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“Been there, done that” may well be your reaction to more advice on how to land a job. In today’s slow economy, you need to think differently to get noticed. Of course, you still have to go the traditional route of applying through classifieds or job sites. But it’s time to beef up your old routine with fresh strategies. Here, some creative ideas to get noticed by employers.

1. Join e-groups. There are groups for engineers, writers, freelancers, interior designers, cooks—just about any occupation you can think of. If you haven’t tapped these online communities, sign up now.

2. Exceed expectations. It never hurts to see things from the employer’s viewpoint. One young writer outdid his experienced competitors by including with his resume not just his work samples, but a comprehensive list of related article suggestions. The editor appreciated his enthusiasm and hired him.

3. Keep connected. A long period of unemployment can make you want to hide. Don’t. Personal referrals and networking are still as effective as ever. Stay in good terms with your friends, peers, colleagues, bosses, church groups, even ex-girlfriends. They can put in a good word or two for you to a potential employer. Go to workshops, trade shows, conferences and other professional events to get industry updates and connections.

4. Consider a side trip. If your expertise isn’t the most in demand at the moment, how about taking a related job? This way, you’ll pick up a couple of new skills as you wait for your career to sizzle again. Your additional knowledge will earn you extra points with the recruiter.

5. Be a volunteer. It may seem a demotion, but working without pay or for a token fee can be a door to better opportunities. Too, you avoid embarrassing questions about work gaps even as you manage to keep your skills sharp.

What all this simply means is that the waiting time is over. If you need a job badly, you have to go for it with whatever works. Be on the lookout for opportunities however they present themselves; it’s the only way to win the job survivor race.

Conducting an effective job search requires a clear understanding of the job market and the know how to use some of the skills and techniques. Here are some myths and misconceptions concerning the effective methods for achieving success, followed by corresponding realities.

Myth 1: Anyone can find a job in today's low unemployment job market.

Reality: The job markets of many countries have been the employees' market for the recent years. However, it does not follow that anyone who possesses intelligence and concrete work skills can effortlessly find a good job. Having positive attitudes and self-esteem, abilities of setting goals and solving problems, skills of interpersonal communications may help in succeeding job search. But more importantly, he must know where to find a job a post-industrial and high-tech society. The visible job market in which vacancies are advertised in media channels is highly fragmented and chaotic. On the other hand, the hidden job market in which vacancies are not advertised but passing through word-of-mouth, is still unknown to most job seekers.

Myth 2: Employers hire the best qualified candidates. Inexperienced job seekers do not stand a good chance in the competitive job market.

Reality: Employers seldom hire the best qualified candidates because "qualifications" are difficult to define and measure in any job interview. Personal traits and other virtuous aspects of an individual such as being purposeful, persistent, pleasant, competent, intelligent, honest, independent, confident and well-mannered, can possibly be measured in a job interview. Employers want value for their money and do not hire people for no reason. Being an inexperienced applicant, do not emphasize your own demands and never volunteer your weaknesses by saying "I'm sorry I don't have such experience..." On the contrary, you should define employer's goals or needs as your skills and strengths, and you might end up in the driver's seat.

Myth 3: Job seekers should not try to use contacts or connections to get a job.

Reality: Employers hire people who can contribute more than they worth. Employers care less whether applicants make use of contacts or have connections with whom they know. Moreover, if an applicant is strongly recommended by someone the employer knows and trusts, his chances of getting a job is higher than one without. Standing in line for a job often reduces possibilities of being selected, or even being noticed. If for one reason or another job seekers prefer to apply through front door like everyone else when he can use personal contacts, it is because they just want to test their luck. They are probably not serious enough in getting a job.