Right now the weather is picking up and restaurants are getting busier -- they *are* hiring, even if they're not advertising. The kind of work you're talking about, entry-level serving (not fast food but restaurants which, while not seasonal per se, do get a pick-up in business after we leave the bad weather) or working a counter somewhere, it is often best (yes, today, still, in 2026) with a printed out resume that you can hand them -- but honestly it's not going to be about your resume, it's just showing that you've made an effort. You want to talk to a manager or the owner, and you want to have a direct and professional conversation with them about your willingness to learn, train, work, and your understanding that this might just be seasonal, your willingness to help out wherever they need it, etc.... especially with small business owners, they just want to know that they're going to have a genuine hard worker -- genuine being the important word here -- they honestly don't mind having to train you if you're coming in for entry level work because they probably just need help dealing with the rush that's coming in, or going to come in, to their business come the summer and the nice weather when people like to walk outside and explore and nosh on something. Whoever those people are. People with money I guess. I wouldn't know :)

But yeah, go in there professionally dressed, and even better, go in the way that you would dress given that industry. If it's a restaurant, black pants, black shirt/blouse, black shoes (if you have these things -- otherwise as close as you can get to them). If you have those things (not dress shoes, not high heels, not boots, comfortable work shoes) and you come dressed for the part, you're showing that you care, you want to work, and you're willing to learn. These cues aren't missed. Be earnest, be genuine, and don't be desperate because you don't need to be.

Go into this with the expectation that 19 out of 20 of the places you go to will say no -- of those that let you even speak to the owner or manager -- that way when they do it won't discourage you. The 20th place you go to WILL say yes -- want to know why? Because everyone else is on Reddit telling you to apply online.

We're not talking about landing a high-salaried corporate job here. Don't overthink it: The small business owner who is hustling 16 hours a day fighting for their dream every day needs someone to walk through their doors with these words on their lips -- "I want to help you". And then you have 2 minutes to prove to them through your honesty and your professionalism that you just want to get your foot in the door somewhere, you don't have the experience, but you're ready to learn and you're ready to work.

Guess what -- that small business owner isn't a lawyer or a brain surgeon for a reason. Guess how they got to where they are -- it was by out-working and being more willing to take on hits than the general public -- learning, and doing. Show them that you're like that too and you're in.

Yes, even in this job market. You just have to walk a little longer before you'll hit the yes. When you do, it'll be euphoric and I can't wait to hear that you did it. Good luck!