I recently applied to a job I'm excited about and I want to push my resume along. The application process went through their generic system, so I'm assuming that nobody will read it unless I get in touch with someone directly.

The question: What's the protocol on sending a message to a potential hiring manager, or someone who might have a say in the process? I found someone on LinkedIn, but don't have Premium (sorry, $60/month is too much for someone about to be unemployed) so I can't connect or send him a message that way. Most companies have similar email formats for their employees, i.e. [email protected] or [email protected]. Should I try sending an email to this person, using various formats until I find the right one? My concern would be appearing intrusive and DQing myself from consideration. I'm worried that a hiring manager would just see an email asking for personal favors and rub them the wrong way.

Follow up (if I should send an email), what should the content of the message say? Should I apologize for the cold email, or just say something like "Hi, I'm interested in xxx job and would love to speak with you about it, here's my contact info."

I have no problem sending out cold emails, I just want general thoughts on the most effective method of getting your application seen without rubbing people the wrong way. I assume that nobody will read my application, but there's always the chance that I would have been considered had I not sent out an "intrusive email."

Thanks!