to ask for some networking advice so I can get this job?

[FreudianSlippery]

Just found an amazing opportunity to work somewhere I go a lot as a volunteer (in a group that uses the venue). And it turns out the guy running it is someone I've met a few times and chatted to. He's friendly and we got on well, I'm sure he's realised how much passion I have for these organisations.

Annoyingly I'm at a course tomorrow, whereas normally I'd be at this building so I could have a chat about the job. So I need to phone him first thing (job has a very narrow window so can't wait until next week)

I have never done anything like this - what's the etiquette? I'm basically just reminding him who I am in the hope that he'll consider me (I meet the minimum requirements but don't exceed them like other applicants might IYSWIM)

What do I say?!

Dunno, think I'd just stick the application in and flag up your links with the organisation in the covering letter. If he's involved in selecting applicants for interview, he may not be able to talk to you about it anyway - depending how strict/ethical the recruitment policy is.

Ah that's a good point thanks.

Although being horribly cynical it's probably the sort of thing that men do very well, being 'allowed' to be ambitious and all that, while women classically are well behaved and don't go all out to sell themselves. Sorry, am doing an about turn now! Maybe it wouldn't hurt just to call him and ask if it's OK to talk about the vacancy? Then you've flagged your application up while making it clear you'll respect any fair recruitment policy issues?

That's fab thanks. It's an application form rather than a CV, and there isn't much space for that sort of info. Maybe a covering letter would be good.

I'll call and ask to see what he says.

Not really expecting to get it as I'm sure there'll be more qualified people, but even the chance of an interview would be great as I'm sure he'd give me feedback.

Yeah I'd just call, explain who you are so it jogs his memory and say that you are planning on applying. Have a few questions prepared about the job that show your interest and understanding of the role. Good luck. :)

Tbh I don't even know what I'd ask if he was allowed to talk about the job. I guess what I'm hoping is that he'll see my name and remember who I am and be more likely to think "ah yes, she's good, let's interview her"...

We shall see. Eek.

I'll read the job profile again and pick out some questions.

I've not really had a proper job before so this is all new to me

It is fine to show your interest in a low key way. A quick call or chat to remind him, as you are suggesting, is fine. Pestering for extra tips
or when he can get back to you will probably be too much.

It is nice to a recruiter to know you are interested, and can make the difference.

It's perfectly reasonable to phone up to ask what the job entails in more detail. It's not cheating or putting him on the spot. Lots of job adverts state you can phone up to speak to the person you would be working for, to ask for more information. The op can ask what sort of candidate they're looking for, what sort of qualifications, type of experience and so on

Had a really good chat with him today - he explained all about the job spec and what I'd need to have in the application form!

That's great, FS. Best of luck. Hope you get it!

Good luck, FS!