Word-of-mouth leads in Birmingham - what worked for you?

Two small Birmingham employers told me they are hiring but have not posted yet. Any experience at all would help. They like a brief email with a résumé. Does anyone have similar leads?

A short email with two sentences about what you can do and your résumé attached worked for me. I followed up after a week.

Small employers often hire on recommendation. Ask neighbours, former co-workers and your library.