My search firm works with HR departments routinely. And so, the title of this column might ruffle a feather or two. But I hear frustration daily from attorneys who never get a response after applying for positions that are being handled directly by internal HR folks (over 90% of all openings). It’s time to put in writing the advice I usually offer when I get those calls.

This is the advice: Go Around Human Resources.

Let’s say you want to join the fictitious in-house legal department at Acme Corp. Either Acme has an active opening in its legal department, or it does not. What follows is a “how to” approach for each scenario.

If Acme has formally posted an opening on its website, any response will go to a person who holds a human resources title. This individual reviews thousands of resumes per year, mainly for positions that have nothing to do with the legal department. His or her unwritten job description includes this: keep initial inquiries as far away as possible from actual decision-makers or, in HR terminology, “hiring managers.” Unfortunately, HR folks are ill-equipped to screen for attorney credentials. In other words, they do not know the difference between Kirkland & Ellis and the law firm of Evers & Evers (my mom would have been proud).

Take a two-pronged approach. First, respond as directed by the posting. Edit your resume to emphasize bullet-point experiences that match up with the job description. The HR person will look for buzz words. If your title, years of experience and bullet points all match the job description, you may get called by HR for an interview. But the main point of the exercise is to make sure that you are indeed following the company’s application protocol.

Second, but more importantly, identify the general counsel and send a copy of your resume directly to the GC. In a brief cover note, state:

“I have applied to the Senior Counsel posting on your web site. Please consider my credentials and skill set.” Insert one line about why you would bring value to the legal department at Acme. One only! Close with: “If my resume aligns for you, please relay that assessment to the recruiter in charge of scheduling interviews for this opening. Thank you.”

No general counsel will be offended by your approach. If the GC likes the resume, he or she will act on it.

Hiring the right talent is critical to the success of a general counsel, and GCs understand the limitations of HR as a screening mechanism. Therefore, most GCs will look at a resume, and because they see so many, they can tell pretty quickly if yours is on the mark. If Acme has a large legal department and the position reports to an assistant general counsel, then the general counsel will usually forward your email to the right “hiring manager.”

A second scenario is one where there is no opening in the legal department at Acme, but you still wish to apply for a position. Frankly, that’s an easier situation, because you simply avoid human resources completely. However, be realistic and think long term. It is rare, and becoming rarer, to see a company hire in the absence of a pressing need accompanied by an approved opening. The realistic goal is to get in the door and become known to the general counsel so that you are well-positioned when an opening arises.

Do you know someone at a senior level within Acme, either in the executive suite or one of the business units? If so, try to leverage this relationship into a personal introduction with the general counsel. If an in-person meeting is not possible, ask if your contact is willing to present a resume on your behalf. As a secondary option, you can always send your resume directly to the GC with a simple cover letter. Cover letters should be short, as GCs are turned off by the puffery of a wordy letter. The resume, however, can be two or three pages. A good general counsel wants substance and will appreciate a resume that demonstrates how you might add value to the team.

One final detail: By “letter,” of course I’m referring to text in an email and an attachment. Do your best to acquire or figure out email addresses. Paper resumes via regular mail warm my nostalgic heart, but they are no longer viewed as an adorable way to stand out. They just get thrown out.

Mike Evers recruits attorneys for corporate legal departments throughout the United States. Visit www.everslegal.com. His firm also offers experienced in-house counsel to companies on an adjunct basis.