Asking someone to mentor you is a big step, so a little nervousness is completely normal. It doesn't have to be daunting, though. Here are our top matching tips to help you find, and request, the right mentor.
Am I imposing by asking someone to be my mentor?
Not at all. Every mentor in your program has volunteered their time and expertise, they've actively put their hand up because they want to help. Mentoring is also a two-way street: mentors get a great deal out of the relationship too, so there's no need to feel like you're asking for a favour. Ask with confidence.
How do I decide what kind of mentor I want?
Start by getting clear on what you want. Different people need different kinds of support, so think about the mentoring style that suits you and what you're hoping to learn. A mentor might have exactly the right expertise, but if their style doesn't fit your needs, it may not click.
Knowing this in advance also helps you communicate it to prospective mentors. They can then accept and make small adjustments to suit each other, or decline and perhaps recommend a colleague who'd be a better fit. For the same reason, it's worth thinking about exactly what you hope to learn before you reach out.
How do I write a good match request?
Keep it personal and enthusiastic. After a short introduction, tell the mentor why you chose them, their experience, or the field you want to break into, and outline what you're hoping to learn. A tailored request gives you the best chance not just of getting a match, but of getting a good one. Keep it snappy, though; you can save the in-depth discussions for when you meet.
Here's an example of a good match request:
"Hi Rob, my name is Kath and I've been with [company] for just over a year. I've recently been promoted to [role], and this is my first time in a managerial position. I'm currently working on improving my stakeholder management, and I can see you have loads of experience in this area. I'd really value a mentor like you!"
For the steps involved, learn how to request a mentoring match here.
What if a prospective mentor declines?
Don't sweat it. Have a look at whether they left a reason, often it's simply that they don't have capacity for another mentee, or they feel they're not the right person for what you're looking for. It's not a reflection on you. Give the search another go; you're bound to find your mentoring match soon enough.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my match request be?
Short and snappy. A few sentences is plenty: who you are, why you've chosen them, and what you're hoping to learn. Save the deeper conversations for your first meeting, the goal here is simply to spark a connection.
Can I request more than one mentor?
In most programs, yes, Mentorloop supports multiple connections. Some Program Coordinators set a match-request limit to encourage intentional matching, so it's worth focusing on quality over quantity and reaching out to the mentors who feel like the best fit.
Once you've found your match
When you've made your match, set yourself up for a great start: brush up on how to be a great mentee, complete the Mentoring Agreement with your new mentor, and run through the First Meeting Checklist. Good luck!