Experienced Analyst – Switching Shops

What are the odds of obtaining an interview by directly emailing someone high up (e.g., PM, MD, etc.) at another fund (let’s assume that you utilized your current network, but to no avail)? You’re interested in a very specific area of finance and have access to several databases which lists key information such as fund size, strategy and relevant contact info. You then devote a good amount of time targeting specific funds that interest you and are able to find enough information on them through additional research.

Would it be better to: 1. network with the unknown person by setting up an informational interview; 2. sending a personalized cover letter to the same person and including a resume; or 3. none of the above? I have been leaning towards the 2nd option – the employer will know you’re only interested in a job when setting up an informational interview anyway and if there is something available it will likely be just as successful with half of the work. The only negative with the 2nd option is the fact that networking can lead to additional contacts – I’m just not sure how likely this is when reaching out to someone with whom you had no prior contact with. The 3rd option - none - indicates that both options are VERY unlikely to lead to anything, so neither are worth one's time.

Please discuss. Thanks