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[NipplesAndToes23]

I got an invitation for an interview with the Dixon Mason Group, but I'm not sure if this is legit. They want me to download an app or register with their site and send the person a private message.

Here's the email.

This is to notify you that you have an invitation to interview with the Dixon Mason Group. Due to the time constraints of time zones, your class schedule, my pre-scheduled court appearances and the interview panels availability, we are required to implement a faster, more efficient manner in which we would like to get to know you better and I personally participate in the interview process. Please read the following instructions and we will begin the interview process.

(1) Please download the free app Voxer. If you do not have a smartphone, please visit www.voxer.com and sign up for a free account.

(2) Please send me a private voxer message. Be sure to state your name in the message. My username is shenadixonmasonesq

(3) I will acknowledge receipt of your message and will send you a recorded voxer message with information about myself, our marketing firm, the position and most importantly, the interview questions. Please leave a voice response to the interview questions. For any further queries on the interview process, you can contact us at hr@dixonmason.com.

I feel like I shouldn't invest my time into this. Suspicious.

 

[Bacon]

I got an invitation for an interview with the Dixon Mason Group, but I'm not sure if this is legit. They want me to download an app or register with their site and send the person a private message.

Here's the email.



I feel like I shouldn't invest my time into this. Suspicious.

They don't have a glassdoor presence and that's usually something of a red flag for me.

 

[spuckthew]

I have a potential gig set up but i have no Idea what i Should charge on a computer to computer basis. He has five computers that need



I can do this shit in my sleep with almost no effort which makes it hard for me to determine what to charge.

By the hour surely? When I've done odd jobs for people I usually charge £30-40 per hour.

I once did some work for a tutor and asked them how much they charge for tuition, and I just matched it. If your client does similar work then they can relate easier.

 

[CarbonatedFalcon]

Had my interview today. Lasted about a half hour. It went okay I think. Perhaps even well, considering I haven't interviewed/had a job in good long time.

Supposed to call or email me back for a second interview if they're interested.

 

[B-Dubs]

I got an invitation for an interview with the Dixon Mason Group, but I'm not sure if this is legit. They want me to download an app or register with their site and send the person a private message.

Here's the email.



I feel like I shouldn't invest my time into this. Suspicious.

I went and found their website and it screams that something is wrong with that company, I couldn't tell you what though because I've never seen anything like it. Don't bother with them at all dude, or do and keep us in the loop. It might make for a good story.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

By the hour surely? When I've done odd jobs for people I usually charge £30-40 per hour.

I once did some work for a tutor and asked them how much they charge for tuition, and I just matched it. If your client does similar work then they can relate easier.

He wants a per Computer Price.

 

[Peltz]

I interviewed at a really prestigious firm on Thursday and haven't heard back yet :-(

Send me some good vibes if it's not too much trouble.

Got an offer!

They're now running a background check on me. Barring the unforeseen, it looks like I nabbed a great job.

 

[spuckthew]

He wants a per Computer Price.

Whatever you would charge hourly for each task, figure out how long it would take then round up to nearest half hour - that's what you charge.

 

[Rhomega Beta]

Just got back from an interview. The interviewer seemed happy and was hoping I would make it to the second interview, but she didn't ask me for my personal references (which I was asked to bring in the email) or if I had any questions. I wonder if that's a bad sign. Either way, I have another company wanting a phone interview.

 

[Woffls]

Had an interview the other day and a few minutes in the guy straight up said that I was too honest, and that it was holding me back in interviews.

Is every interviewer just expecting people to turn up and twist the truth as much as possible? Is that the minimum requirement for getting a job now? I hear people saying "oh just turn up and be yourself" and it's absolute bullshit.

Everyone is playing a game and assume that I am as well, but I'm not, I'm just giving honest answers and hoping the other person has some integrity.

That role was pushed back to 2016 as well so I'm just back to not caring about anything. This is killing me.

 

[Pastry]

Had an interview the other day and a few minutes in the guy straight up said that I was too honest, and that it was holding me back in interviews.

Is every interviewer just expecting people to turn up and twist the truth as much as possible? Is that the minimum requirement for getting a job now? I hear people saying "oh just turn up and be yourself" and it's absolute bullshit.

Everyone is playing a game and assume that I am as well, but I'm not, I'm just giving honest answers and hoping the other person has some integrity.

