In fact, you should ask, especially if you think they'll say no. Don't be an ass, just ask the question professionally and politely, and be a little insistent about it (i.e. don't just roll over when they say no the first time. It's OK to ask again, and explain why it's important to you!)
How an employer responds to a difficult question that they don't want to say "yes" to will tell you volumes about their skill and demeanor. And if they gladly answer this question, keep pushing until you find one they won't answer.
If someone revokes your offer because you asked a question, you just dodged a HUGE bullet.
> If someone revokes your offer because you asked a question, you just dodged a HUGE bullet.
I was once in the compensation negotiation phase of an interview. I asked all the root comment questions about equity. They refused to answer any. I was insistent. Their tone changed. They pulled out of negotiation, citing "cultural fit" which I took to mean I was savvy enough to not be suckered.
How an employer responds to a difficult question that they don't want to say "yes" to will tell you volumes about their skill and demeanor. And if they gladly answer this question, keep pushing until you find one they won't answer.
If someone revokes your offer because you asked a question, you just dodged a HUGE bullet.