3 types of career mentors (& how to approach them)

Calling is one way to approach a mentor

by Karen Adamedes

Mentors can be a valuable career asset. Mentors can provide knowledge, guidance on your career, access to networks, and honest, valuable feedback. Or they might simply be a sounding board – to discuss how you handled a situation or how you should tackle something in the future.

The question is, who could be a mentor for you? And how on earth do you ask them to help you?

Here are 3 potential people who could be suitable mentors for you. And suggested approaches you could make to them:

Mentor Target 1: Someone you know

If you approach someone with whom you have an established relationship, you can get straight to discussing the area you are seeking help with.

You don't even have to formally ask them to be your mentor - you can get straight down to business. For instance, you could try:“I'm currently working on improving my (insert your skill of choice), and I was wondering if we could catch up so I could ask you a few questions about how you…?” or “Given that I work from home but still want to work on developing my skills I’d really appreciate if we could have a call about…” And another: “It's been really helpful when we've talked previously about xyz; I have a few career options that I'm weighing up, and I wonder if you'd have time for a call?”

Who could resist? These approaches explain why you want their valuable time and how they can help. If you ask this way and are turned down, it will usually be for a genuine reason, such as time or work pressures. Not because they don't want to help you. At the very least, you will have represented yourself as a professional who is serious about your career. If they agree, it could be a one-off conversation about the issue you raise, or the beginning of a longer-term mentoring relationship. You don't have to formally ask if the person will mentor you.

A follow-up thank-you call, a second meeting… You start to build a relationship by catching up regularly, and before you know it, you've got them. (As a mentor that is!)

Mentor Target 2: Your manager who is moving on

If your manager (or a colleague) is moving on to a new opportunity, you have a good rapport, and there are things you would still like to learn from them, formalize a mentoring relationship so you can stay in touch. I once had a manager resign six weeks after I took a job specifically so I could work with them (sigh…), but we remained in contact for many years, and I still had the opportunity to learn from her.

If your manager is moving on but you would like to formalize an ongoing relationship, ask, “I am so pleased you have this opportunity. But I'll miss the chance to work with you and learn more about your approach to XYZ. Do you think you might be able to continue working with me on this as a mentor?” Formalizing your relationship before they walk out the door makes it legitimate for you to keep in contact even if they're up to their necks in their new role. They will remember the commitment they made to you.

Mentor Target 3: Someone you don't know (well)

It’s probably best to have some vague association with the person, rather than randomly approach senior managers to land a mentor. This association – whether you work in the same organization or business unit, someone has recommended you to approach them, or you have a work issue in common – whatever it is, is your introduction as to why you are getting in touch and will allow you to establish your credibility.

Once you have done this, proceed as you would with someone you know better, explaining why you want to speak to them, what you are trying to learn, and how you think they can help. People will be flattered when you ask for their help. The type of person that you are likely to want to learn from is usually the type of person who wants to help.

The worst thing that can happen is that they say no, and you are no worse off. Just ask. As long as you do so professionally, there is no reason not to give it a go! A mentor will take you and your request seriously if you can describe where you are in your career, work, or business, and what you want to learn and why. You need to assure them that you are serious and that you are seeking their help for the right reasons. They will also want to know that you are genuinely interested in and committed to the process.

Mentors are a key asset in advancing your skills, knowledge, and career development. Unlike other opportunities that are not as readily accessible when you work from home, a mentor is only a phone call away.

Get one!