You got the job. Congratulations.
Now comes the dangerous part.
The recruiter calls you. They sound excited. "We are thrilled to offer you the role! We need an answer by tomorrow!"
This is a trap.
They want you to sign while you are high on dopamine. They don't want you to read the contract. They don't want you to do the math on the "equity."
Stop. Breathe. Read this before you sign your life away.
The Real Numbers
Let’s translate "Recruiter Speak" into reality.
| Recruiter Says | Reality | Value |
|---|---|---|
| "Competitive Salary" | Market Average for 2019 | Low |
| "Unlimited PTO" | No payout when you quit | Negative |
| "Generous Equity" | Lottery tickets (0.01% chance) | $0 |
| "Great Culture" | Pizza parties instead of raises | $0 |
| "Signing Bonus" | Golden Handcuffs (repay if you leave) | Risky |
1. The "Exploding Offer" Scam
If a company says "This offer expires in 24 hours," they are hiding something.
The Scenario
You get an offer on Friday at 4 PM. They want an answer by Monday at 9 AM. They know you can't talk to a lawyer or a mentor over the weekend. They are banking on your panic. What to do: "I need 3 business days to review this with my family/advisor." If they say no, walk away. A company that bullies you before you start will abuse you after you start.
The Old Way vs. The New Way
- 2021: You felt lucky to get an offer. You signed immediately.
- 2025: Talent is scarce. You hold the cards. You take your time.
2. The Equity Trap: It's Probably Worth Zero
"We are giving you 10,000 options!"
Wow! 10,000! That sounds like a lot!
The Scenario
The strike price is $5. The fair market value is $1. You are paying $5 for something worth $1. Also, the vesting schedule is 4 years with a 1-year cliff. If you get fired in month 11, you get nothing. Unless the company is already public (RSUs), treat equity as $0. Negotiate for cash. Cash pays rent. Options pay for dreams.
3. The "Unlimited PTO" Lie
Unlimited PTO is a scam designed to save the company money.
The Scenario
In a traditional job, you accrue 15 days of vacation. If you quit, they have to pay you for those 15 days. With "Unlimited" PTO, you accrue nothing. When you quit, they pay you $0. Also, studies show people with Unlimited PTO take fewer days off because of "social pressure." What to do: Ask "What is the average number of days off taken by the team?" If they don't know, it's a red flag.
4. The Non-Compete Clause
Read the contract. No, seriously. Read it.
The Scenario
Clause 14.2 says: "Employee agrees not to work for any competitor or any technology company for 24 months after termination." You sign it. Two years later, you quit. You try to get a job at a different tech company. Your old company sues you. You are unemployed for 2 years. What to do: Cross it out. Tell them "I cannot sign a non-compete that restricts my ability to earn a living." In many states (like California), these are illegal. In others, they are enforceable. Don't risk it.
5 Steps to Negotiating Without Vomiting
- The "Flinch": When they tell you the salary, pause. Say nothing for 10 seconds. Let the silence be awkward. They will often fill the silence with "Well, we might be able to do more..."
- The Counter: "I’m excited about the role, but based on the market and my experience, I was expecting something in the range of $X." (X should be 15% higher than their offer).
- The "Trade": If they can't move on salary, ask for things that cost them nothing. "Can we do a 4-day work week?" "Can I work fully remote?" "Can I have a 'Senior' title?"
- Get it in Writing: If the manager says "We will review your salary in 6 months," it means nothing. Get it in the contract. "Salary review guaranteed at 6 months" needs to be in ink.
- The Walk Away: You must be willing to walk away. If you aren't, you have no leverage.
See our guide on Evaluating Salary and Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rescind an acceptance?
Yes. It burns a bridge, but you are not a slave. If you get a better offer 2 days later, take it. It’s business. They would fire you in a heartbeat if they lost funding. Look out for yourself.
Should I accept a counter-offer from my current boss?
Statistically, no. 80% of people who accept counter-offers leave within 6 months anyway. Your boss now knows you want to leave. They are just keeping you until they find your replacement. Take the new job.
Is a signing bonus worth it?
Only if you stay. Most come with a "Clawback" clause. If you leave within 12 months, you have to pay it back. Don't spend it until that year is up.
What if they rescind the offer?
It happens. This is why you never resign from your current job until the background check clears and you have a start date. Protect your downside.