@crunchieroxks It's why I do too. I suspect it isn't just me who's felt supported by this thread. The word 'sisterhood' is cringey but the concept is required and I see a lot of it on here :) I can see how practice will make perfect at the de-fluffing.
@dizzyupthegirl86 that's such a good success story, thank you for sharing!
@TippyToesKnows wording can make such a difference cant it
@Taleotallyhoho Was it a good cake?
That is a ridiculous application, they don't even ask for that in some very high paid, academic roles!
@EatingWormsMichael they should have raised everybody's salary by the sounds of it!
@TeaCosyApplePie and others who've said something else will come along, I really do want to work in the field that I've not got the relevant experience in and hopefully work my way up, so I am a little doubtful. I am quite positive though, with things like that, we all have to begin somewhere
@Scepticalwotsits @IncompleteSenten and @littleburn I can totally see this now, about the gender differences. This thread has been such a learning experience. I agree most of us really need to improve in this area.
@MadameCholetsDirtySecret I am seeing the opposing side about 'fluffiness' now, most definitely.
@BEAM123 that is a good point too, I understand. I hope to hell that if I DO get the job now, that I am not rubbish at it!
@Coffeesnob11 I do get a private healthcare package where I work too.
@MDevane86 and @BeanStew22 those are a good result.
@averythinline thank you for that link
@LadyLapsang that's disgusting in this day and age, why should our husband's salary have any bearing on our own, I'll bet they'd not do it the other way around!
@awmum2b I really cannot see anyone with ALL they are asking for accepting anything like the salary they're offering to be honest! It's so low for all of that!
@TheStarofCountyDown I did think about that 5 minutes thing while sending the email (it didn't even take me five minutes now I think about it)!
@WalkingOnSonshine the dream!
@AloysiusBear quite possibly! I really would have had to be mad to accept the lower offer though. It is quite ridiculous.
@FindingMyself1999 that's fantastic
@Zebracat aww thank you. I mean, one main reason I would leave my current role is because this one is ONE weekend a month rather than 2. But I do need better pay if I leave, definitely!
@SunnySideDownBriefly
that's a fantastic post, thank you. And so true as I've mentioned above. I love the point about 'whether a kitchen hand or company director' we all need paying fairly for what we bring to roles, whatever they are.
@Luredbyapomegranate I love the signature on that email 
I did an amalgamation of all of the emails suggested here, more or less.
@Whichwhatnow yes, we all need to get better at this
@elmooie It's such a specific skillset-I really don't think they've had much interest.
@Bearsporridge that post is fascinating. Still a man's world in so many ways. As I've said MN is brilliant for this sort of thing.
@mindutopia opia another positive story!
@Trilla although fascinating, these stories make me angry too! We're so used to undermining ourselves.
@Oblomov22 and @billy1966 I am hoping that the experience and having to use my brain again will make it worth it-and that they've said they'll put me thru a qualification that I want but cannot afford time or money wise. We'll see anyway.
Sadly but gladly I know that where I work now would have me back in a heartbeat if it didn't work out! I do have a niggling feeling that they may have high expectations. I can cope with more hours as it isn't much more, and only one weekend a month (and not all months). I currently work 10.5 hours every night (Fri, Sat, Sun) every other weekend.
It's a killer for family time (I am on my own but seeing my extended family and parents, seeing my partner, friends) and the weekend I get off everything has to be crammed in! I feel I may feel more 'normal' in this job if I do get it/decide to go for it.
Having said that, you both make good points. I don't know for certain that they've not had any bites-but I've got a feeling based on them offering me it at interview stage, and the complexities of the experience they've asked for-the careers are vastly different, unless one had been a teacher/lecturer in a specific subject (in which case why would they go for something that's not that) they'd not fit the criteria, if that makes sense?
@WeAreTheHeroes that's an eye-opening point.
@PhilInt Women being assertive = demanding
Men being assertive = confident
This is something I am familiar with and even perpeptuate it to others quite often! Yet still manage to be caught up in it myself
@JacquelineCarlyle sad isn't it. 
@ButStillSomehow I have bookmarked that post. It's on my reading list!
@missmamiecuddleduck thank you for that useful post. Being overqualified has definitely held me back over the years, sad and sounds as if I am being a braggart, but It's true. I've never found a post where my MA was relevant, who would actually hire me!
@Lcb123 thank you for that-I didn't say sorry in the end!
@SleepWhenAmDead I wish I'd have done my MA that way!
@Dillwyninthebath thank you to be making career changes, I feel It's not something I'll find worth doing in ten years time perhaps? But I don't want to do what I am doing now forever that's for sure-and very little in terms of mobility.
I didn't put 'hope you find the right person, can see PP's points onthat.
@Trilla thank you for the links, very interesting!
@bathsh3ba I am loving the success stories!
@GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal yes, this job actually struggled to use their own system that they interviewed me over! And again, I don't think
a man would have felt like an arsehole for pointing that out.
Why are there 0.9 people only for each job at the moment, why is it an employees market?Not that I am complaining of course! Them needing the potential employee more than the employee needing the job? I guess brexit. Things change so rapidly.