What to Do When Every Job Posting Wants "3-5 Years Experience"

Experience requirements in postings are often aspirational rather than strict, especially at smaller companies without a formal HR process.

Count relevant experience broadly

Internships, significant coursework projects, volunteer work, and freelance gigs can all count toward "experience" in a cover letter, even if they weren't a full-time job.

Apply anyway when you're close

If you have 1-2 years against a stated 3-5, apply if the rest of your background fits — many companies will still consider a strong candidate who's a bit light on tenure.

Target growth-stage companies

Smaller and faster-growing companies are often more flexible on experience requirements than large, process-heavy organizations, since they're hiring for potential as much as track record.