I read a comment recently from a response to a newspaper article on how to avoid the “HR black hole” when submitting a resume for a job. This person suggested never going through the posted email or online process for a company, but rather, finding the internal hiring manager or executive and sending the resume to them directly. Well, that is a one strategy for getting your resume in front of the correct person, but is it the best?

 Circumventing the recruiter in the hiring process won’t necessarily give you the end result you desire and here is why: corporate recruiters are hired to help internal teams. They are these teams best friend in matching and screening appropriate candidates for the position, providing time management expertise, and being an advocate to the candidate on why they are the best person for the job. In turn, the hiring manager receives so many emails that your inquiry may get lost in the process and not go to the right person after all.  We work on behalf of the company but with the candidate in mind.  Resumes will end up coming in to recruiting department anyway so why not put your best foot forward and reach out to them in the beginning.

Additionally, getting your resume to the right audience helps tremendously. Make sure the position for which you are applying is the right fit for you per the outlined qualifications. Many a mistake is made when a candidate applies to the wrong (whether over or under qualified) job in the hope of getting a foot in the door. This only gives a wrong impression. The goal is for you to have the greatest success. So in order to do that understand the job for which you are applying; detail how your skills match well with the responsibilities; prep in the event by researching and understanding the company and product; and rework your resume so it is easy to ready and flows in a natural voice.

Beyond that, see which former colleagues are working at your target company.  Then ask them to forward your resume to the recruiting staff along with the aforementioned name. This way you get good advice and they get that employee referral bonus. Win-Win.

Here’s to you!