When I entered the workforce in the early 2000s, I struggled to get a job. To get unemployment payments I had to attend a weekly session at a local job agency to prove I was actively trying to work.

I remember the advice from there clearly - “Just think of a place you want to work, go there with your resume, ask them what positions they have and offer to work for free. Then they’ll hire you if they like you.”

Not a Boomer, but did get an internship that eventually became a full time job this way, during the post-2008 recession.

I got laid off and wasn’t getting any solid leads from traditional application processes or the town “career center” so I made a list of businesses in walking distance of eachother that might need my services, printed a few dozen copies of my resume, and beat the streets. I just walked in and asked for a manager but settled for whoever would talk to me, gave my brief elevator pitch, left a resume and contact info. A few called me and one actually worked out.

It is very humbling but it can work.

It can still work if it’s a small business, fast food or certain blue collar work. I’ve done it a few times in my life the last time was 2 years ago, I walked in and asked for a job as an EMT 2 months ago but I did need a certification for that. Recently I got hired for a new position but not the one I really wanted so as soon a I got hired I walked in to the hiring manager for the position I really wanted and asked for that job, to be continued.