That role was pushed back to 2016 as well so I'm just back to not caring about anything. This is killing me.

Unless you're absolutely cream of the crop it's best not to be honest about everything. Everyone else is bullshitting and the interviewer is probably not being completely honest about some aspects of the job either. You're doing yourself a disservice by being 100% honest.

 

[keffri]

I've got a few questions about applying for jobs, because I've never been in this position before. I just graduated from university but because of other commitments I didn't have the time for a job.

1. Should you ever apply for jobs you do not intend on taking? (location issues, incompatible hours, etc.) Just to see if they offer an opportunity or to see if they will show any interest.

2. Should you apply for jobs you don't have the full experience for? For example if I'm applying for a job that requires experience working with kids, but the experience I have working with kids isn't exactly professional/job related (volunteer coaching).

I can't think of anymore at the moment.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

I'll be joining you guys in posting here haha

Just got laid off from Oil & Gas. Financially I don't have to worry for a while and they're hooking me up with a firm that specializes in helping you find a new job with every angle.

It's just a god damn pain being in the job market again. Hasn't even been a year since I graduated college. So yeah if you're a college student about to graduate, keep away from oil and gas.

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

What would you choose

I got two interviews, it seems like both companies want me, but I don't know what will be better for me

-One, as far as I know, pay less, but I will be starting from the bottom with a better than my last salary. I have to do shifts, but it seems that I will be in the afternoon shift( 3pm to 11 pm). This is an AS400 monitoring position. I have zero experience in this and they know it and still they want me and they will tutor me

-The other pays more, but not that much more as far as I know, but is in an area that I feel kinda burned out(Business Intelligence) I've been doing BI stuff for the last two years, I like a tiny part of BI and dislike the rest, but the hours would be more normal and, if they hire me, it should be 90-100% home office, at least the first six months or so until they open an office in my city

So, what would you choose GAF?

 

[shindoku21]

I've got a few questions about applying for jobs, because I've never been in this position before. I just graduated from university but because of other commitments I didn't have the time for a job.

1. Should you ever apply for jobs you do not intend on taking? (location issues, incompatible hours, etc.) Just to see if they offer an opportunity or to see if they will show any interest.

2. Should you apply for jobs you don't have the full experience for? For example if I'm applying for a job that requires experience working with kids, but the experience I have working with kids isn't exactly professional/job related (volunteer coaching).

I can't think of anymore at the moment.

As someone who was in your position last year:

1) I would, especially if you need to work on your interview skills.

2) I did. Unless you don't want the job and it would be a waste of time, why not? In your situation, I'd consider your volunteer work as experience with kids. How you describe it in your resume and/or cover letter will make a huge difference.

 

[Septimus Prime]

What would you choose

I got two interviews, it seems like both companies want me, but I don't know what will be better for me

-One, as far as I know, pay less, but I will be starting from the bottom with a better than my last salary. I have to do shifts, but it seems that I will be in the afternoon shift( 3pm to 11 pm). This is an AS400 monitoring position. I have zero experience in this and they know it and still they want me and they will tutor me

-The other pays more, but not that much more as far as I know, but is in an area that I feel kinda burned out(Business Intelligence) I've been doing BI stuff for the last two years, I like a tiny part of BI and dislike the rest, but the hours would be more normal and, if they hire me, it should be 90-100% home office, at least the first six months or so until they open an office in my city

So, what would you choose GAF?

Neither yet. Go as far as you can on both and don't make any decisions until you have offers and/or rejections.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

I've got a few questions about applying for jobs, because I've never been in this position before. I just graduated from university but because of other commitments I didn't have the time for a job.

1. Should you ever apply for jobs you do not intend on taking? (location issues, incompatible hours, etc.) Just to see if they offer an opportunity or to see if they will show any interest.

2. Should you apply for jobs you don't have the full experience for? For example if I'm applying for a job that requires experience working with kids, but the experience I have working with kids isn't exactly professional/job related (volunteer coaching).

I can't think of anymore at the moment.

1. I wouldn't waste my time with jobs i can't take.
2.You have no choice. You have to apply for jobs you aren't qualified for.

 

[Pimplitosaurio]

Neither yet. Go as far as you can on both and don't make any decisions until you have offers and/or rejections.

