💡 Suggested Approach & Sample Answer
Strategy: Approach equity questions with professional financial diligence; sophisticated engineering candidates ask smart questions about capital structure.
Script: 'Thank you for including 20,000 stock options in the offer package. To help me accurately assess the total value of the equity component, could you share a few details regarding the capital structure:
1. What is the current Fair Market Value (409A strike price) and preferred share price from the latest funding round?
2. What is the total number of fully diluted shares outstanding, so I can understand the percentage ownership?
3. What is the vesting schedule (e.g., standard 1-year cliff with monthly vesting over 4 years), and do you offer extended exercise windows upon departure?'