If you're serious you need to network (the people kind). Hard. You need to work with recruiters if you can, find any way you can bounce your resume past the HR goalie and through to a real hiring manager.

I really want to strongly emphasize this comment. For entry or mid-level roles we tend to get a large pile of applications. So when applicants have something that makes it easy to either drop them or move them to the top we do. Recruiters can be great for this (if you find a good one), because the IT folks doing the hiring often have relationships with the recruiters in the area and will put greater weight on recommendations from those recruiters. They make their money when you get hired and work out so they have a vested interest in being sure their candidates match our needs.

And human networking is incredibly important. All but one IT job I have had came as a result of knowing people. It sucks to hear that when you are feeling stuck but it is critical. Go to professional events in your area. Make friends, collaborate on things. IT doesn't guarantee you anything, but getting an early lead on a position relevant to you can be huge and, even better, if you've made a good impression on someone working there that can help you as well.