In this economy, it’s hard to get a job, but you aren’t really helping the cause. If you are between the ages of 16 and 30, you are probably terrible at marketing yourself.

Every time a friend of mine asks me to glance over their resume, I see enough whitespace to make an Apple billboard look cluttered. It’s really disheartening because it kind of kills the whole “riding other people’s coattails to success” long-term life plan I’ve been formulating.

Anyway, here are some ideas for padding your resume and landing a better job in 2011 so you can finally afford to get your family some better Christmas gifts next year. Before you dismiss career prospects because you don’t think you have any experience in the field, think.

Have you ever taken pictures at a party? You might say you’re a bit of a … freelance photographer.

How about that one time you curled your little sister’s hair before her senior prom? Some might even call you a … hair stylist in your own right.

And what about when you picked the playlist for that 4th of July barbecue? Sounds like … some DJ experience to me.

That time when you made the fliers for your yard sale? You probably wouldn’t have had such a turnout if it wasn’t for your admirable … graphic design abilities.

Remember when you sold vanilla Coke to an eager British eBayer? If that isn’t … international business, I don’t know what is.

Do you tweet? Are you on Facebook? Are you not on MySpace? I guess you’re basically a … social media expert then, am I right?

Two summers ago when you took your neighbor’s kids to the community pool? Yeah, that was really nice of you, you … lifeguard, you. Also, what a great nanny you are!

Last New Year’s Eve, when you and you alone were responsible for making sure everyone got their champagne or Jack and Coke? It would appear that you’re a bit of a … bartender.

Has your dad, mom, or boyfriend ever asked you to organize some paperwork for them? No? Well, have they ever asked you to bring them a coffee? Yes? How did you like being a … secretary?

Let’s not forget the time you accidentally altered the privacy to the album “;)” and had to convince your grandmother that you were doing shots of apple juice. All that damage control really made you quite the … PR whiz, did it not?

And hey, if you have a blog, a camera, and clothes, you are not only a … writer and photographer, but also a fashionista/fashion designer/model/entrepreneur. Cha-ching!

No more excuses. Now go out there and get that job you think you really want (until you actually get it).