> Amazon will argue you get a starting bonus to cover you. Other companies give you a starting bonus and typically pay you in a lump sum, not over 2 years;
I'm not sure this is true. My friend had no trouble getting one (good amount in cash), and the rationale was precisely due to their vesting schedule "Since not much of your stocks will vest in the next 2-3 years, here's a cash amount to compensate for that."
You did forget to point out one other key difference between Amazon and the others: Although the interview process is still demanding, it is somewhat easier than Google/Facebook.
The "signing bonus" from Amazon isn't really a signing bonus, it's just to make up for the fact that they are not giving you much stock for the first couple of years.
I'm not sure this is true. My friend had no trouble getting one (good amount in cash), and the rationale was precisely due to their vesting schedule "Since not much of your stocks will vest in the next 2-3 years, here's a cash amount to compensate for that."
You did forget to point out one other key difference between Amazon and the others: Although the interview process is still demanding, it is somewhat easier than Google/Facebook.