Yeah I know, I'll get the job I'm offered and that's all, but both interest me in some level and both jobs have been calling me this week. One is in the final process, I'm just waiting for the offer in paper, the other is kinda in the same process as I understand it So I just wanted to hear opinion in what someone on GAF, hypotetically of course, would choose in case both offers come through

 

[Doominated]

I have a potential gig set up but i have no Idea what i Should charge on a computer to computer basis. He has five computers that need



I can do this shit in my sleep with almost no effort which makes it hard for me to determine what to charge.

Are the Windows 8 and Office packages legit or pirated?

I'm going to assume "legit". In which case, here's what I would charge;

$99 OS Install
$30 Software installation (Includes all software installs)
$50 Hardware diagnostic/optimization

Per machine

Since he's doing 5 machines, I'd probably either cut 20% or not charge for the diags. Depends on the client's mindset.

If the 8/Office packages are pirated, and the customer is aware of it, they're probably not going to go with that as it'll be "too expensive". I wouldn't bother with people like that personally, but it's your call. In that case, he's probably expecting something like $50/machine. I wouldn't waste my time, personally, but if I was desperate for money I suppose I would.

 

[unholyrevenger72]

Are the Windows 8 and Office packages legit or pirated?

I'm going to assume "legit". In which case, here's what I would charge;

$99 OS Install
$30 Software installation (Includes all software installs)
$50 Hardware diagnostic/optimization

Per machine

Since he's doing 5 machines, I'd probably either cut 20% or not charge for the diags. Depends on the client's mindset.

If the 8/Office packages are pirated, and the customer is aware of it, they're probably not going to go with that as it'll be "too expensive". I wouldn't bother with people like that personally, but it's your call. In that case, he's probably expecting something like $50/machine. I wouldn't waste my time, personally, but if I was desperate for money I suppose I would.

Little late on the draw. he was auctioned the gig to the lowest bidder, and my bid was $100 for each machine to do everything and i still got undercut.

 

[Peltz]

2. Should you apply for jobs you don't have the full experience for? For example if I'm applying for a job that requires experience working with kids, but the experience I have working with kids isn't exactly professional/job related (volunteer coaching).

Yes, do this. Every job I've ever worked was one I was "under qualified" for when I read the posting. Be honest about your lack of professional experience but be prepared - both on your resume and in person - to show why that won't matter because of other experience you have which mitigates your lack of professional experience.

You'll hear back from a low percentage of employers when you do this, but it's totally worth doing to advance your career.

 

[entremet]

Yes, do this. Every job I've ever worked was one I was "under qualified" for when I read the posting. Be honest about your lack of professional experience but be prepared - both on your resume and in person - to show why that won't matter because of other experience you have which mitigates your lack of professional experience.

You'll hear back from a low percentage of employers when you do this, but it's totally worth doing to advance your career.

Yep. You wanna stretch yourself.

The hiring process is basically, "Do we like you?", many managers make concessions here and there.

It's not a scientific method. I think that's where many young folks get confused.

This is why networking is immensely important.

 

[JetForceGemini]

So I got the background check email from sprint, that mean I have it right? And for anyone êhat works at sprint(or any phone store) got any tips and general help

 

[Acrylic7]

Any thoughts on getting certificates? It seems people here cant even get the job with degrees and diplomas. Worth pursuing?
I don't have the time or cash to fully enroll in school again but certificates only take one semester and they can be earned online.

 

[Macnair]

I got considered for a QA post but they are waiting for another applicant before deciding who to pick. Man, the waiting game is killing me. The other QA post I'm applying for got held up for some reason and it will be decided by the end of October. I can't even plan ahead due to those things but at least I still have a job.

So many things on waiting/pending and it's getting me all stressed out.

 

[Macnair]

Any thoughts on getting certificates? It seems people here cant even get the job with degrees and diplomas. Worth pursuing?
I don't have the time or cash to fully enroll in school again but certificates only take one semester and they can be earned online.

Certificates can open up more opportunities for you and can increase your salary but it's not enough to get a job. Getting better in interviews and making a good impression from employers are like 50%+ of what it takes to get a freaking job.

 

[Acrylic7]

Certificates can open up more opportunities for you and can increase your salary but it's not enough to get a job. Getting better in interviews and making a good impression from employers are like 50%+ of what it takes to get a freaking job.

