Searching for a job is just like a full-time job. To be successful, you need to do your homework (which means creative a resume and cover letter), constantly search out opportunities, and then be prepared for the interviewing process.
Before you get started you may want to visit the U.S. Department of Labor's "Career OneStop" website and use their free resources to identify your skills, then find a suitable occupation related to those skills. You may be surprised at what you discover.
Once you have that information and are comfortable with the direction you want to take, use that knowledge to target your job search.
To learn more about an industry that is completely new to you, go straight to the source. Many organizations provide informational interviews to help people learn more about the company, what they do, and what it would be like to work there. Remember, this is not a formal interview for a job.
To arrange an informal interview, speak with the Human Resources Office to see if they can set it up for you. Before going to the meeting, be sure to do some research on the company yourself and have a number of questions prepared so you can fully determine if this industry/company is right for you.
Launching a major career switch can be intimidating, but it can also be very positive. Keep an open mind and enjoy the learning process.