Good luck, OP! I think you used LinkedIn exactly as intended. And it sounds like your former co-worker is handling things the best way he can. I am a fed myself, so know what he's saying about it being out of his hands mostly.

This is op. Contacted him and he was very helpful. Its a fed agency so he said although he cannot do anything at the reviewing resume stage, he said to contact him if I am called for an interview and he'll put in a good word. Thanks!

Yes! I think this is what LinkedIn is for...

Definitely do it! People have reached out that way to me before.

My dh worked the Linkedin contacts big time with his latest job search, and I am pretty sure it made the difference in him getting two offers.

Not a problem at all. I'd go for it.

OP here. He is an executive in this office if that helps, meaning, he has clout.

I am thinking of contacting someone from my old job via linkedin about employment opportunities where this person currently works. At my old job we had a couple of interactions but nothing significant. We just connected on linkedin (I initiated) yesterday and last week I applied for a job at his office. I want to shoot him a message indicating my interest in working there and asking if he has any suggestions on how I can get my resume noticed. How would you feel about someone contacting you like this? Thanks