Confidence and prove your knowledge!  You may have to go for a lower level SOC position to get your foot in the door.  How long have you worked as a sys admin?  What technologies have your worked with?  Go back to your 2nd interviews and think about how you did and try to list areas you may have stumbled on.  Were you lacking any skills they were looking for?

Also are there any avenues at your current employer where you could start building your security experience?  That first Info Sec job is always a tough one since many hiring managers want to see someone with experience.  If you are getting that 2nd interview, then you might be lacking some technical skills or are not demonstrating those skills well.  Another major plus is those soft skills. Higher level InfoSec jobs may require you to work with non-technical folks so how you handle that area will be important.

Good luck!

Wait a second, you get paid?  Well crap! I've been doing this for the free beer and parties.     But yes, very good point.  We do this job because we love the challenge.  The money is often a nice perk.  Not to mention becoming good enough where vendors will pay your way to RSA doesn't hurt either.  Can't say I know from experience, but I am paying out of pocket to go this year and my friend is going on a vendor's dime just to sit a panel.  Rat bastard!

thanks jamie, I'm keeping the UK open as an option, as said I'd travel further for the right experience, I have no ties at present  so can be selfish for a change

done tks bud