Mentoring Request Email Template

Are you ready to take the plunge to reach out to a potential mentor and trying to craft the perfect email? I’ve got you! Here are some tips to craft the perfect mentoring request email. I even share the tried and tested mentoring request email sample, which I have used to secure amazing mentors in the workplace.

Don’t Use the Word Mentor

I always approach a potential mentor by asking for a half hour coffee. This is a small ask and you are much more likely to get a positive response.

Having a conversation over a coffee, I have a chance to share my story and really get to know the potential mentor. Afterwards, I evaluate whether there is real potential for a fruitful mentoring relationship. Sometimes, despite my research, the person I have approached isn’t a good match as a long term mentor. Asking for a coffee has allowed me to have a productive conversation and we’ll both take away something positive.

Research Your Mentor

When emailing a potential mentor I will do detailed research. There is so much information online. Some great places to research your potential mentor are are:

• Linkedin;
• Internal company profile;
• Read any papers or publications they have authored;

While I am researching, I will search for answers tot he following questions:

• Which of their career experiences or roles would I like to achieve in the future?
• What skill do they have which I would like to develop?
• Do we share any hobbies outside of the workplace?

Mentoring Request Email Structure

Next, I’ll prepare a draft email using the following structure. The structure is clear and simple. This gets your message across concicely and allows your research to shine.

1. Introduce yourself and why you are getting in touch
2. Describe what you would like to gain from taking to them. Be thoughtful and show you’ve done your research.
3. Request to meet

Mentoring Request Email Sample

This is the exact email that I have used to get meetings with wonderful mentors throughout my career.

Subject: Would Love to Chat About your Career

Hi Sarah,

I’m reaching out because I noticed your profile on our company website. I found your career path inspiring, as a successful engineer and project manager who has gained diverse experience over the last 20 years in leading engineering consulting firms.

I’d love chat about your career, how you developed your skills as an effective and open communicator and your experiences working in technical engineering, management, and self employment.

I also noticed that we share interests in yoga and cooking – recently I have been learning how to bake sourdough bread!

I am looking for advice on career progression and your profile stuck out to me as an example of where I would like to be in the future. One of my focuses at the moment is on communication skills – conveying confidence, building relationships and championing ideas within my team.  I would love to take you out for a coffee to ask some questions about how you developed these skills through your career – at any time convenient for you.

I’m certain that you are very busy,  so if you don’t have time to respond; no problem. If you are able to, it would make my day.

Warm regards,

Michelle