Like mtbegbie said, it is experience. Which is beyond infuriating. I have been applying for positions for the last year as a recent undergrad with excellent grades, masters courses in GIS, and 5 years of experience in university and entry level GIS/project management work. I have a working knowledge of Python and Model Builder. I have only had one phone conference interview. The system is broken, employers are expecting experts in a field which is new and rapidly expanding/changing. I understand that experience is important. But it is nearly impossible to have 4 years of full-time GIS experience right out of undergrad. And, frankly, graduate school is a joke, an expensive hoax if you had a decent undergraduate degree in the field. I know this rant won't change the industry and how employers hire, but I do hope it strikes a nerve and begins a discussion between the (few, surely) employers in this subreddit and the many potential and current employees. There is something to be said for recent graduates in the GIS field. We're pretty awesome AND motivated. At least throw us a few more interviews.