Vast majority of startups will not disclose cap table, outstanding shares, liquidation preference, nothing. Try asking and see how it goes. The only one I've interviewed with that does disclose some of it was Stripe.
Agreed that liquidation preference would be helpful, too, but if at the time you're signing on you think the liquidation preference will come into play you shouldn't join them.
Instead of responding “not interested”. I’m just gonna start saying “show me the cap table”. Love this idea
That means you could have executed those options 5 years ago (to prevent a windfall tax), and just get you money back at acquisition time. Zero interest five year loan. Thanks!