Found an awesome industry position. Description says it requires 5 yrs exp with bachelors, 3 with masters. I have 2.5 yrs, no masters (but have had really great internships since fresh yr). Have shot?

Absolutely! Never let that discourage you!

Totally flexible. Don't take yourself out of the running before you even start. Let them make the cut if needed. Be confident.

I have a masters degree and 3 years experience... What's the position?

Here's the thing. First screen is HR who will go by a checklist, yes/no decides if you get an interview. So, to make it more promising, find someone on the inside who can tell HR you are a superstar and years don't count.... Sorry, have all the respect for HR and all, but they recruit for a 100 different positions, and can't be an expert of all trades!

Just fluff your years of exp using internships to get past HR, then crush the interviews

1yr at Big 4 experience counts more than 1 yr at industry

Go for it, most of the times the experience needed is inflated

I had a recruiter/head hunter get me an interview for an industry position that "required" 7 years exp, when I had 3. I received a generous offer

They always inflate the number of years on the posting. Never hurts to drop your line.

Thanks guys appreciate the support. So I should find someone on the inside and reach out to them first? I don't really know anyone there - it'll have to be a cold email.