I recently got an offer that’s decent overall, but the bonus structure feels vague—just “performance-based” with no clear metrics. I don’t want to sound difficult, but I also don’t want surprises later. How do you ask for specifics about bonuses or incentives without sounding like you don’t trust the company?

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Definitely ask what’s the average bonus in your payband you can expect. Once an offer is made it’s just the details of the package which is important.

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Even if it’s performance-based, there should still be targets (i.e. 10% of annual salary). I would assume then that a portion of that would be personal performance and the other company performance. I would just ask for clarification

I would simply ask for clarification. I would sit down with your manager and let them know you would like to know how they decide on bonuses. I don't think asking for clarity makes you difficult at all.

I wouldn't worry about sounding like you don't trust the company. If you're asking about numbers that's perfectly reasonable. Just say you'd like some clarification about the bonus numbers and how the incentives are calculated. Nothing out of line about that.

Definitely don't ask for specifics before you get the job. That's just a good way to get passed over and have it be given to somebody else. Better to ask those kinds of things once you have an offer.

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