Request a Sign-On Bonus for a Candidate
Evaluate eligibility, validate the amount against policy, and draft a ready-to-send Slack request for comp review.
概要
Sign-on bonus requests handled inconsistently create pay inequity and slow down your comp team -- different formats, different rationale, different amounts for similar roles. This MCP template connects to your Ashby account and walks recruiters through your sign-on bonus policy step by step: checking eligible reasons, validating the proposed amount against your level-appropriate ranges, confirming hiring manager alignment, and packaging a complete two-part Slack message ready to post for comp review.
仕組み
Install the template and connect your Ashby and Slack accounts. When a recruiter needs to request a sign-on bonus, they ask the AI for help with a specific candidate and role. It pulls the candidate profile, application status, and scorecard data from Ashby, then runs through a focused set of eligibility questions -- the reason for the sign-on, how long the req has been open, whether the hiring manager has confirmed support, and whether alternatives like a base salary increase have been considered. Once eligibility is confirmed, the recruiter provides the proposed base and sign-on percentage. The AI calculates the amount, validates it against your policy range for that level, and generates a formatted two-part Slack message ready to post.
Who this is for
Built for recruiting teams using Ashby as their ATS. It saves time on every sign-on request and protects comp equity by enforcing consistent eligibility checks across every candidate -- no more ad hoc requests or policy guesswork at offer time.
Suggested prompt
Help me evaluate a sign-on bonus request. The candidate is [name] and they are applying for [role title] at [level].
よくある質問
Does this template require an Ashby connection?
Yes -- this template uses Zapier's Ashby integration to pull candidate and application data automatically. You will need Ashby connected in your Zapier MCP setup. If Ashby is unavailable, the AI will ask you to provide the candidate and role details manually.
What reasons qualify for a sign-on bonus?
Eligible reasons typically include: a tough-to-fill or aging req (open 2+ months), a niche skill set, an opportunistic hire, incentivizing a faster start date, bridging a vesting cliff or upcoming bonus within 3 months, or covering a payback obligation to a current employer. Competing offers and higher current compensation are generally not eligible -- the AI will prompt a conversation about whether a base salary adjustment is warranted instead.
Can this template be used before the offer stage?
Yes -- it works at any interview stage. The template pulls whatever scorecard and application data exists in Ashby at the time and notes any gaps. Running it early is useful for thinking through whether a sign-on makes sense before reaching the offer conversation.
What if my policy restricts sign-ons for certain role levels?
Many companies do not recommend sign-ons at junior or early-career levels in order to protect comp equity. The AI will flag this based on your policy, then ask if there is exceptional rationale that would justify an exception. If yes, it captures the rationale and flags the request for your comp team to review. If no, it walks you through alternatives like adjusting the role level or revisiting the comp band.