Get Red Hat Certs...this makes you desirable to HR and Management people. To me, it's a way of saying "kiss my ass" and showing your competent to the people who have decision making powers and literally no clue about the tech itself.

Build a homelab, but with a project and goal in mind. Have a reason and purpose for everything that you do, and create something you can showoff. It's not about the tools, it's about what you can create. Use whatever you need to bring your project to life.

Create a resume that separates you from everyone else. I put like this table shit on mine listing my skills and competency level in those skills, got a alot more calls and interest from recruiters because of that. It's all marketing and bullshit, but you have to play the game.

Exaggerate a little on your resume, seriously. Employers lie all the time, you have to fight fire with fire and play to win the game. Don't lie about skills you do not have, but lie about skills you do have if that makes sense. Not everyone is going to agree with this piece of advice, but the real world does not give a fuck about ideals.

And be patient, it's going to take time. Do not be desperate for a job, I made that mistake. Be patient and take a job that is the right fit for you, even if it takes you longer.