HR people do not know who to hire. They have a list of specific qualifications but do not have an understanding of how skills are applied to meet those qualifications. Get your resume in the hands of the management who is hiring. That's what you use the "who you know" for.Having a sturdy portfolio helps pry that door open a bit more as well..and is handy in H2H combat with belligerent HR people
HR people do not know who to hire. They have a list of specific qualifications but do not have an understanding of how skills are applied to meet those qualifications. Get your resume in the hands of the management who is hiring. That's what you use the "who you know" for.