Yikes... Networking...

[blueerica]

Though I seem to have the inside track on a couple of decent job opportunities in Utah, I am trying to get myself mentally geared for anything to happen. I have a few questions for those of you who have been out there...

I'm looking at a few other companies that have posted for positions that are higher than my experience level would allow. But not by much... Does it hurt to apply for those positions, or would my application/resume just find its way into the trash? I would love to even take a lesser position with some of these companies, how would I find out? Do I contact their human resources department? Do I contact the person listed in contact information for other job opportunities?

I'm feeling a bit stripped of my current network in SoCal (plus, the base available at my school, though I'm going to be looking into any links CSULB might have for Salt Lake City) - so I'm trying to just put myself more ahead.

Bleh. Any ideas?