Ask HN: How do you *really* get a good Software Engineering job?

I feel your pain buddy.

A lot of good advice given so far.

Perhaps I can add another perspective to it.

Relocate to where demand outstrips supply by a big amount. Relocation is tough, but if you pick the right spot, you will get a job by applying some of those networking principles others have mentioned.

Cities/Areas I'd consider (where you will find it easier to get a job and do interesting stuff) in no particular order: Silicon Valley, San Francisco, New York, London, Berlin, [insert city name here], etc.

I can't think of anymore right now, but those are great places to look at (unless you have enterprise-knowledge, in the form of C#, .NET - which changes things).

It's ironic that programmers use technology everyday to eliminate inefficiencies, yet nepotism in hiring is something even programmers face. Based on this, consider your CV dead for a little while and hustle till you find something.

Good luck!

I would say that besides technical skills, the number one reason I didn't recommend people for hire is because of poor communication or interpersonal skills. In today's environment, these are essential skills and you should practice if you struggle in this area. Nobody wants to work with somebody that is not a team player, no matter how brilliant they are technically.