By leah jones
The purpose of a mentor is to provide guidance, perspective and support based on their own experiences. The ultimate goal through sharing these is to help you grow personally and professionally.
Mentors can help you set goals, network with key people in your field, choose a direction and more. Here are some career advice questions to ask a mentor that can give you helpful insight into furthering your career.
"How did you identify your long-term goals, and how have they evolved over time?" "Were there moments when you questioned your career path? How did you handle them?"
"What does success mean to you now, and how has that changed over time?" "What were some pivotal moments in your career and how did you navigate them?"
"Which soft skills have made the biggest difference in your career?" "How do you approach learning new things when you're already busy?"
"What skills do you think are essential for success in this field?" "What are some underrated skills or habits that helped you succeed?"
"How did you prepare yourself to move into leadership roles?" "What's one piece of feedback you received that changed how you work?"
"How do you handle imposter syndrome or self-doubt?" "What should I focus on in the next 6–12 months to grow professionally?"
"How do you build strong professional relationships?" "How do you handle difficult colleagues or conflicts professionally?"
"How do you manage work-life balance, especially during high-pressure periods?" "Can you share a time you failed and how you recovered?"
"How do you know when it's time to leave a job or make a change?" "What's the best risk you ever took in your career?"
"What did your mentors teach you that stuck with you most?" "How can I be a good mentee to make the most of this relationship?"
"What's something you wish someone had told you when you were at the beginning of your career?" "If you were starting out today, what would you do differently?"