First Meeting Checklist for Mentees

Georgia Pascoe
Georgia Pascoe
  • Updated

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:

  • 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: 

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • 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:

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