Everyone has different income needs. Younger people may be able to afford to work on a smaller salary in return for a promising future and opportunities for training and advancement. People with families, on the other hand, might not have much room for negotiation where salary is concerned. They might also need medical coverage and family-friendly benefits such as baby sitting services and gym membership. Whatever your situation, you need to adopt compensation and benefit strategies. Your future and your bank account depend on it.

When you begin searching for a new career, you should have a good idea what you expect in a new position. Make a list of the things that are important to you. Your list should include an acceptable salary range and should outline the benefits you cannot live without. Leave some room for negotiation. Create two lists if you must: a list of desirable benefits and a list of must-have benefits.

When you go into a job interview, you should know which benefits are deal breakers. This will help you when it comes time to implement your compensation and benefit strategies. When an employer knows what you expect and what you cannot live without, he or she will be better able to address your needs. You may even be able to pass over benefits that you don’t need in exchange for benefits that are extremely important to you.

Do not exclude anything on your "desirable list." If you want transportation and parking reimbursement, include this on your list. Do you have to attend training and educational seminars? Ask if you will be reimbursed for this training. Are there any club memberships that come along with employment? How about networking opportunities? Before you talk to your employer about your needs, study the benefits that are already offered by the company. Do not be afraid to ask for benefits that are included in benefit packages for positions other than the one you are applying for.

Do not think that you will get all that you desire. Compensation and benefit strategies should be used to get those benefits that you cannot live without. Be willing to negotiate. Can you take a lower salary in exchange for better health insurance? If you have a clear idea of what you want and what you can live without, you will be better equipped to negotiate a benefits package that works to your benefit.