We estimate, however, that somewhere between 4 and 8 percent of experienced hires are receiving this kind of bonus. Again, those who actually receive these bonuses are a small percentage of the total graduate population entering the market. However, this activity is creating an expectation, leading more and more graduates to ask for a sign-on bonus before accepting an offer. Most companies are still wedded to the time-consuming gauntlets we call our employment applications, screening and selection processes. In today's very competitive job market, applicants can be quick to judge the potential employers they meet based upon the treatment they receive during the employment process.
First impressions make or break the deal with most job applicants.
If they see a company that has a professional, well-organized, open and honest interview process, they will often presume that the entire organization behaves in the same manner. On the other hand, if they encounter a company whose interviewers are self-centered and insensitive, it creates an impression of a similar company culture. Processes don't win or lose the recruitment wars, people do. If not, perhaps you should start with a little customer service training. One deterrent to liars and cheats is the requirement to read and sign a legally binding statement, usually on an employment application, that attests to the accuracy of the information provided.