how do i get the first step into the SEO industry?

I currently work for a local SEO company (google places optimisation, ppc management etc) I mainly do the sales side of things, but also the off page optimisation on one of our sales sites.
I want to get into the SEO industry but I'm not sure how to go about it, I've applied for any SEO related jobs in the area with a cover letter asking if they have any 'trainee' type positions available but no luck yet.
I've got experience in content writing, blogging, directory submitting, article writing, spinning, etc. but have limited experience with the on-page side of things and web design stuff. I have plenty of info that ive picked up about the on-page side of things, just havent had the chance to put it into practice.
So how did you guys get into the SEO business?
cheers
nokturnal

Thing is most people who really know SEO work for themselves building their own sites, If you have the skills/talent to get high rankings then why work for someone else for a wage? maybe you like the 'stability' LOL of a 9-5.

If by 'stability' you mean 'breaking my balls for a pittance' lol then something like that! I just need a bit of hands on experience before i quit the day job and work for myself. I know jumping feet first into SEO can bite people in the arse pretty quickly unless yu know what your doing, thats why i'd like to learn off someone with some experience in a hands on sort of way. Dont get me wrong, ive learnt a lot from research (and this forum in particular, thanks guys) but it's all theory and no practice so far. Maybe I should get a few of my own websites up and running and 'test pilot' them?

As I had same problem like you .But now work as a professional
Things to keep in mind

1- Always think some creative ideas in SEO
2- Learn first complete SEO (ON-Page+OFF-PAGE) .Here(BHW) u got information and SEO legends .So this is Your SEO Company and Colleagues
3- After You Optimize Websites and Rank well in SERP then companies beg u To join them as these companies even don't have Top level seo (they are just noobies White hatter)
4- Always trust on yourself and never give up rule of SEO

Read this Forum As much as possible .I bet you Within few days U have totally different thinking

thanks for the advice, I think ive rank the page i do off page seo for pretty well, its on first page for an seo related competitive keyword with about 13.5million results, and first position on page one for another key phrase (although that is in the domain name) and im working on a few others.
So i think my plan of action should be:
-read as much as possible on here
-get a few of my own websites and get them ranked on page one
-show this to potential employers/clients

sound good?

If I were you, I would build my own sites to make money. You might pick up clients at first to pay the bills, but why make money for others through SEO when you can do it for yourself with you own sites as someone mentioned above? Clients tend to be a pain in the butt sooner or later!

yea i agree with the rest my friend.. working for yourself is waaay better.. im on the opposite side of the spectrum then you tho. I major in web design and have been doing it for over a year now. Recently started my own business. If your serious we can talk maybe start a little partnership.. U handle the seo and i handle the web design. Theres options for you.. just gotta think out side the box.

Try getting basic clients [charge a low price] and build a track record saying you got so-and-so's company on the first page in position 4. You can build your track record up incrementally. Good luck!

As you and other already mentioned.

1) Build some websites of your own and make them rank well. Be sure that it's sites with a good content and not just some small niche site.

2) You need reference in all industries. No matter if you are going to work for yoursellf or for another company. I'm not telling you to give your work away for free. But find a few companies and get the contract. When you have agreed on the terms, then be sure to overdeliver your result, because the recommandation you will get afterwards are priceless.

3) Consider a partnership if you decide to start your own business. That will benefit you, when you need someone to talk over a problem with. And people have different skills. Someone are very good at onpage SEO, while other know exactly how to get the good links, without leaving a bad trace for google.

4) It might be wate of time and money for you. But consider if it possible to get some educational paper related to SEO. You might not be able to learn anything, but some clients are easiere to get a contract with, if you can show them a paper with your skills.

5) Think about this. If you where a SEO company looking for a new employee or if you had a company looking to get some SEO done. What would you like to see, before making a contract..?

Good luck and please keep us posted