Need help with approach

Call all hiring managers and anyone with an opinion -

Long story short, I made a mistake (big) when I moved out of state. I took a job in finance at a huge company that has nothing to do with portfolio management/investments because I was struggling to find my ideal job in a very competitive city as an out-of-state applicant. I originally thought “ok, I’ll do this for a bit, and then start applying to what I want.”

I’ve gone through a couple sessions of submitting applications and then interviews with a couple close offers, but got nothing in the end. Having 4 years of WM experience, then now being in a corp finance/niche finance role for the last 1.5 years, what is the biggest concern from a hiring manager when looking at me? I’ve had the question before of how are you staying on top of your investment knowledge. I guess where I’m seeking advice is, what is the best way to approach the job market as I market myself through cover letters, networking, and during the interview? Am I just going to have to really sell myself in the interview? Anyone with prior experience having to fight to get back in, I’d appreciate your input. Thanks.

Do you have any direct research background in WM? I know there are some WM shops now that have in house equity research teams. Can always start there since you have significant experience in WM anyway.

Yea, that’s where I’m starting to look now. My WM experience looks like this: 15% MF/ETF research / 30% Tax Planning / 30% Portfolio Mgmt-Asset allocation / 25% Trust/Estates