Elo Mentoring - Checklist : questions to ask your mentor
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Checklist: questions to ask your mentor

This checklist includes a list of questions that you can use to push discussions with your mentor in a direction that will be helpful to you.

 

What subjects to discuss during your first meetings?

Talk about your motivations for engaging in a mentoring relationship.
Reflect on your respective roles: How do you see your role and that of the mentor? And what is the mentor’s perspective?
Revisit your aspirations and professional projects and open the discussion about your goals: what they mean to you, why they are important to you.
Start targeting with the mentor the most important areas of development to prioritize.
Discuss the type of support the mentor can provide.
Plan your next meetings, discuss a work plan.

Here is a list of questions to guide your discussions with your mentor:

What is your professional background?
What is your educational background?
What led you to your current job?
What are you passionate about?
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
Tell me about your professional journey (education, experiences, etc.).
How do you see my role as a mentee?
What are your expectations for our mentoring relationship?
Why did you decide to be a mentor?
How do you believe you can support me in terms of my development priorities and targeted skills?
Would you be open to scheduling a second meeting with me?
How can you support me in terms of my development priorities and targeted skills?
What experiences would you like to share with me?
What is your greatest professional achievement?
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced?
What are your most important values in life and at work?
What is your perspective on the confidentiality aspect of what is discussed in our meetings?
Could we agree on a way of working going forward?

General Questions

  • To what do you attribute your success? What do you think success is?
  • Do you have any suggestions on how to better integrate into the workforce or continue to build your career?
  • Can you describe a typical day at work?
  • What pitfalls did you encounter early in your career? What tasks do you do that are not usually related to your title?
  • What have been the biggest challenges in your career?
  • What are the ideal qualifications for someone in this job?
  • What are the most stressful aspects of your job?
  • What are the working hours?
  • What is the work-life balance like in your practice area?
  • What skills are needed to succeed in your workplace or career field?
  • Do you think my idea of a career path (my career plan) is realistic?
  • Do you need to be a member of a professional association to work in your field?
  • What can you tell me about work-life balance in your field or organization?
  • Do you have opportunities for professional development (both lateral and vertical) within your organization?
  • Are there any do’s and don’ts for networking within your organization or field?
  • What personal qualities or skills do you need to be successful in this type of job?
  • Are there any rules to know about networking in your field?
  • What are the related professions in the field?

Source : Réseau des diplômés et des donateurs de l’université de Montréal