Ask Questions
One of the most important, "What do you think really sets a top 10% performer apart from the rest?" - Listen when they speak. Later or in the thank you letter tell them you are that person.
Ask more questions. You want rapport here. If I am a great hiring manager in my mind less serious experience gaps I am going to hire the person I like. Even if you are not the most skilled or qualified. The person who seems to be committed to the job is the one who often gets it. Commitment over competence - get it? If I have a guy with 50 yrs experience but he gives 0 damns about the job or his future what good is he. If I got some 20-40 yr old guy who I really love but needs trained... Commitment over competence - HES HIRED!
So you want to ask questions, don't let them ask you the stupid, "Whats your greatest weakness". You want to talk and win, obtain and maintain rapport. You want to be that guy they remember who did something other than tell them "my greatest weakness is I get so focused, I lose site of time"
You are reliable, dependable and capable. You are able to do the job. (Work that in somewhere). Its what every hiring manager needs (It falls back to commitment).
BRING WATER bottles or some kind of snack. Who do you know that does not eat or drink? Who do you think brings snacks or water to an interview? NO ONE! Be that person who does! "I have some water would you like a bottle". It gives them something to do too - rather than sitting there.
Ask: "Did I get the job"? or if you got courage, "When can I start". It really gives you an idea of how you did. Usually you will get the, "We are still in the interview process" line or some BS. But say it make them laugh or crack a smirk.
Ask: "How do you think I did compared to other candidates". They might honestly tell you. Most likely you get some sort of BS like the line above, "We are still in the process"; 'Compared to the people you interviewed, I really liked you, do you think I did well'? You have a life too. You are not out of line. You need to prepare for this amazing career too. They want you to. Knowing how amazing you did is 'legit'. Most important NO ONE ASKS! Be that guy.
Tell or ask them "Can we move my resume to the top of the pile"?
Make it last an hour. Keep talking.... If you can talk to them for an hour without the clock being glanced at OMG you are golden. Only someone they are genuinely interested in does that. If they are short on time they tell you, they are adults.
At the end ask if they have any questions for you. Ask what they thought of you. If they liked you then use the "When do I start" line. These are all friendly/ballsy/courageous things which need proper tone. But you need to stand out and do what others are not.
Write a good thank you letter. Be sure to get their card or direct line, no one writes thank yous. This is your opportunity to clarify things and qualify why you are the best. Reliable, dependable and capable. This is the job you wanted and this is the reason why, tell them in the interview and followup/thank you.
Commitment over competence 80% of the time in 70% of the jobs out there - less serious gaps. Interviewing is a science and art. Its behavioral psychology. Have a list of the rehearsed questions they might ask recite your answers and ask questions. Stand up - Stand out. Then follow up.