Make sure all your headshots, your reel and your resume are up to date and present well. Use pictures that look like you now. The reel can be combined video footage of past theatrical, film and TV work, but don't worry if you don't have any real credits yet. Create a reel by doing monologues or scenes with friends and videotape your work.
Audition, audition, audition. If you don't have an agent who can get you regular auditions, look online and get the trade magazines and industry papers that list auditions, new films in your area and production companies starting up. Contact these and ask where to submit your information. Get on mailing lists for every theater company in town. When notifications come in, get out there and try for the part.
Audition for student films and community theater. This is especially true if you're just starting out. You want to be seen, of course, but every audition gives you experience in the process and gets you seen by someone who could become the next big name in show business. Remember: no role is too small. You have higher odds of landing a role in a student film than you do on the Sony or Warner Brothers lot.
Try out for commercials. If you have an agent, ask for some commercial auditions as well as TV and film. Check out variety shows, too, especially if you can also sing, play an instrument or perform in other creative ways.
Rehearse yourself or with friends to stay sharp and keep your monologues honed. It's vital to always be ready for an audition. Practice a skit or scenes and visit a local hospital or nursing home to perform in front of an audience.
Look into businesses in your area that do annual holiday and other events. Contact them and tell them you're an actor who can provide a scene, monologues or song and dance routines for their program. The Chamber of Commerce and other business-related venues may be of assistance.
Get in front of a camera with your skits, scenes and monologues. View the playbacks and critique yourself objectively. Work with several other actors for variation and discuss the acting experience with them.
Volunteer to help out at your local theater company, even if you auditioned but didn't get a part. Getting to know the directors and producers can sometimes give you an edge for future auditions.
Participate in re-enactment groups and history presentations using real people. These may not be your dream jobs, but they give you practice at creating character, staying in character, interacting with the public and feeling how an audience responds. Each performance and job is different, but you learn to adapt and improve your senses.
Embrace every role you land. Be a good team player with everyone involved in the production. Go the extra mile. Ask for feedback. Be kind. Laugh at your mistakes. Grow. Never let fear keep you from your goal.