> Also, if the position is highly sought-after - isn't it a bit weird that a signing bonus is offered? In today's job market, in software engineering, it's the

> Also, if the position is highly sought-after - isn't it a bit weird that a signing bonus is offered? In today's job market, in software engineering, it's the applicants that are highly sought after. So the signing bonus is used to make the offer more appealing in order to compete better for talent. In a weaker market, signing bonuses could also be used as a consolation for a lower salary offer.