The interview is always the easiest part for me. Just be nice while being respectful and responsive and you are good to go.
I'm guessing with a certificate I can at least get into the interview since they know I have some experience in whatever it is my certificate states. Not having any degree or actual work experience pretty much guarantees they will throw your application in the discard.pile.

 

[Dimefan3]

Another rejection, this time in my own hometown, throwing me all the way back to square one.

I have no idea what I've done to the universe to deserve this. I keep getting right to the last few candidates, but still miss out.

 

[yepyepyep]

Today I got two rejection emails. Ironically this has calmed my nerves a bit because at least I got a response haha. I hate it when you send an application and there is no acknowledgement at all, makes you feel too unimportant to deserve even a reply.

 

[Makoto-Yuki]

so...is it ok to ask my current manager to act as a reference?

ive been at that job since february, and he became my manager in june when he took over my team

Well, I've always been told I need to give someone who has known me for at least a year. However, for my current job I had to give a reference and the only one I could provide was from my last job. I spent a total of 5 days working for them so they didn't really know me at all except for whatever details they had on record.

What I'd do in your case is just put down your current employer's details in the reference section. If your current manager can't do it then I'm sure HR will sort it out. Would be a good idea to discuss the situation with your manager anyway so they can let HR know just incase so they know to expect a call. I don't think it needs to be someone who knows you personally. Just someone who can confirm that you work there and talk about things like attendance record/behaviour/training etc.

 

[nel e nel]

I got an invitation for an interview with the Dixon Mason Group, but I'm not sure if this is legit. They want me to download an app or register with their site and send the person a private message.

Here's the email.



I feel like I shouldn't invest my time into this. Suspicious.

Yeah as others have said, it is a strange looking company, just based on their website. The lack of Glass Door presence doesn't mean a lot since she's been doing a lot of different things the past four years. Perhaps it's current form hasn't been around long enough, or perhaps this is the first time she's hiring an employee.

How much time would you actually invest in doing this short message to her? An hour tops? I say it's worth it just for the practice. Many places are doing skype or video interviews in order to accommodate people's availability, and to not waste everyone's time with having to come in person.

 

[nel e nel]

Any advice on negotiating between two job offers? I got one offer this morning on my voicemail, and I have an appointment later this afternoon with another job to get a formal offer.

I've never been in this situation before where I'm able to play the offers off each other to try and get a higher salary/better perks/etc. and not sure how to handle it.

Thanks!

 

[Admiral Woofington]

Any advice on negotiating between two job offers? I got one offer this morning on my voicemail, and I have an appointment later this afternoon with another job to get a formal offer.

I've never been in this situation before where I'm able to play the offers off each other to try and get a higher salary/better perks/etc. and not sure how to handle it.

Thanks!

The way some companies work:
- You get verbal job offer, usually indicating how long you have to call and state your interest.
- You call and state interest and then they give you a written job offer that you'll be signing.

If that's the case and you haven't heard about the salary/money and you have time to go to the meeting with the other place then do that. See how far you can get in that and see if they give you/send you via email a written job offer which for sure should have the salary written.

Then comes your decision making.

- Do I want to do X job/work for X company more than Y job for Y company?

If the answer is that yes you want to do X over Y for sure then do whatever you can to get into X.

Negotiating is simple once you both have job offers.

Call the lowest offer and tell them that the other company is offering you BLANK to work for them and if they're willing to match or raise their offer to what they're offering. Usually the competitor wants a copy of the offer letter to verify you aren't bullshitting. If they raise/match the offer and that's the company you want to work for, take it. If they don't then decide if you want to work for that company more than getting the higher paycheck/benefits.

If you don't care about one company more than the other then it's even easier keep negotiating until one isn't willing to go higher or they both match each other. At that point you make your decision

 

[Big Chungus]

I got the IT position that I applied for...but its in another city, about 1.5 hours from here.

It pays way more than my current position and it'll give me more experience to advance my career but I just feel kinda sick to leave my friends and family behind.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I got the IT position that I applied for...but its in another city, about 1.5 hours from here.

It pays way more than my current position and it'll give me more experience to advance my career but I just feel kinda sick to leave my friends and family behind.

Move 45 minutes away, that's a tolerable commute

 

[nel e nel]

The way some companies work:
- You get verbal job offer, usually indicating how long you have to call and state your interest.
- You call and state interest and then they give you a written job offer that you'll be signing.

