Write and distribute a résumé. On a piece of paper, write down how you can be contacted and list your skills and work experience. You don’t think you have anything to list? Think again. Have you ever taken care of a younger sibling when your parents were away, or have you babysat for others? This shows that you’re responsible. Have you helped your dad fix the car? Perhaps this shows that you have mechanical aptitude. Do you know how to type or use a computer? Or did you get good marks in school for some innovative project? Those are good selling points for prospective employers. Include them on your résumé. Give your résumé to potential employers, and ask friends and relatives to distribute it to anyone they know who’s looking for workers.

TIP

Send your résumé to companies without waiting for them to advertise a job opening.