The answer is to focus—you need to focus and start reinventing yourself. By this time, you should have already learned a lot in the workplace and your resume should look pretty impressive. However, you need to adapt your resume to the role or position you’re applying for. Don’t hesitate to rewrite it if necessary, and then prepare yourself in all aspects: virtually, physically, and mentally.
- Virtually
When you’re done polishing your profile on professional and social networking sites, virtually extend your presence by joining networking groups related to your target job. Watch for a while to see how conversations between group members flow, and then join the online conversations when you feel like you have a fairly good sense of it. Start off by being an observer and contributor rather than an expert.
Once you feel like you are stably in, launch a few topics of your own. When you already feel comfortable, let the members know that you are open to any opportunity in that particular area. You should also seek the advice of the key players in that group.
- Physically
Interviewers pay attention to how knowledgeable, skillful, and talented you are, but appearance is also important. Take some time to look into your interview attire and update it. Check your hairstyle, your smile, your posture—everything about the way you look. Special people in your life will, of course, accept and love you for who you are, but this is a job interview; you need to look professional and presentable, like someone who can represent the company well in public.
- Mentally
Your goal is not just to get an interview, but to ace that interview and get hired. Interviews are physical and mental games; you need to prepare your body as well as your mind for whatever might happen. You need to have your vision, your goal, so that you can prepare properly for the interview. You should thoroughly research each organization and position so that you can use words that are familiar to the interviewer. Show him or her that you are ready for any questions that he or she is going to ask.
No matter what types of questions you get, you have to be prepared to convince the hiring manager of your skills and experience. Prove to him that there is more to you than what he can see. Prepare your response to why you chose to change careers at this point in your life. Express your appreciation for the companies you’ve worked for, but highlight your reasons why you want a new job.