Generally no as people typically spam their CV, especially when I'd had a job advertised to contact HR and people guess me as the hiring manager. This will work

Generally no as people typically spam their CV, especially when I'd had a job advertised to contact HR and people guess me as the hiring manager. This will work against you most likely. But really it would depend how you make contact. If you simply send a CV saying I want a job, you'll get the brush off. The exceptions are; 1) If I've worked with someone even if it's not a close relationship. Then I'm much more open to chatting about something coming up or sending someone to a colleague as a recommended known quantity. 2) Send useful information. e.g. Send a document saying something my business is currently doing that I am responsible for and you feel by doing XYZ you could improve this. If its a good idea with realistic implementation I'd likely chat and consider a contract which might lead to something more permanent. This I feel is the best way to approach someone if looking for a job. Edit: Fixing embarrassingly bad grammar.