Online resume submission – utilizing long-lost contact advantageous or desperate? (employee, applying)

[melanieJ]

I’m applying for a state job (the perfect job (!)) via an online submission process. About a year ago, I had some brief business communication (email and phone) with an employee of the organization who works in the same department to which I’m applying. However, she has no influence in the HR/hiring process. Should I consider contacting her again before (or after?) I submit the resume? Does this seem desperate coming from someone she last spoke with over a year ago? On the other hand, I want to bring every advantage to the table, especially in an online process where my resume risks falling into the black hole!

If you contacted this person, what would you say?
Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

[donie1]

If you were on good terms with this person, I certainly would contact her and let her know that you're applying for the position. See what she has to say. It can't hurt and like you said you don't want the application to go into a black hole. Good luck!

[melanieJ]

Thanks! Yes, we were most definitely on good terms.

[melanieJ]

The position is also at my alma mater, so I'd think being an alumnus would also be an advantage. It's nice to feel excited and hopeful about a potential job prospect again! I do have a job now, but would leave it in a heartbeat for this one.