[iamscanner]

Do you have any problems that aren't solved yet? Write yourself something to do that - and if you're worried about your employer/coworkers finding out, do it under a pseudonym, Chrome's Incognito mode (so that you're always aware when you're logged in under that pseudonym), and whois protection on any domains you set up.

If you want to show someone you learn quickly, start a blog - and chronicle your progress. "How I built [your app here] in a weekend - lessons learned, things I didn't like". Write a lot, especially about things you've learned while building all of your cool side projects.

Have a lot of side projects (or just one big one, if you can't think of many). Most of the jobs I've gotten that don't involve an arduous interviewing process have been because I met someone and said "this is [my cool project] - can you help me solve [problem x]?". I know it sounds weird, but asking someone who knows more than you do to help you out pays off - you end up with mentors, or coworkers, or even friends sometimes.

I guess at the core of it, my advice is: work on some side projects, and try to show them to people who you might want to work with (especially when you're applying for work - I can show you a private example, just send me an email).

[throwaway334]

So, would you say that the blogging is more about talking about the process then the end result?

[iamscanner]

I wouldn't say that one or the other is more valuable when it comes to blogging. You want to show process, because that shows that you know your shit - but you also want to show end results, because that shows that you ship your shit (which is almost more important).

Having an active, well-written blog shows that you're passionate about whatever you're blogging about (or at least disciplined enough to write about it frequently), and helps you establish a reputation.

[JoeCortopassi]

Definitely agree with the idea that regularly posting on a blog shows dedication and commitment