When you’re looking for a new job, the last thing you want to do is waste time interviewing for positions that don’t align with your goals or needs. This is especially true if you’re looking for a new career path. If you’re trying to break into a new field, it’s important to find the right mentor who can help you get there. Mentorships are one of the best ways to accelerate your career path and learn new skills. While they aren’t always offered as a standalone service, many companies do offer mentorships as a part of their culture and employee benefits. If you’re looking for a mentor who can help you get ahead in your field, here are some things you should avoid to make sure you find the right match for you.

Don’t go for the cheapest option.

When it comes to mentorships, you get what you pay for. You can find mentorships that cost as little as $100 per month, but these are often offered by for-profit organizations that have little to no regulation. If you’re looking for a long-term mentorship, you’ll want to go with a company that has a proven track record and reputation. Otherwise, you could end up with a mentor who isn’t prepared for the challenge or is only interested in taking advantage of you.

Don’t go for the most expensive option.

As with any service, there are affordable options out there. While some mentorships will cost more than others, you should never pay more than you’re willing to. If you’re not sure how much you’re willing to pay, ask your current mentor what they charge and how they charge for their services. If they’re happy with their situation, ask them if they’d recommend increasing their rate. If they’re not interested in increasing their fee, that’s a red flag that you should look elsewhere.

Don’t go for the person who is the most available.

While you may think that someone who is always available to talk to you is the best mentor for you, it’s important to find someone who can commit to the position. Ideally, you want a mentor who can dedicate at least 20 hours per week to helping you grow. If your mentor is always too busy to meet with you, they may not be the best choice for you. You may be able to find someone who is more available, but it’s not worth your time to keep looking if you don’t get any response to your emails.

Don’t go for the person who is the least expensive.

While you may be able to find a mentor who is willing to work with you for much less than others, you should always go with the person who charges the most. If you find someone who charges less than the average, they may not be willing to help you grow as much as you need. If you have the money, you should always pay for the best mentor you can find.

Conclusion

Mentorships are an excellent way to accelerate your career path and learn new skills. When looking for a new mentor, it’s important to find someone who can help you achieve your goals and who is willing to invest their time in you. While there are many different types of mentorships, the best ones offer more than just guidance. They provide you with opportunities to network with other professionals and gain access to resources that will help you achieve your goals.