In today's difficult economy, job seekers are looking for more effective ways of finding jobs and getting the work they need. The traditional methods of sending out resumes and cover letters or responding to classified ads can be expensive and time consuming. They can also have a very inefficient rate of return on time and money.

With a little research and creative thinking, finding a job today can be less frustrating, much less expensive and more rewarding. Online resources make the job hunting process today much different from what it was even ten years ago. Searching for a new job online is usually free, requires no investment in gas, babysitting or postage and it's possible to reach and reply to many more prospective employers than it would be in person. Additionally, conducting a job search online allows people to look for the perfect position around the corner or across the country.

There are many online resources for finding jobs that don't require any sign-up fees or membership costs. Large databases such as Yahoo Jobs, Monster and the like allow job hunters to search for jobs in various industries and based on their experience, skills and interests. New jobs are added frequently and users can also find good information on the companies that are posting employment positions. One downside is that there is a great deal of traffic on these sites, so the competition for some positions can be stiff.

Craigslist is another great online resource. There's a Craigslist for most locations and depending on the town searched, there is often less competition than with the larger databases. Most Craigslist sites are quite active, so new jobs may be posted daily. Craigslist is also an excellent source for telecommuting jobs, which might be a good alternative for some. It is important, though, to be careful of scams and "business opportunities" on Craigslist.

Forums and websites related to work in specific fields and industries may be another great resource. A quick Google search can turn up forums, groups and Facebook pages in any field. These types of sites are the new "word of mouth" in the digital age. Job openings are often posted or discussed and can lead to opportunities that have not been advertised elsewhere. That means less competition, too. Just be careful not to get caught up in web browsing rather than serious job hunting.

Finding jobs with specific companies is also made easy online. A visit to any company website will usually lead to the company's employment opportunities and application submission wizards. Job hunters can apply to dozens of companies online in far less time than by mail or in person. Today's economy may be difficult, but today's digital culture makes finding a job much easier.

It was spring, 2007, and I was sitting in a computer programming class while the instructor talked about big opportunities with big companies. The average business major coming out of college was expected to make $46,000 that year, but the programming business jobs easily went into the $50k range.

He painted a very vivid picture of the end goal, but I saw that something was missing. How are you supposed to go from point A (where you are now) to point B (earning $50k per year)? So I asked him.

"Get a job," was his reply. My classmates laughed and I sheepishly put my hand back down. It was funny, but it still didn't answer my question. It's like you were expected to have a job fall into your lap as soon as you graduated.

Well, I've learned a few things since then. And since I'm a huge fan of lists with actionable items, I've put this together for you.

Without further ado... the Top 5 Secrets To Getting A Job After College:

1. Use Your Network

Networking in real life is different than how it was taught in college. I'm a pretty shy person sometimes, and I put a high value on having real relationships. The last thing I want to do is rub elbows with a bunch of business hotshots at a career fair and give an elevator pitch 25 times. Plus, the way students prepare and get worked up for some of these networking events, you'd think they were going to meet President Obama.

It's so much easier than that, thanks to Facebook. Post a simple status message letting people know that you are looking for work, and anybody who knows you can see it. The number of available jobs out there is increasing, but if you can get a referral through somebody who can personally vouch for you, the odds of getting work are stacked in your favor.

You can also hit your email contacts list and send people one-off messages asking if they know of any leads at their workplaces. I made a habit of telling friends all over that I was looking, and a few people really came through for me.

Remember, who you know is just as important as what you know...if not more.

2. Fix Your Resume

Ok, if you are fresh out of college, you probably have next to zero real work experience. But that's fine. We all have to start somewhere. You probably also have more community service time under your belt than you'll ever have again, and I'm willing to bet you participated in some kind of extra-curricular activities (beyond getting wasted).

You can probably find a job with requirements that mirror some of the projects you did in school. And you can use some of your favorite professors as references on your resume. Just play up the enthusiasm factor and be very willing to learn. Many companies would rather hire a yet-to-be-proven rockstar than a washed up corporate veteran, and they will often pay to have you trained on the job.

And it always helps to have your resume hand delivered by a friend on the inside. It literally sets you apart from the pile. Also, bring your resume by the career services department at your school...and have a friend or professor take a look at it before you send it off.

3. Nail The Interview

Wear nice clothes appropriate to your desired position, and dress up half a notch if it's your style. This means wear a tie or a jacket if the dress code is slacks and a button up (for guys, obviously). Be sure your clothes are comfortable, and that you smell good but not overpowering. If you feel comfortable and confident in your appearance, your body language will naturally follow.

Speak clearly, comfortably, and naturally. And ask questions so the interviewer sees that a) you care and b) you aren't a vegetable. When the interview is over, follow up by mailing a handwritten thank you card to your interviewer. This is a nice touch that will set you apart in the e-mail age.

4. Negotiate For Your Salary

I've successfully botched this step, and it set me back for my entire two year duration of employment at one company. I've also played this card right and earned the quickest $10,000 in my life.

Don't get overexcited when they give you a job offer. If you take a few minutes to prepare for this step, you can dramatically jumpstart your career. Talk with friends or search around to find the appropriate salary for somebody in your position, so you have a reference point. I have a good rule of thumb though, especially if you are shy: Ask for more money than you think you are worth. This gives you some breathing room in case they come back with a lower counter offer.

5. Work Harder (And Smarter)

Ok, admittedly this tip won't help you get a job...but it will help you keep a job, and it may even help you get promoted. Never be afraid to ask questions if you don't know the answer. Most people have a fear that people will think of them as stupid or weak because they asked too many questions. In reality, the people who ask questions will make fewer mistakes and develop a stronger relationship with their boss.

Also, be willing to do the crap work that nobody else will touch. It will make you look like a go getter, and the boss will be able to count on you to get the job done when better work comes along.