If that's the case and you haven't heard about the salary/money and you have time to go to the meeting with the other place then do that. See how far you can get in that and see if they give you/send you via email a written job offer which for sure should have the salary written.

Then comes your decision making.

- Do I want to do X job/work for X company more than Y job for Y company?

If the answer is that yes you want to do X over Y for sure then do whatever you can to get into X.

Negotiating is simple once you both have job offers.

Call the lowest offer and tell them that the other company is offering you BLANK to work for them and if they're willing to match or raise their offer to what they're offering. Usually the competitor wants a copy of the offer letter to verify you aren't bullshitting. If they raise/match the offer and that's the company you want to work for, take it. If they don't then decide if you want to work for that company more than getting the higher paycheck/benefits.

If you don't care about one company more than the other then it's even easier keep negotiating until one isn't willing to go higher or they both match each other. At that point you make your decision

Coolio, that's kinda what I figured, just have never actually been in this position before. The first offer was from an organization (both are non-profits) that I am more interested in working at, but they lowballed me with the salary, even after I was very explicit about what my minimum salary requirement was.

The second offer came in above my minimum, and right at what I was predicting they would offer. So a follow up question:

The second offer (verbal right now, I'm getting the offer letter tomorrow) stated that the position was budgeted for X amount, but the person I spoke with negotiated with their boss to get me an additional 6% over that. Do you think there is room to negotiate a little more for salary, or when they tell me that they already are offering more than what the position was budgeted for that is a firm and non-negotiable number?

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Peltz]

Today I got two rejection emails. Ironically this has calmed my nerves a bit because at least I got a response haha. I hate it when you send an application and there is no acknowledgement at all, makes you feel too unimportant to deserve even a reply.

9 times out of 10, I never get any response to applications I've submitted. It's just a numbers game, so don't take it personally. Just keep plugging away, networking and staying positive.

About one month ago, I received a rejection letter within 2 hours of submitting an application for the position.... so silence is very underrated, imo.

 

[Damerman]

6 phases of interviews.

Interviews with 10 people.

Gave a scientific presentation.

More than 1 month for the whole interview process.

Did not get the job. And I love how hiring managers think if they told you that it was between you and one other person among many many candidates. Like hey, you made it to the final but you were just barely beat out. Thanks. Thanks for that. That makes me feel a lot better. Screw off with that shit.

It's bullshit... I understand that we live in competitive society, but why the fuck are you making the interview process so fucking expensive and exhaustive? It's utter bullshit.

If i was already a millionaire, i would gladly jump through all these fucking unnecessary hoops, but I'm broke... asking people for money and doing Uber(which has it's own costs) to commute to the interview...cut me some fucking slack.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

Coolio, that's kinda what I figured, just have never actually been in this position before. The first offer was from an organization (both are non-profits) that I am more interested in working at, but they lowballed me with the salary, even after I was very explicit about what my minimum salary requirement was.

The second offer came in above my minimum, and right at what I was predicting they would offer. So a follow up question:

The second offer (verbal right now, I'm getting the offer letter tomorrow) stated that the position was budgeted for X amount, but the person I spoke with negotiated with their boss to get me an additional 6% over that. Do you think there is room to negotiate a little more for salary, or when they tell me that they already are offering more than what the position was budgeted for that is a firm and non-negotiable number?

Thanks for the feedback!

They have no reason to lie to you but seems weird that they'd tell you from the get go that they were able to offer you more money without you telling them that you had other offers. Unfortunately in this situation if the company that low-balled you is going to stay there you don't have more bargaining chips. You could make an argument as to why you think you deserve more based on your experience and skills, but if you gave them a minimum salary desired and they went above?

I'd just take it man. Unless you had another job to use as leverage there's little you can do to convince them.

 

[frogg609]

I've had to remote conference interviews with a company in NYC (I currently live in Denver). They are flying me out Thursday this week for interviews with 5 people over 3 hours. From what the recruiter said they really like me a lot.
I've never been flown out for an interview before, but at my current company if we do that it pretty much means the person has the gig as long as the personalities mesh. Is that pretty much the norm?

 

[Roland_Gunner]

I've never been flown out for an interview before, but at my current company if we do that it pretty much means the person has the gig as long as the personalities mesh. Is that pretty much the norm?

