There are many schools of thought on this one, so be prepared to receive a variety of answers. I'll break it down according to the advice I got last year:

1. CompTIA triad: A+, Security+, and Network+. Some can't stand the CompTIA certs, some swear by them. They helped me find two jobs and maybe even two more. So, your mileage may vary. Other than that, they provide foundational knowledge. Can't beat that, honestly.

2. Volunteer at a local charity. Church, shelter, dog park, doesn't matter. You need experience to really get the foot in the door. Not only that, but it also provides valuable contacts for your network.

3. LinkedIn...set up a profile. That allows people to see you and what you've done. It can be much, much longer than your resume, so use it wisely. I'm always looking for ways to improve mine.

4. Get hooked up with like minded people in your area. Use Meetup and LinkedIn to find those groups that align with your career aspirations. Get their cards, connect with them on LinkedIn, and, most importantly, let them know you are looking for a job. You'd be amazed at how many jobs are available in the "stealth" market.

5. Lastly, consider getting hooked up with IT recruiters in your area. They can be valuable resources. They will help you tweak your resume, your LinkedIn account, and they know where the jobs are.

Hope this helps you out. Just be open to what people have to say, balance everything out as it applies to your area and your situation, and I am sure you will find a job sooner than you thought possible.

Cheers