For those in the Network / VoIP field

[swiftwind]

First, hello everyone.

I'm currently (in the US) studying for the JLPT series and I plan to start taking the first one possibly around the end of this year (or whenever is they do their annual test, I haven't checked yet). I have a rich Cisco networking/Telecom background, and I have a CCNP and a CCVP. I was wondering how difficult it would be to get a job with one of the local Cisco partners or just one of the companies in general? My wife is Japanese so sponsorship/visa will not be needed.

Any tips on how to raise my marketability? I've poked around the job sites, but it seems very tough to apply for jobs from the US. I heard unemployment looks really bad on your resume, so quitting my current job and moving to Japan to look for a job is not an option. Ideas?

Thank you for your time!