So I've only recently started working in tech, but one thing I would say is that solid linux system administration skills are what helped me land my current job and succeed in it. I've also done a fair amount of frantic googling, and I've been learning a lot on the job. I was also turned down for like 5+ sys admin positions at data centers.

Find a smaller company who has a more relaxed hiring process and sound smart. Be fluent in bash, python, and write at least one or two small programs in C so that you understand how to build such projects from source, how headers work, etc.

Then, work like hell to close the gaps in your knowledge. The job will provide you a constant drip of new things to frantically learn about, which is the thing I've appreciated the most about this opportunity. I really feel my skills growing just because I'm using them to feed myself.