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Comparing offers on more than base, reading a counter-offer, and declining without burning a bridge.
3 questions in HR, Screening & Offer.
Normalise both packages into comparable annual cash first, discounting equity and bonus by how certain they are, then decide on the work, the manager, the growth trajectory and the stability — because those dominate within two years, while the pay gap is real and is allowed to win.
Value the cash you can rely on separately from the equity you cannot, then interrogate the equity's mechanics — what you hold, on what schedule, at what price, and what has to happen for it to become money. Treat the headline figure as a hope, not a number.
When a recruiter says the offer expires tomorrow, ask for the deadline and reason in writing, request a specific short extension, and notify other active processes that you have an offer deadline. Treat unexplained pressure as useful employer signal.