If you have a bottom drain - start your pump with that and with skimmer off.
Put hose in skimmer to fill the line and try to remove air
Switch from bottom drain suction to partial skimmer and see if the skimmer now can suck water.
If no bottom drain - then just continue to fill skimmer (both if you have 2) with a garden hose to remove any excess air.
Also, take cap off of pump and fill water from that side.
You can also help by bleeding air from your filter or if you have a valve on output side of your pump.