Everyone searching for their first job has surely noticed that most positions require only experienced applicants, and they’ve bemoaned the fact that it’s surely impossible to get that necessary experience if nobody will take a chance on you and let you learn the ropes. This problem is compounded in times of decreasing jobs and increasing employment, when the experienced folks that have been laid off elsewhere are taking entry-level positions that usually go to the newcomers to the workforce. Fortunately there are a few tricks that can get you some much-needed experience, before you land your first job.

1. Take advantage of your education.

Job seekers often think of their education as a small part of their resume that’s often overlooked by hiring managers. The truth is that if you’re still in school, you’re in a prime location to take on some projects that will hone your leadership and organizational skills and demonstrate what a hard worker you are. Think about what kinds of school projects (either in classes or in extracurricular groups) could help you get some important skills that would shine on your resume. If you’re out of school, you may still be able to tap into your old contacts there and help out with school clubs and activities.

2. Volunteer for a good cause.

If you’ve always had your eye on a particular cause, now’s the time to lend a hand. Most charity organizations will grateful for your time and enthusiasm, and you’ll have many of the same opportunities to learn new skills as you would with an employer. Since your time is unpaid, you may find that your mentors will be more patient with your questions and occasional fumblings than a boss who writes you checks might be. The best part is that after you have spent some time working hard for a volunteer organization, you’ll likely find that there are many people there who would love to serve as a reference for you, or even introduce you to their friend whose company is hiring.

3. Try an internship.

Usually, an internship is an unpaid working experience in which the worker receives school credit for the time they spend providing free labor and learning the ropes at a company. If these opportunities are available to you, take advantage; they are a great way to get experience that many hiring managers will consider to be the same as any other job.

If you’re out of school or if there are no formal internship opportunities available to you, think about creating your own. Do you know a small business owner in your chosen industry who couldn’t afford to pay you, but who could use some free help? Consider suggesting to them a temporary, unpaid position to allow you to gain some valuable experience. (Be sure it is an employer who will teach you, not just use you as a lackey.) If you are hard-working and eager to learn, the employer will likely serve as an excellent reference—or may even scrape up the money to pay you because they don’t want to let such a good worker get away!

4. Don’t overlook self-employment.

If you are making money right now, you may not be unemployed; you may be self-employed instead. Have you been making money teaching neighborhood kids to play the clarinet? Are you part of an organized group of babysitters, or do you walk dogs or mow lawns for money? If you engage in these kinds of activities with regularity, surprise! You’re self-employed, and this can be listed on your resume as work experience. Consider asking one or more of your customers to serve as references to add to the legitimacy of your self-employment when a hiring manager reviews your resume.

Although it can be difficult to get a job without experience, getting experience without a job is not. With a little creativity, you can gain all the experience and knowledge you need to land that all-important first job.