I'm glad to see that equity was so far down on the list here. Too many founders think equity and salary are interchangeable, but the fact is that equity doesn't

I'm glad to see that equity was so far down on the list here. Too many founders think equity and salary are interchangeable, but the fact is that equity doesn't pay the bills. All of the other things you mentioned, however, are good reasons for me to take a pay cut. Very, very good list. I'd add vacation as another item, like someone else said. Another thing employers need to realize is that sometimes the job seeker is looking to move up, and just because they applied for your job doesn't mean they hate their current job. For instance, I'm rather content at my current job. I like it. It pays well. My team is solid. The work itself... maybe a bit boring. But is that enough for me to jump ship and take a pay cut? Probably not. Sometimes YOU need ME more than I need YOU. Sometimes I'm desperate. You need to be able to figure out which kind of candidate I am and make your offer accordingly. I'm not saying rip me off, but you can save some $$ if I'm desperate. If I'm not desperate, though, you have less leverage in the negotiation and you either need to not make me an offer at all or make me one I can't refuse. Middle ground just isn't good enough for the most part. (At the very least, expect negotiation from a strong candidate.) /rant :)