More time was spent selling the position than quantifying my expertise as a fit. I was hired for a different job than I applied for so I wasn't well prepared to answer questions for 'that job' so I was caught off guard. They decide if they want you based on what's on paper. If you seem like-able at the interview - it's yours to lose. They are measuring how poised, confident, calm and good you are under pressure. (professional acumen). They will keep asking questions till they trip you up or find your weakness and proceed with several more to 'stress test' you. I lacked experience in a few of the areas (and no prepared response since I had no idea I would be going for a different job) but responded with stories and experiences which were somewhat related or relevant to show understanding of the concept and some exposure. I did this several questions in a row and they seemed to like my poise and 'communication' skills. I was likely up against others who were probably more attuned with more direct recent experience and prepared since they knew what position they were going for...I did deliberately give a range lower than current market rate (15-25% under) because I was coming in as a contractor and knew I would have room when I converted in the future - but for the moment my goal was to simply 'secure' the job out from under my competitors. I have done this in the past with other companies to get my foot in the door and then advanced later. Since then I have observed hiring practices and outcomes. Half the time they are hiring unqualified/ill fitting or lazy people they then have to let go later (after they have done no work, leaned on others, caused risk and done damage) after several months of no output. Bedazzlement and 'likeability' during the interview process and an interesting back story seems to take priority over logic. This is a problem half the time.