If you've been thinking of changing careers especially now that it's 2016 and you've been wanting a change then you should know that the critical first step is first knowing the "what".

More specifically: what industry, what role and what company. These are the questions you should be asking yourself before you hand in your resignation letter.

Why is this important? Employers want to hire someone who is decisive and knowing the answers to the three questions is important to achieve, not only your own goals, but also the company you are applying for. It doesn't matter if the job you're applying for is entry-level. What matters is that you have a genuine interest for the job and show passion while on the job.

Hold on though - what if you still don't know what you want? Did you make a list of what you want to be? What if you are intersted in so many things and are passionate about something that you don't know how to make it into a career? 

Here are 5 things you need to remember when planning out your career change.

1. READ - Check out industry news and publications or even search for online niche blogs so you can immerse yourself in the industry's literature and on-goings.
2. FIND a role model - Think of someone you find interesting. If it's possible to get to know them, study them. Find out how they became successful in their field. If it's not possible to meet them personally, you can also check out their LinkedIn profile or other online profiles that are mostly available online. They show education levels, degrees, investments, etc.
3. CONDUCT small experiments - Before you fully decide on quitting, it's best to test it out first. For example, if you're thinking of becoming a professional dog-walker because you love dogs, you might want to test out dog-walking your friends' dogs first. Start from smaller pups to large great danes and see if you can handle the job. Do some volunteer work. Or even join a workshop.
4. VISUALIZE - When you finally have clarity on the career you want, you have to then ask yourself if this is really what you want. Visualize yourself in that role, clear your mind and think as if you're currently doing the job. Imagine the environment, the people, the work load. Do you like what you see?
5. TEACH - As you learn about new career opportunities, it is important to share what you know. It will help you gain confidence as well as learn something from the other party. It may be as small as helping a friend during a mock-interview. Or becoming a speaker at a small event of the same industry

These helpful tips, posted online, can help you decide on what kind of career you want in life.