Judging from recent government reports, the job market isn't quite as squeezed as it was, and our forecast for the rest of the year is for moderate, instead of sizzling, growth. You get a far different picture from recruiters and want ads. There, you see bosses still scrambling to fill corner offices and cubicles alike, and more candidates collecting a bonus just for agreeing to be hired.
A recent look at the want ads on www.craigslist.org, for example, found a $5,000 bonus offer for a corporate accountant in Chicago, $6,000 for a sales manager at a Dallas retailer and $2,500 for a mammography technician in Seattle.
Ted Henricks, 52, was offered a bonus of 10% of his salary to become a senior-level purchasing manager at a large communications firm in Rochester, N.Y. Because the move was a lateral one for Henricks and he was pretty sure his salary was near the top of the company's pay scale for the job, he wanted a sweetener to take the position. "A cash payment up front is quite a nice incentive, frankly," he says.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Companies often use sign-on bonuses when there's not much wiggle room in the pay grade or to make up for something you're giving up -- such as a year-end bonus or stock incentives -- at the old job.
So don't be afraid to ask for a bonus. But at the same time, don't let a bonus lure you into taking the wrong job. Says Atlanta recruiter Tom Darrow: "Someone swayed by the immediate cash may overlook the real issues of the job."
-
I Need to Free Up $1,000 in My Monthly Budget, and I've Already Given Up Starbucks and Dining Out. What Else Can I Do?Here are some creative ways to save up to $1,000 a month, even if you feel like you've already made all of the obvious cuts.
-
Steps to Get You Through the Open Enrollment Jungle at WorkWondering how to survive open enrollment this year? Arm yourself with these tools to cut through the process and get the best workplace benefits for you.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
