If I find the person to whom I would report for a job should I try and connect directly or focus on someone who works for this person?

Original Question:
IF I FIND THE PERSON TO WHOM I WOULD REPORT FOR A JOB SHOULD I TRY AND CONNECT DIRECTLY OR FOCUS ON SOMEONE WHO WORKS FOR THIS PERSON?

Response:
Assuming the interview process is not in the late stages, you will want to approach the hiring manager in two steps: Learn and Influence.

LEARN:
To differentiate yourself from other candidates, you want to promote the experiences/style that best fits what the company needs.

Meeting with company insiders will help you understand the business model, department and current issues. You will want to meet with people outside the department to give you a well-rounded view. If time allows, meeting with vendors (e.g. auditors) can also give you an objective view.

Even if you’ve worked for the company before, I would recommend refreshing your information to understand the most important issues (e.g. integrating new software, cash crunch, etc.)

INFLUENCE:
There are people who have a strong relationship with the hiring manger that can promote you to the hiring manager. In ascending order of influence: outside colleague, direct report, peer, and boss – their relationship with the hiring manager gives their recommendation more weight.

The reason these people will be compelled to promote/introduce you to the hiring manager is the effectiveness of your pitch (both content and delivery) – short, relevant and convincing is what makes you memorable.

The best experience does not always win; it’s usually the person who can best explain how they can use their experience on behalf of the company.

IF TIME IS SHORT: I would recommend getting to someone in the hiring manager’s department to get a sense of the most critical issues. Switching to phone versus face-to-face reduces the effectiveness of the ability to influence, but allows you to talk with more people in a short time.

IF THE COMPANY IS SMALL: Same process, except the lines between Learn and Influence are blurred – since people are likely to have a relationship with the hiring manager.