Most of the answers here and on stack exchange clearly show that the person answering has never been (or lots of time has passed since) in this position.
I have been in this situation lots of times. Not only I didn't have the years, by I also didn't have the education. And have learned how to "beat" the system:
1. Be really good. You can't fake that.
2. In your resume, show your real skills and interests. Write details. Lots of details. But only details that are of interest to the current position.
3. Don't have a "generic" CV. Write one specifically for every other position you are applying to.
4. Do not be shy and provide references to hobby projects, freelance work and your ambitions (and also dreams).
5. Be humble. Never make comparisons with anyone. Just talk about yourself.
I have been in a hiring position lately, and I can see why this succeeded with me. Most of the candidates send shitty CVs. One can't judge them from the CV. For such candidates you can only guess from the years of experience. Don't be that guy. If you send me a CV that shows passion, knowledge, culture and determination, I won't look at the years of experience at all.
1. Be really good. You can't fake that. 2. In your resume, show your real skills and interests. Write details. Lots of details. But only details that are of interest to the current position. 3. Don't have a "generic" CV. Write one specifically for every other position you are applying to. 4. Do not be shy and provide references to hobby projects, freelance work and your ambitions (and also dreams). 5. Be humble. Never make comparisons with anyone. Just talk about yourself.
I have been in a hiring position lately, and I can see why this succeeded with me. Most of the candidates send shitty CVs. One can't judge them from the CV. For such candidates you can only guess from the years of experience. Don't be that guy. If you send me a CV that shows passion, knowledge, culture and determination, I won't look at the years of experience at all.