While I think the advice is applicable, I'm not sure how it really differentiates from the shotgun resume approach. Either method involves making first contact, and nothing starts without some form of communication with the company you're interested in. The issue isn't throwing resumes at every company with no plan, the issue is actually getting to speak to someone at the company who knows what they're hiring for and is willing to talk to you about it. I don't think this article covers that first step (and nothing can be done without that initial contact).
