I've personally used several methods for initial contact to potential employers, including phone, LinkedIn, email, and website contact forms. I've actually gotten work due to making initial contact via phone for a job that was listed publicly. I was told later that it impressed the boss man. It helped express my interest, and set me apart from the field of applicants who most only applied online. I mainly wanted to know if the job was primarily JavaScript, and it was, so I applied.

When applying to employers who do **not** have specific positions listed, obviously writing cover letters and finagling resumes for companies that might not have matching positions available can be a huge waste of time, so at least in this case it seems like initial contact via less formal methods *seems* like it would always make sense... I would like anyone to weigh in for reasons that make that not a fair assumption.

BUT, for positions listed, especially when applying heavily, there may be questions a job seeker would like to ask before applying, so as to reduce time spent applying for work that may not be a fit. Is it appropriate to make contact informally before a formal application? I would wonder if employers might get overwhelmed if many applicants do this. I wouldn't want to take myself out of the running right at the outset by annoying an employer with questions about a job opportunity.