When you are looking for a mentor, remember that they are not there to replace your boss or mentor at work. They are there to support you as a colleague and as a friend. What you should look for in a mentor is someone who is willing to be a sounding board for your ideas, someone who will be critical, but not destructive. This might be different from person to person, but you should look for someone who is willing to offer constructive criticism, but who will also offer encouragement and support.
Tips on Finding the Right Mentor
To help you find the right mentor, consider the following points and apply them to your search:
Know what to expect from your mentor—and what not to expect
Look for a mentor with knowledge and experience in your field of work
Be open to different perspectives
Be specific about your needs and goals
Make sure you are accessible
You’ll likely have more than one mentor in life
These tips from Toast & Jam Community will make it easier to find the right mentor for your chosen profession.
How a Mentor Can Help You Succeed
You can find an advisor to support you in your career already from the start. Here’s how a mentor can help you succeed:
Help You Build Confidence: A mentor can provide you with the confidence you need to tackle the challenges you might face.
Provide Advice on the Job Search: A mentor can help you with the job search by providing advice on resources, research, and networking. A good mentor can also help you navigate the application process.
Help You Develop New Skills: A good mentor can help you develop skills that are important to succeed in your career. This can include areas like communication, time management, or learning a new skill.
Help You Network: Networking is one of the most important skills you can have for your career, and a good mentor can help you improve your networking skills.
Tips on How to Be a Good Mentee: Making the Most of a Mentoring Relationship
Be Proactive: When a professional offers mentoring, they want to help you succeed. So be proactive and help them whenever you can. It is important that you show your mentor that you appreciate their help.
Be Respectful: Your mentor is your mentor because they are willing to help you. Treat them with respect, and they will treat you the same way.
Be Persistent: Mentoring is a long-term relationship. Be persistent, yet patient, and you will eventually get the mentoring relationship that you want.
Be Honest: Honesty is key in any relationship. If you are interested in something that your mentor is doing, ask them straight out.
Be Grateful: Finally, remember to be grateful that someone is willing—and even eager—to help you succeed. You can show your appreciation by being a receptive mentee.
Be Sure to Update Your Resume
When you find a potential mentor, take the time to update your resume and make sure that it reflects any skills or experience that your new mentor might be interested in. You do not want to waste this opportunity if they are not interested in those areas. You can create a stellar and professional-looking resume by utilizing a free resume builder. You can choose from a library of professionally designed resume templates, and then add your own colors, copy, images, and more.
By: Carleen Moore cmoore@thebizbuzz.net
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