I understand that a lot of people survived on creating their own wares or as a part of a trade, and I understand the process of how that'd happen, but what about other jobs?
Let's say, in a inn, how did they hire staff? Would all staff be friends/family and thus it'd be very informal? Did a formal way of seeking employees exist, like how we have resumes these days?
Before the industrial revolution (in Europe at least) the vast majority of people were involved in agriculture. You didn't necessarily search out a job but were rather born into your position in life. Most people (regardless of class) would spend a portion of their life as apprentices to other families. This could be other farms or trades. Those who began a career in trades would often be required to join a trade guild who closely managed the numbers of people participating in that trade. Your best chance at entrepreneurship would be to be an importing/exporting trade merchant or perhaps start an urban brewery. These were usually self made men or women.
You could also raise your position in life by becoming a government official. More often than not this involved the administration of taxes and the associated industry regulations.
The modern notion of an "inn" didn't really exist too much prior to the 19th century. "Inns" were really just family homesteads that were willing to take in travelers for a fee.
Follow up question: same question for early in the industrial revolution?
What were interviews like, if there were any? Resumes? References? How about promotions within a company?
The trade system was the easiest choice; beginning around age 13, many people would start in an apprenticeship. It wasn't necessarily into a trade in the family, contracts could be signed with any trade shop looking to take one on. Choices were made based on the child's abilities and interests as well. Apprenticeships commonly took 7 years, though some trades required more or less. They would learn the trade itself, all necessary life skills, and per the contract be provided with clothing, food, room, etc as agreed upon. After they completed their time they could be considered a Journeyman/woman and would start receiving pay for their work. At that point, they could also move to another shop or start up their own business. Perhaps becoming a master of their own shop or an official master of their trade (some trades were highly regulated by guilds and required certain things to achieved first). Other shops looking to hire or take on apprentices put out advertisements, sometimes very specific on what skills are needed to be hired.
Wanted Immediately, A Journeyman Blacksmith who is a proficient in his business, particularly the branches belonging to coach-making, and who can be recommended for sobriety. Such a person may hear of good encouragement, by applying to he Printer hereof. (Philadelphia, Dec. 10, 1768)
Key things you can see there are that the journeyman will likely have to prove his abilities and have what we term a reference for his sobriety! That last part is not uncommon in ads. There are also run-away ads that give some evidence.
Was committed to my custody, on the 22nd inst. on suspicion of being a runaway servant, a certain man, who calls himself Henry Porter, he is an Irishman, about 23 years of age, about 5 feet 8 inches high, by trade a barber ...says he has waited upon Captain Hay, and worked as a Journeyman for Jacob Myer, peruke-maker, in Philadelphia... (Philadelphia, November 5, 1767)
Whether the man actually did work for Jacob Myer, we don't know, but he clearly saw that as a way to prove his innocence. It seems likely that system would also do well to pick up a new job, whether in a trade or not. The same system of references we use today, though easier to falsify. And it wasn't just what was used for what we consider trades. Households, kitchens, and taverns (of which we had many in the Colonies that do fit that old trope) would hire in the same manner:
Wanted, a Woman Cook, that can be well recommended for her Honesty and Sobreity. Enquire of H. Gaine. (New York, March 24, 1764)
"Recommended" is the word seen over and over in these advertisements. You also see ads put out by newly arrived tradespeople who have just opened shop and are trying to find customers:
JOHN MAUD, Taylor from Dublin (late from Halifax.) Has just opened SHOP in King street, two doors below the British coffee-house, where he engages to make Gentlemen's clothes laced or plain in the newest fashion.---Likeways Ladies habits laced or plain.--- He will work on the most reasonable terms, and will take back any clothes that may happen not to suit. (Boston, August 3, 1769)
They usually advertise where they have arrived from, the latest fashion or manner of doing things being very important in many trades.