This question presents an opportunity to advertise your skills and how you've advanced ahead of your peers. It tests your experience level by allowing you to explore this nuance with them. For many employers, the requirement of your number of years of experience is flexible and commonly used as a gauge for the level of experience expected, so long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have and can meet their expectations.

Before your interview, ask yourself how you would rate your skills versus your years of experience. Consider how you judge your coworkers, from those who cruise along in their job craving only the status quo to that inexperienced go-getter.

Examine your five-year career plan, and map out where you've excelled and beat the timeframes you've set for yourself. Make no apologies for your lack of years. Exude confidence and talk to the interviewer about your major career successes and achievements.