Get the Certs and learn many languages (Score 1)

Get the Certifications it shows you want to advance. Become familiar with the various Linux distributions and choose one.

Become familiar with many computer languages, but more important become familiar with there Uses. The programming paradigms and programming concepts. If you learn the basic and advance language concepts you will get the the point were you can program in any language.

This were Linux is really important. You can any computer language for free.

Learn C++ well this makes Learning C, C#, Java, easy.

But do not for get to learn scripting languages such as Perl.

And at least know some software engineering
concepts and AI concepts.

You do not need to add this to you resume but put the ones you know the best.

If you really feel that your skills are rusting get an advanced degree.

That is what got me a job. I received my CS degree in 2002 and could not even find an IT job. I went back and finished a EE degree I ended up in excellent programming position. In of all things C, C++, Perl and Lisp. Never thought I would need Lisp. But my current project is a support position in legacy code.

If you know VHDL or another HDL put it on the resume and shop it around with C++ to some of the embedded people.

Go to all open house Job searches that companies offer and talk to them. Ask for an interview and discuss what work they do. Look into the big engineering technology companies such as Jacobs Technology. Attend free conferences. And network. After all every job I have ever had has been found by accident.