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The best mentor relationships start with good preparation. Following these
guidelines will insure your success:
- Make an introductory phone call or send an introductory message by letter
or email as your first method of contact. Be sure to identify yourself as
a participant in the Alumni Association's Alumni NetWorks program. Enclose
your resume with any correspondence.
View a sample introductory letter.
View a sample phone script.
- Call during appropriate business hours, or during times specified in the
mentor's profile.
- Be respectful of the mentor's time.
- Arrange a convenient time for a future phone consultation or in-person
consultation. This includes agreeing on the length of the consultation.
- Before your consultation or interview, learn something about the mentor
and his or her organization. The more you know about an area or an organization,
the more intelligent and productive your questions can be -- plus your mentor
will be impressed by this knowledge and preparation on your part.
Check out the Research Page of our Resource Guide for company
information sources.
- Before your informational interview, plan open-ended questions that will
stimulate discussion and enable both of you to learn about each other.
View a list of sample questions.
- Plan ahead what you want to communicate about yourself: skills, traits,
goals. Think about ways to get these attributes across by means of the questions
you ask and the way in which you conduct the interview.
- Focus on the mentor's views, opinions, thoughts, and feelings rather than
cold facts. Your mentor will enjoy the interview more, and will feel more
positive about you as a result. He or she will be flattered.
- Be polite and enthusiastic. Remember you are representing the University
of Michigan!!!
- After your consultation or interview, thank the coach for meeting/speaking
with you. Follow-up with a thank you note.
View a sample thank you letter.
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