You're definitely a finalist. Some companies will bring in two people and pick one. Unless its for a private equity company or big law firm or something you have a 50/50 shot at worst.

 

[Nastrodamous]

Well last full week working here in the Midwest, sucks I didn't get the job at Google but I'm happy to be able to go back home with a full time job instead of as a contractor

Not gonna miss those winters....

 

[Admiral Woofington]

I've had to remote conference interviews with a company in NYC (I currently live in Denver). They are flying me out Thursday this week for interviews with 5 people over 3 hours. From what the recruiter said they really like me a lot.
I've never been flown out for an interview before, but at my current company if we do that it pretty much means the person has the gig as long as the personalities mesh. Is that pretty much the norm?

depends on the company. For really big companies they could do an initial local interview (say like campus interview) and if they like you then you interview in one of their buildings, usually you have to fly (unless you can make it driving). This usually means second stage or final stage clearing out.

So you're either in the next step or the final stage before they choose one candidate to go with.

 

[frogg609]

depends on the company. For really big companies they could do an initial local interview (say like campus interview) and if they like you then you interview in one of their buildings, usually you have to fly (unless you can make it driving). This usually means second stage or final stage clearing out.

So you're either in the next step or the final stage before they choose one candidate to go with.

There are 150 people there so it's kind of small. Here's to hoping!

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I'm going to volunteer to become a tax preparer. There are online modules and classes to take to get certified, but I've looked over the online coursework, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. So I decided to just take the four in-person classes in December.

This should help with some experience I guess.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

There are 150 people there so it's kind of small. Here's to hoping!

if it's a small company you're definitely in the final cut. Remember to prepare your STAR interview points.

 

[nel e nel]

They have no reason to lie to you but seems weird that they'd tell you from the get go that they were able to offer you more money without you telling them that you had other offers. Unfortunately in this situation if the company that low-balled you is going to stay there you don't have more bargaining chips. You could make an argument as to why you think you deserve more based on your experience and skills, but if you gave them a minimum salary desired and they went above?

I'd just take it man. Unless you had another job to use as leverage there's little you can do to convince them.

Well, I wrote them an email detailing what the average for those types of positions make in my area, re-highlighting my experience, and telling them about ideas I already had come up with for stuff to do, and they bumped me up another $2k to the amount I was hoping I would get.

Let this be a lesson: it never hurts to ask! Even if you don't get more money, you may be able to negotiate other stuff like working remotely, personal days, vacation, etc.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

Well, I wrote them an email detailing what the average for those types of positions make in my area, re-highlighting my experience, and telling them about ideas I already had come up with for stuff to do, and they bumped me up another $2k to the amount I was hoping I would get.

Let this be a lesson: it never hurts to ask! Even if you don't get more money, you may be able to negotiate other stuff like working remotely, personal days, vacation, etc.

Congrats man. I didn't realize you also wanted to argue for personal days, vacation and working remotely. I guess I don't have that luxury as I [am and was] a new college graduate and we usually get very strict guidelines as we are bottom of totem pole. All we tend to be able to argue is payment IF you're working for a big corporation that can only offer you so much if you're one of many being hired and there are similar positions.

For a small company you can make more arguments as they don't have as strict of guidelines.

 

[Syphon Filter]

I have a question regarding recruiters. I spoke with one recently and got an email from them saying that the client they will speak with is out of town right now and that he will have a meeting with them when they get back early next week. I was wondering what the meeting could be? Is it their job to convince the client that I am the right candidate or what?

 

[nel e nel]

Congrats man. I didn't realize you also wanted to argue for personal days, vacation and working remotely. I guess I don't have that luxury as I [am and was] a new college graduate and we usually get very strict guidelines as we are bottom of totem pole. All we tend to be able to argue is payment IF you're working for a big corporation that can only offer you so much if you're one of many being hired and there are similar positions.

For a small company you can make more arguments as they don't have as strict of guidelines.

Nah, I just wanted to bump it up to a round number instead of an even number ;p. I would have inquired about those other benefits if they turned down my request for more $$$.

I'm an old man though, 9 years at my current job, 20 overall in the work force.

But just to keep it positive for everyone else, keep on trucking. I was looking for 10 months, doing sometimes 3 in-person interviews a week, not including initial phone interviews. Really take time to do some reflecting on what you want, don't be afraid to apply for stuff that you aren't 100% qualified for, and just be persistent.