We are asking for eight years of industry experience, and you have just five. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

"Although I have five years of experience instead of eight, I know I can do this job well. In my previous role, I outperformed colleagues who had 12 years of experience. To me, it's all about drive and the ability to be a quick study. I have all of these qualities and more."

"Along with my five years working in this industry, I hope that my graduate degree gives me a little boost in experience over the required undergraduate degree."

For many employers, the number of years' experience is flexible as long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have. Talk to the interviewer about your major career successes. This is the time to sell yourself. Make no apologies for your lack of years!

Focus on what you perceive to be the advantage of eight years of experience in your field over five. Break that down, and compare and contrast yourself to that example. If you can demonstrate a deeper understanding of that, you may more efficiently demonstrate yourself as a desirable fit.