However, the VP of your major function will usually be a better alternative. In most cases, sending your letter or resume to the appropriate functional head will get it into the hands of the right person. Some people may wonder if this kind of information can be helpful to recent graduates and career changers. Make no mistake- it can be extremely valuable to persons in those situations. Well, there is one fundamental reason.
Small firms are less constrained by traditions common to major companies.
In most cases. They're making their own new rules everyday. Some of the new breed of presidents answer their own phones, work in shirtsleeves, and are on the shop floor everyday. Personnel departments in these firms are less likely to be screening out, but instead are probably looking at every single prospect with an open mind. They've long since realized there are not enough people with experience in their own field and are likely to be more action-oriented.