In poker, there is a term called a "feeler bet." It's a bet made to gain information by gauging opponents' reactions. If you're job or internship hunting, your "feelers" are your contacts. How you use them can help or hinder your prospects.

It can be frustrating. You find a position or internship that's tailor-made for you. So you send your wittiest cover letter and flawless resume and nothing happens. Even after a couple of follow-up emails, you don't even get a "thank-you-for-applying" form letter. At this point, some people start sending out feelers by reaching out to their contacts for information.

Stop.

Reaching out to your contacts should have been your first move. This sounds like common sense, but if you are doing the rapid response to postings on Monster, it's easy to forget to do your research before applying for a position.

Doing this as a follow-up, puts you at a disadvantage and may put your contacts in uncomfortable positions. If your contacts have any influence and they are made aware of you late in the game, they may have lost any opportunity to sell you, because decisions may have already been made. And let's say your contacts aren't major players. There's little, if anything, they can do at this point. Don't expect them to kick the door down of HR or the creative director and make them re-examine your credentials. With early notice, they could've given you a name or taken your application directly to someone of influence.

Playing your contact card first shows the initiative that may help you rise above the slush pile. Playing the contact card last kills every advantage and it may look like a play of a desperate person, which never looks attractive to a potential employer.

For all of my new readers, remember this: Many advertising positions aren't posted. They are often filled through referrals. Use your contacts wisely.

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