If your daughter has a question about the application, your daughter needs to be the one asking for clarification.

I would keep it as casual as possible, speaking to the person instead of an email. So your first option I feel is a better one.

I would casually mention it in person as you describe if you will run into this person anyway. Then I'd probably follow up with an email thank-you/reminder, wording of which would depend on what is said during the conversation. If she says great I'll keep an eye out for her application then you can say something like thanks so much for considering my daughter for the xxx position.

I have had quite a few parents or friends of parents contact me about jobs for their kids. If the kid applies or sends me a resume and is even remotely qualified I ask the hiring manager to give them a shot; i.e. at least a phone interview. It doesn't happen so often that it's a burden to do that and my company is small enough that we can make that happen.

A couple of times this has led to good hires. I've also run into some who lacked the necessary communication skills, motivation and maturity required to make the cut.

First option is perfect. Not sure about following up by email though. Perhaps your daughter is the one to follow up based on your conversation? If additional information about the job is shared, for example.

Agree that first option is better. Depending upon her response, you may get to discuss a bit more with her. If so, you may be able to add, "DD has a question about the application--who can she reach out to?"

Regardless, any formal communication (i.e., documented communication like email) should definitely come from your daughter.

ETA, I know how you feel--I hate networking like this. I always feel like I'm taking advantage of a situation. But so many people do it and expect it.

Mention it in person and ask if your daughter can follow up with her.

I agree with Mtn. and Feathers.

They might be receiving hundred of applications and your daughter's could get lost in the mix.

In a perfect world there would be a summer job available for for everyone.

With this extra push, she will have something substantial under her belt and following searches will become easier for her.

This is good news and I am hoping it works out for your daughter.

I hope this works out for your daughter. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I agree with everyone else, so nothing to add. Definitely open the subject face-to-face and have your daughter follow up with an email about what she wants the job and what she brings to the table. If she gets an interview, a handwritten thank you note will not go awry.

Thanks, everyone. I will mention it in passing and either she or I will follow up by email if it seems appropriate. I appreciate the good wishes for her. I know she will get something soon. It’s just a matter whether or not it’s a job that will help her develop career skills or just slinging drinks and making good tips - but either way will pay for school next year which is the main objective. Thanks again.

Ps I think I will delete this thread shortly due to privacy. I always feel odd talking about others here.

Good luck to her!

Feathers I’m glad I saw your comment. It made me so heartened. Good for him.

Thank you, Daisy. I'm deleting my post. Thanks for the opportunity to share it.

Only comment if your statement is the truth and your daughter is excited about it. And if she has a question about the application, your daughter should follow up on it. I hire college students all the time, a red flag is that parents are my main contacts. There is nothing wrong with your daughter seeking out the answers to her question. It could be a plus. Any contact with the potential employer is potentially good, being motivated to seek out answers to a question is a plus. Being excited is a plus. Networking is putting the information in front of the potential employer. Just be careful not to put the information that you are more motivated than your daughter about this. And if it is a position with a historical organization, I doubt they have hundreds of applicants. Network away!! And good luck to your daughter. It is rare where qualifications PERFECTLY match the applicant. Self-motivation and the ability to learn and take advantage of a small amount of training is one of the biggest things they will be looking for. Specific things can be trained for, the right attitude towards the job is a little trickier to ascertain.

I received an amazing internship when in college because a parent of a friend of mine had gone to college with a lead neuroscience professor at the nearby medical college. The internship was in his research lab and it was an incredible experience. I'd have never found it on my own-- and while it was supposed to be unpaid, they had some grant money available so at the end of the summer, I received a nice big check.

I think your plan to reach out to your colleague is not only appropriate-- but really the path to the best positions.