Moving into a different career is never easy. Most of the time, people take shortcuts hoping they’ll eventually reach success. However, hurrying the process isn’t a wise decision to make. Being eager in applying is good, but you must back it up with adequate planning.

Determining what to do to accomplish your goals can be an overwhelming process. If you make a substantial mistake, you may end up dealing with larger ramifications later on.

To avoid this, here are five tips to help:

Know what you have to offer to the employer. It is important to catalog your skills and achievements before trying to draft your resume (especially if you want to take a step forward in a linear path).

Use different self-assessment tools such as the Myers-Briggs personality test to determine if the work truly suits you. Arranging informational interviews from experienced individuals in the field will help you learn more about your intended career path.

Know what the employer needs. Do your research and check for openings you have a strong interest in. If you do find a job that excites you, take a deep breath and don’t hurry the process — it’s easy to miss an important step if you get caught up in the rush of possibility.

As a first step, list the responsibilities that need to be fulfilled in the specific job post and what it would take for you to accomplish them.

Prepare your marketing materials. Make use of your resume and LinkedIn profile to draw people to you. You can use different keywords and concepts when crafting your resume, cover letters and your LinkedIn profile.

Face the reality. You must always prepare for the long haul, no matter how optimistic you are in looking for a job. Maintain a positive self-image and sense of self-worth to best deal with rejection. (Be careful not to be overconfident to avoid being disappointed if things don’t go your way.)

Seek the help of others. See if you can collaborate with other people who are going through the same process. You can learn from each other and practice different skills, including networking and interview skills. You can also find a coach, counselor or mentor who can guide you in your career.

Once you plan it all out, expect opportunities to come knocking.