When you are looking for a new job, do not look at the base salary alone as this can be quite misleading – it is necessary to also look at the benefits that a potential employer offers so that you can weigh the whole package up to be able to compare like for like.

business health insurance and medical insurance are both great benefits to have and both add a great deal of value to a job package. The former means that your dependants or next of kin receive a sizeable lump sum in the event of your death and the latter means that you have private health insurance if you are sick or need treatment.

A decent pension scheme is also worth its weight in gold especially if it is non contributory. This means that you do not have to pay for your private pension out of your wages; it is paid for you by your employer and could be up to ten per cent of your salary or even more.

Holidays are also important as some employers are much more generous than others. Check, too, if overtime is paid or can be taken as time in lieu or if you are expected to do it for free.

Petrol allowance and a car allowance are also great benefits to have if you can get them. Although the government have been very unrealistic with the increases in petrol allowances lately.