How to Ask a Former Boss to Mentor You - The Muse

How to Ask a Former Boss to Mentor You - The MuseHow to Ask a Former Boss to Mentor YouDear HR Professional,I think my former anfhrer would make a great mentor. How do I go about asking him in a way that isnt awkward?Signed,Modest MenteeDear Modest Mentee,First things first, congratulations Youre taking a great step forward on your path of self-improvement by considering who you want as a mentor. Oftentimes, having your former boss play that part is a natural fit. After all, they know the fruchtwein about your performance- including where you excel and where you have room for growth. They also have more experience, are further along in their careers, and may be better able to guide you as a result.But, lets face it- actually asking your former boss to mentor you is the nerve-wracking part. Here are four easy steps to help you pop that question. Step 1 Explain Your ReasoningYour previous manager might seem like a no-brainer option. But, that doesnt mean being a mentor is an obvious fi t to them. Start your request by outlining why you think theyre a solid match.Were they a good coach? Were they able to give you honest, unfiltered feedback? Would you like to reach the same career aspirations? Do they have an extensive professional network?There are a million different reasons why you want them specifically to be personally invested in your growth. By articulating the why, you can better direct the goals of the relationship.Step 2 Outline Your GoalsSpeaking of goals, this step involves deciding what you want to get out of the mentorship. What does success look like for you and how could your former boss support you in that?Outlining your objectives from the outset gives your previous supervisor a clearer understanding of what youre aiming to achieve- which, in turn, allows them to get a better grasp on whether or not they could actually help, as well as how much of a commitment theyre looking at. Step 3 Pop the QuestionOnce youve laid that groundwork, youre ready t o make that ask.Whether you ask in-person or through email (this article explains how to do that) is up to you and the font of relationship you already have. Either way, you should be prepared with the following talking pointsWhy youre looking for a mentorWhy you think they can helpWhat youre hoping to achieveWhat youre willing to commit toPerhaps most importantly, dont forget to end by thanking them for their considerationStep 4 Monitor the CuesIf they are taking weeks or months to respond, now might not be the best time for them. Dont get offended or try to force it. Instead, leave it on a good note by sending a follow-up email stating that you assume theyre not interested, but that you still appreciate the awesome example they set for you in your career. Remember, you never know if theyll be available in the future or how your paths will cross againAsking your former boss to be your mentor can be nerve-wracking. But, in most cases, your supervisor will be flattered that you thoug ht so highly of them. Put these steps to work, and youll make that request in a way thats polite, professional, and way less awkward than youre anticipating. Good luckThis article is part of our Ask an Expert series- a column dedicated to helping you tackle your biggest career concerns. Our experts are excited to answer all of your burning questions, and you can submit one by emailing us at editor(at)themuse(dot)com and using Ask an Honest HR Professional in the subject line.Your letter may be published in an article on The Muse. All letters to Ask an Expert become the property of Daily Muse, Inc and will be edited for length, clarity, and grammatical correctness.