>There are a lot of .NET developers out of work here, too. As you say, things have been tough all over. I have invested quite a bit of time in learning .NET, both formal classes and self-study, and have not been able to get a foot in the door without work experience. In a more robust economy sometimes people are given that first chance based on general skills, how they present themselves in the interview, etc. These days it seems like employers are saying the want X years of experience and insist on it. I don't blame them. If you have a pool of experienced applicants, what motivation is there to take a chance on someone with none? (in the particular skill(s) you are looking for)
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>IMHO, this is a red herring. The toughest part of software development is understanding the nature of the business problem and devising an appropriate solution. Writing the coede is the easy bit.

I agree with that. I still think at the moment companies are reluctant to hire people without experience.