[dotBen]

On this point remember that "5 years C experience" != "5 years commercial C experience".

If you were doing commercial-grade programming in Uni (or before) or any open source then consider that valid experience.

Finally, just because a job says 5 years experience, and you don't have it, doesn't mean that they won't consider your resume if you submit it. Better to hear the hiring manager say "no" then not submit your resume at all. Case in point, I don't have a college degree but I think every job I've ever held in my 12 years in this industry has asked for one on the requirements. I don't have one but I can do the job so I just applied anyway otherwise I'd never work!