I am very amazed with the number of cert that Leon had.
I am also running in a similar situation like him except that I don't have that many certs and a master degree (quite a big diff actually), however, my job search has been over 8 months since my graduation (Canada-Toronto).
I was a business admin student with no computer skills 2 years ago(I was in my 3 year). I found that accounting and finance stuff is very boring, so I decided to changed my major to Information Technology. With lots of hard working, I managed to complete my degree with 2 additional year of study (very compressed and heavy work load).
I began my job search right after my graduation (Dec 2000). After 3 months of active searching, I found that companies don't like fresh grad with no coops experience very much. But there is nothing much i can do for that. Therefore, I decided to go for my first Java Cert. I find it pretty easy and passed it. However, with my level 1 cert, I still wasn't able to get a job.
I am not looking into any particular type of jobs, just any entry level computer related ones....I applied for junior programmers, tech support, helpdesk .... and anything within U.S and Canada.
No response...While my job hunt continue, I go for the developer cert and passed it (96%)... look for jobs for another 2 months....same result...
During that period, I have been going to many job workshops, school job fairs, professional resume editors to try to hunt down my problems....not much was found and being very helpful.
Like Leon, I am frustrated....but one thing I noticed is that there are very few java junior positions....most company hires experienced c++ programmers to work as junior java programmers. Also, just Java is not enough to get you a job. Although, I am not able to find a job in this period, I had been doing alot of self-study to advance myself (In Micrsoft technologies, databases and web technologies). I guess being more well rounded would let you enter the market easier.
Now, I am pursuing the Oracle DBA cert...hope this combination works !
Don't give up leon and good luck !