I've added a few possibly relevant professional events to my calendar, and I'm trying to get to know my neighbors but it doesn't feel like nearly enough and I've had trouble finding more (particularly with the holidays, which seem to have killed a lot of the late december events).
Have you identified potential places of employment? Have you posted on relevant local boards? Have you called up/met with any recruiting centres that focus on Philly? Have you contacted the HR departments of companies that may fit? Have you spoken with the Philly board of trade/commerce? And stretching out, how about the local chapters of the Knights of Columbus/Shriners/other social groups? How about your university/college alumni? Facebook? Have you extended your possible career choices to include teaching at a community college (I know one guy who did that)? Have you checked with the city and what jobs they have (municipal governments are all hiring IT guys these days)?
There are lots of ways to find a job. Sitting in front of your computer, browsing Monster/Craigslist/etc. is not the best way. The holidays definitely put a crimp on opportunities available right now so you should, IMO, be taking the initiative to introduce yourself to those who may have openings in the next couple of months. First the introduction, then the reintroduction after the holidays. That shows drive, determination, and desire.
One follow-up question for you: Do you have any advice on how to contact the HR department of a candidate employer and have a conversation that's deeper than 'yes, I will send a cover letter and cv'?
Thank you again for taking the time to list some specific ideas that I hadn't considered.
My assumption is that I bring enough value to the table that I'll get a job as soon as I figure out how to frame my experience in a helpful manner and meet more people.