Bucky,

Not ord based but maybe the chief is swamped? Cut the middle man out, have your friend send it directly to hr along with his employee number and that letter of recommendation he wrote for you. Also, include another letter of recommendation from your last employer. Don't forget to send a thank you letter as well.

FYI not everyone with an internal recommendation receives an invitation for an interview, if they do it takes a bit longer than a week or two.