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.

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.”