Want to Level Up at Work? Ask for Mentorship Calls

Sometimes, it feels like moving forward in your career, whether that’s landing a promotion, breaking into a new field, or reaching your business goals, is complicated and confusing. You feel like you’re doing everything right, so what else can be done? One of the most important things you can do that you might not already do is check in regularly with a mentor. Though the details around mentorship can feel daunting, finding and working with a mentor can be one of the most valuable resources for career growth. 

Mentorship calls allow you to tap into the experience and wisdom of someone who's been in your shoes, which can help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities more efficiently and effectively than you’re able to do on your own. Plus, mentors can sometimes open the door to new opportunities about which you wouldn’t have otherwise known. Whether you're just starting out and in your early career period or more experienced and looking to level up, mentorship is a game-changer.

Here, we break down how to go about finding a mentor, and once you do, how often you should connect and what you should discuss when you’re on these calls.

Finding the Right Mentor

Finding a mentor might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Mentors don't need to be celebrity CEOs or industry leaders (though that’s great too). The best mentors are people who have relevant experience, a genuine interest in your growth, the same core values as you, and an approach that resonates with you.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Start with your network: Looking for a mentor within your network is a good first step. You probably already know someone who could be a great mentor. Consider former bosses, colleagues, or even connections you admire on LinkedIn.

2. Attend industry events: Conferences, webinars, and professional organizations can be a goldmine for meeting potential mentors. It’s easier to connect with someone who’s already engaged in your field.

3. Ask for introductions: Don’t hesitate to ask your peers or mutual connections if they know anyone who fits the bill. Personal introductions can often lead to the most fruitful mentorships.

When reaching out to potential mentors, keep it simple. Express how much you like or appreciate their work, explain why you think they’d be a good mentor for you, and be clear about what you’re looking for. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of rejection—most successful people are happy to share their knowledge, but if they aren’t interested, just remember that they’re not the only person with whom you can work.

Best Practices For Setting Up A Mentorship Call

Mentorships require you to make meaningful connections with one another, particularly if you're hoping for meaningful advice and to partake in meaningful conversations. Knowing how to first approach a prospective mentor and set up phone calls or meetings can go a long way toward establishing a solid mentor-mentee relationship. This sample email script can help you find a mentor and set up that first interaction. Keep it short and sweet and explain why you're asking and what you're asking for as clearly and concisely as possible.

Subject: Request for a Mentorship Call

Hi [Mentor's Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I’ve been following your work in [industry/field] for some time and really admire your [specific skill/achievement]. I’m currently working on [briefly mention your role/goals], and I believe your guidance could be invaluable as I navigate this next phase of my career.

Would you be open to having a quick 30-minute call where I could ask for some advice and feedback? I’d love to learn from your experience and hear your thoughts on [specific area of interest, like career progression, skill development, etc.].

Please let me know what your availability looks like over the next few weeks, and I’d be happy to accommodate your schedule.

Thank you for considering this request, and I look forward to connecting!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

What to Expect During Your First Mentorship Session

A successful mentoring relationship gets its start on your first video call (or phone call, meeting, whatever works for the two of you). Here’s what you can anticipate at your first meeting:

1. Introductions and Background Sharing

• The first session typically starts with introductions, where both you and your mentor share a bit about your professional backgrounds. This helps establish a rapport and gives your mentor a clearer understanding of where you’re coming from.

• Be prepared to discuss your career journey so far, your current role, and what prompted you to seek out a mentor. This is also a great opportunity to highlight any specific challenges or goals you have.

2. Clarifying Expectations and Goals

• You and your mentor will likely discuss the structure of your mentoring relationship. This includes how often you’ll meet, the format of future calls, and any specific goals you’d like to work on together.

• Don’t be afraid to ask your mentor what they expect from you. Understanding mutual expectations ensures a productive and smooth mentoring relationship.

3. Setting Initial Action Steps

• Your mentor may offer initial advice or resources during the first session, but they’ll likely spend time listening and asking questions to get to know your situation better.

• You might end the first session with some initial action items—such as reading specific articles, networking with certain people, or developing new skills. These will be things you can follow up on during your next call.

4. Building Trust and Openness

• The first call is all about building trust. Mentors often appreciate openness and honesty, so don’t hesitate to be upfront about your challenges, weaknesses, or uncertainties. Establishing a solid foundation of trust early on will help you get the most out of future sessions.

Remember, the first mentorship session is just the beginning! It's a time to set the groundwork for a long-term relationship where you can learn, grow, and succeed with the guidance of someone who’s been there before.

How Often Should Mentorship Calls Take Place?

