Employment question: contact directly, or not?

[cdn2wheeler]

Got a message from an old work buddy saying that his organization - an international, multi-bazillion dollar insurance and investment firm - is looking for someone with my qualifications. So I fired off a resume through their regular online process.

Now, the fellow that will actually be doing the hiring is someone I knew briefly during a short-term contract with that particular firm. But he'll only get to see the candidates that the HR department recommends.

I have to decide whether to contact him or not.

If I do, I'll be using up his time and that's the most precious resource he has. As well, doing so may put the HR department's nose out of joint which means that my resume might get somehow filtered out (this sort of thing happens ALL the time, by the way).

If I don't, I won't have a chance re-introduce myself and "present my case" to him directly.

What to do, what to do?

(On a similar note, I was listening to a bit of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich book on CD on the weekend. He tells a story of getting his first job. First, he sent off an application, then called them once a week, then sent them a telegram every couple of days, then called them every day. Eventually they offered him a job. Try that today and you'll get arrested for harassment!)

[Zukin]

Here's a third alternative that I hear works better which I read in John Lucht's book Rites of Passage. Try getting a referral to the guy from someone he knows and likes.

[cdn2wheeler]

Originally Posted by Zukin

Here's a third alternative that I hear works better which I read in John Lucht's book Rites of Passage. Try getting a referral to the guy from someone he knows and likes.

Excellent idea. I've just emailed a buddy who works there and asked him for a referral. I'll post the result once I hear.

Thanks, Zukin!