I'm trying to figure out what a great benefits package is & how to negotiate a salary

[wakemewhenitsover]

Last weekend, DU'ers gave me some fantastic input about benefits packages. I've been self-employed, and am going for my first corporate job. I'd be very grateful if you could share with me what you think a really good benefits package is, because I find that benefits vary so widely. I may get an offer this week from a company that's offering 19 personal days... is that average? I have no idea what the salary would be, since it hasn't come up yet. How do you get a company to make the first offer? How do you negotiate a counter-offer? How do you negotiate a better benefits package? Are stock options worthwhile, or is it better to go for the highest salary and the best benefits? This is all new to me. Any advice re. how to negotiate, or what your benefits package is, so I have a basis of comparison, would be much appreciated.

Thanks.