Now that you’ve found a mentor, you’ll need to navigate your working relationship with them. Will you speak over the phone? Will you meet for lunch or coffee? And how often should these mentoring sessions take place? The frequency of mentorship calls will depend on both of your schedules, as well as how formal the mentorship is. For most mentees, a call every 4–6 weeks strikes a nice balance. This frequency allows you enough time to implement feedback and work through new challenges before meeting again. However, if you’re facing a particularly challenging period in your career, you may want to increase the frequency to bi-weekly or even weekly check-ins.

Keep in mind that these calls shouldn’t drag on. A productive mentorship call usually lasts around 30–45 minutes. This keeps things focused while respecting your mentor’s time. Don’t overthink it though. Depending on how formal the mentorship is and what your relationship is like, it’s possible that you’ll have shorter or longer conversations with your mentor from time to time.

What to Cover on a Mentorship Call

Preparation is key to making the most out of your mentorship calls and keeping them concise and efficient, particularly since you'll probably need to cover a wide range of topics. To ensure your conversations are valuable, consider covering the following and draft some specific questions or discussion points you'd like to address during the call:Progress updates

Briefly share what you’ve accomplished since your last meeting. Highlight how you’ve applied their advice or what roadblocks you’ve encountered.

Current challenges

Ask for guidance on specific problems you’re facing. Whether it’s navigating office politics or making a big career decision, a mentor can offer an outside perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Professional development

Don’t be afraid to ask your mentor what skills or knowledge you should focus on next. They can help identify gaps in your skill set and recommend ways to fill them.

Feedback

This is one of the most valuable things a mentor can provide. Be open to constructive criticism and seek feedback on your performance, ideas, short-term goals, or professional demeanor.

Future planning

It’s important to keep your eye on the big picture. Use the call to set smart goals and discuss how you can work towards them strategically.

Before ending the call, ask your mentor if there are any resources, people, or opportunities they think you should explore. Mentors often have a broader network and access to tools that could accelerate your growth. Put your mentor's expertise and connections to work for you. That knowledge transfer can be hugely valuable.

Key Questions to Ask Your Career Mentor

Knowing how to ask the right questions during your mentorship calls is crucial for making the most of your time together. Here are some good questions that can guide the conversation and provide valuable insights:

1. Career Development

• "What skills do you think are essential for someone in my position to develop?"

• "What challenges did you face when you were at this stage in your career, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How can I position myself for future growth within my industry?"

• "How did you work to further develop your leadership skills even before you were in a leadership position?"

2. Current Role and Performance

• "What are some ways I can stand out in my current role?"

• "How can I improve my leadership/communication/technical skills?"

• "Is there anything I should start doing differently based on my current responsibilities?"

3. Goal Setting

• "Am I setting realistic and challenging enough goals for my career?"

• "What steps would you recommend I take to achieve my long-term career goals?"

4. Networking and Industry Insight

• "Who should I be connecting with, and how can I expand my professional network?"

• "What trends or changes do you see coming in our industry that I should be aware of?"

5. Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth

• "How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what strategies have worked best for you?"

• "What habits or routines have helped you stay productive and focused?"

By asking thoughtful and open-ended questions, you’ll not only gain actionable advice but also deepen your relationship with your mentor, making each call a valuable step in your career journey.

The Bottom Line: Mentorship is an Ongoing Journey

Mentorship is not a one-off event but a long-term relationship that evolves as your career does. These calls serve as checkpoints along the way, giving you the insights and guidance you need to grow. The key is to remain open, honest, and proactive about making the most of these conversations. Regular mentorship calls allow you to receive ongoing feedback, explore new ideas, and tap into the wisdom of someone who has been where you want to go. These conversations provide an opportunity to gain perspective on your career, develop new skills, and receive invaluable support when facing tough challenges or decisions.

By taking the initiative to find the right mentor, establishing a regular schedule for your calls, and preparing thoughtful questions, you're setting yourself up for meaningful, continuous growth. Mentors can help you navigate uncharted waters, make informed decisions, and stay accountable to your goals. They can also help you avoid potential problems or missteps and guide you through confusing or difficult situations, whether you're dealing with a tricky interpersonal issue at work or facing down the very real threat (or more than a threat) of layoffs or downsizing. Whether you’re seeking to sharpen your skills, overcome career roadblocks, or plan for the future, mentorship calls are a powerful tool for your personal and professional development.

Remember that mentorship is a two-way street. Be sure to show gratitude and respect your mentor’s time by coming prepared and applying their advice. Don't be afraid to use your mentor as a sounding board—that's what they're there for. Over time, this relationship can evolve into a lifelong source of guidance and support, with benefits that extend far beyond your immediate career goals and help you develop professional relationships and connections that can help you throughout your working life and even beyond.

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to find a mentor, set up those calls, and start tapping into the knowledge that can take your career success to the next level.