Here's one out of my personal playbook on both sides of the hiring process: Find a company that has an API and build something with it. Make a mashup, augment a feature that they have, or build a missing feature. This shows them that you are passionate about their company, have the ability to execute, and can deliver value.
Find a company that you want to work for that doesn't have an API? Build one for them. Scrap their website, grab some basic data, and show them that you can build a rudimentary API that gives customers access to build on top of what they want. Or build out a cool feature that they're lacking.
More than programmers, companies are looking for people who can help them improve their business. If you can bring passion, execution, and vision together you'll always find a job you want.
Also, we're hiring: http://www.globalgiving.org/aboutus/jobs/software-engineer-f...