At Mentorloop we encourage all mentees to make it as easy as possible for their mentors. Ready to build a great mentorship? Let’s go.
If you haven’t already:
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Peruse your mentor’s digital professional profile.
Check out their LinkedIn profile, and if they have it, their other social media accounts or blog. -
Send through a quick bio or intro via Mentorloop chat.
Give them a bit of background on your career, where you want to go, and how you're hoping they can help you get there. -
Consider your goals for this mentorship.
Although you can ask your mentor for help in setting goals, it's helpful to give this a think before you meet. -
Help them help you.
Consider your needs and be open with your mentor about them; help your mentor support you better. -
Who, what, when, where, how…
Think about how often you want to touch base - through video call? At the local cafe?
During your meetings:
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Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel
You are responsible for driving this relationship.
Let your mentor know how you'll be tracking your progress - and do it!
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Clearly present your goals
Set some realistic timelines and be prepared to discuss challenges.Your mentor might help you amend this, but its best to come prepared.
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Seek feedback
Check in with your mentor and ask if there's anything you could do to make the time more valuable for the both of you. -
Pick up the tab or split it!
Meeting in person? Shoulder the coffee.
If meeting virtually, send a thank-you email afterwards.
After your meetings:
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Follow up with a summary email and get connected!
Include your meeting notes and actions, share your availability for the next meet-up, and send them a LinkedIn invite. -
Reflect on some actionable items
Have a think about some easy wins you can grab and try to do them before your next meeting. -
Be grateful and pay it back.
Thank them for their time and don't forget to ask if you can help with anything. The best mentoring relationships are reciprocal.
Things to remember:
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A mentor is not a therapist.
Try to avoid conversations that veer away from your goal or objectives. -
They’re not a recruitment agent either.
Avoid the temptation to ask them for a job. -
And they’re definitely not your parent.
They’re not here to solve your problems for you. -
Don’t be too clingy.
Contacting your mentor every time you have an issue is a quick way to kill the vibe.
It’s as easy as that. Not rocket science, but a little preparation goes a long way. And demonstrating that you’ve given this meeting some proper thought ahead of time will put your mentor at ease.
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Want to print this checklist and post it on your fridge? Yeah, I thought so. Here's the PDF version: