>I did not express it as well as I should have. I meant work experience with the particular tools the employer says they want. Personally I have seen them being more hard nosed about that in the down economy. That's not to say an, uh, seasoned applicant with a solid general background can't do it, just that there is more reluctance to give them the chance. YMMV. You are a quick study, after all ;-)
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>IMHO, it all boils down to how much you believe in your own abilities and how well you can sell yourself. Right now, I am waiting to be brought on board on a large silverlight project in my area. The project manager knows that I have no silverlight experience, but after an hour on the telephone with me, he decided that I am the candidate that he wants. It is all a matter of convincing the client that they need the extra developer.
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>Of course, it helps that the project manager is also a developer who shares my philosophy <s>.

I am not saying it can't happen, just that to my (admittedly anecdotal) knowledge it's less likely now. Or has been, anyway.

Congrats on the Silverlight gig. I hope it works out great.