- 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.
- Set Expectations: Encourage your mentee to share their preferences, expectations, and goals for the mentorship. Understanding their needs is crucial for a successful partnership.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Resume Preparation: Share insights on how to prepare and present a resume effectively. Offer guidance on how to highlight key skills and experiences.
- LinkedIn Optimisation: Review and optimise your mentee's LinkedIn profile, highlighting its importance in modern networking and job searches.
- 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.
- Resources for Assertiveness: Provide resources and guidance on assertiveness, focusing on language, body language, and appearance in professional settings.
- Time Management: Share time management strategies, such as the Eisenhower matrix and time tracking tools, to help your mentee prioritise tasks effectively.
- Job Search Strategies: Offer insights into job search keywords, maintaining an up-to-date resume, and researching potential employers.
- Interview Preparation: Prepare your mentee for job interviews, covering everything from how to dress to common interview questions and their underlying meaning.
- Salary Negotiations: Discuss salary negotiation techniques and strategies to help your mentee secure the best compensation package.
- Ongoing Support: Maintain regular communication with your mentee throughout the program. Be open to questions and provide guidance as they progress in their career.
- 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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