Understanding AI Job Offers and Equity

Read the offer as several components: base salary, variable bonus, benefits, equity award and any signing or relocation payments. Confirm which amounts are guaranteed, target-based or discretionary, and when eligibility begins. For equity, do not compare only a dollar figure printed in a recruiting conversation. Request the award type and governing documents, number of shares or units, vesting schedule, conditions and what happens if employment ends. If the award is an option, understand its exercise price, expiration and the cash needed to exercise; shares received after exercise may have no immediate market for sale. Equity can be valuable, but value depends on company performance, share class, dilution, liquidity and award terms. The U.S. SEC cautions that private-company securities may be difficult to resell compared with exchange-traded shares. Tax treatment varies by award type and timing: IRS guidance distinguishes statutory options such as ISOs from nonstatutory options and describes different income and reporting rules. These sources apply to U.S. situations; other countries have different rules. Do not treat a private-company valuation or recruiter estimate as money you can spend today. Make a written comparison using conservative scenarios and confirm every term with the signed offer and plan documents. Ask the employer who can answer questions about the grant, vesting, exercise, sale restrictions and tax forms. Seek independent legal or tax advice for personal decisions. This guide explains questions to ask, not which offer to accept or how to calculate your tax liability. Ask for the plan administrator or contact who can explain the award documents, and note when the offer deadline falls relative to grant approval. A compensation comparison should not hide one-time payments inside recurring salary. Write down which figures depend on continued employment or company performance.