Thinking back on my flying career, I realize that half the jobs I got were because I had a friend walk in my resume to the Chief Pilot.
Having the hours and the experience were a pre-requisite, but having the inside contact got my resume and app on the top of the interview pile.
I even remember my first meeting with one CP, he said, " see that pile of resumes over there, honestly I only look at the ones with an internal recommendation"