A couple of questions for patent secretaries

I worked as a patent secretary for 9 nine years. I quite liked the work, but always wanted to do docketing instead. Is there anyone here who has worked as a patent secretary and made the transition? How did you do it? Was it within your current firm? That is not an option for me, as I haven't been working recently. I've gone on two interviews for docketing positions--didn't get either. I'm wondering what I should be stressing. I know I know my stuff. Admittedly it's a different job, and I don't know all the international dates, but I know the US patent prosecution process very well and have had exposure to foreign. Any advice?
Also, I'm in San Francisco, but apart from Silicon Valley, anyone have advice as to areas where I might find a job? Moving is not a problem for me, in fact, I would do it happily.

Thanks to any and all!