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Step-by-Step Guide for New Mentors: Tania’s 15 steps for empowering Women in Transport

Tania Dunn is a dedicated Learning & Development Manager at Yarra Trams and experienced mentor who has participated in the WiT Mentoring Program in both 2022 and 2023. Tania shares her 15 steps for mentoring success, a valuable resource for new mentors!

  1. Initiate the Introduction: Start by sending an introductory email within the first day. Share your professional background, experiences, and personal interests. Taking the first step sets a positive tone for the relationship.
  2. Set Expectations: Encourage your mentee to share their preferences, expectations, and goals for the mentorship. Understanding their needs is crucial for a successful partnership.
  3. Establish a Personal Connection: Plan an in-person meeting to build a deeper connection early on. Make time for informal conversation to get to know each other better.
  4. Focus on Your Mentee's Goals: Ensure that the mentorship centres around your mentee's objectives, not just your own professional interests. Manage expectations by clarifying that the program is about their growth, not finding them a new job.
  5. Self-Awareness and SWOT Analysis: Encourage your mentee to perform a SWOT analysis to gain self-awareness. Reflecting on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats can help set clear career goals.
  6. Resume Preparation: Share insights on how to prepare and present a resume effectively. Offer guidance on how to highlight key skills and experiences.
  7. LinkedIn Optimisation: Review and optimise your mentee's LinkedIn profile, highlighting its importance in modern networking and job searches.
  8. Career Planning: Help your mentee explore their leadership style, values, and long-term career goals. Encourage them to identify their purpose and reflect on what brings them happiness.
  9. Resources for Assertiveness: Provide resources and guidance on assertiveness, focusing on language, body language, and appearance in professional settings.
  10. Time Management: Share time management strategies, such as the Eisenhower matrix and time tracking tools, to help your mentee prioritise tasks effectively.
  11. Job Search Strategies: Offer insights into job search keywords, maintaining an up-to-date resume, and researching potential employers.
  12. Interview Preparation: Prepare your mentee for job interviews, covering everything from how to dress to common interview questions and their underlying meaning.
  13. Salary Negotiations: Discuss salary negotiation techniques and strategies to help your mentee secure the best compensation package.
  14. Ongoing Support: Maintain regular communication with your mentee throughout the program. Be open to questions and provide guidance as they progress in their career.
  15. Final Meeting: Plan a final in-person meeting, which can be informal. Confirm that your mentee has a solid career plan in place and offer continued support as needed.

By following this step-by-step guide, new mentors can create a positive and productive mentoring relationship, empowering women in the transport industry to achieve their career goals.

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