the bonus.
If so, just tell the company making the offer that you won't be able to start until whatever date you want to say.
If they say no, try countering with a signing bonus for the amount you're losing out on - or some percentage of the amount you're missing out on. Whatever you're willing to accept.
If you're not willing to lose the job offer, just accept it and give up the bonus.

awithrow · Answer

A few options.1. Check the literature of who is eligible for the bonus. The bonus might get paid out for anyone who was employed as of a certain date.2. Use this as a negotiation for a signing bonus. It's common to have some vest or bonus on the horizon. Asking to be made whole with a signing bonus is how this is handled. Just be aware that you'll probably be on the hook to pay it back if you leave your new company in under a year

hgsgm · Answer

1. Tell NewCo your availability date.2. If they ask for an earlier date, tell them the price, and give them the option.

baxtr · Answer

Some companies payout pro rata bonuses. When you leave in month 11 you get 11/12. not in yours I assume?Otherwise I would simply tell them that you want to wrap up some important work, which is always a good excuse because it&rsquo;s almost always true. I wouldn&rsquo;t lie though.

mandeepj · Answer

Some people say their current employer wants them for a bit longer time period than the usual two weeks.Are you prepared if the bonus gets delayed by 2-4 weeks? or, you sure it's out of question?

How do you delay a job offer?

Why not be open and honest about it? Say you can hand in your notice straight away if they’ll give you a $30k signing bonus to make up for the bonus you’d miss out on?
(I guess it depends whether you think they’re at risk of announcing job cuts and rescinding job offers.)

1. Tell NewCo your availability date.
2. If they ask for an earlier date, tell them the price, and give them the option.

Some companies payout pro rata bonuses. When you leave in month 11 you get 11/12. not in yours I assume?
Otherwise I would simply tell them that you want to wrap up some important work, which is always a good excuse because it’s almost always true. I wouldn’t lie though.

Some people say their current employer wants them for a bit longer time period than the usual two weeks.
Are you prepared if the bonus gets delayed by 2-4 weeks? or, you sure it's out of question?