A good mentor can help you advance your career tremendously. Here’s how to find one that ticks all the right boxes.

Identifying a mentor is more difficult than you think. There are key characteristics that every mentor should have; without them you’ll surely be going nowhere fast. Here’s how to find the right one for you:

1. Find someone who you would want to be like and is not just successful. Someone who is similar to you might be more comfortable to be around. Remember, you’ll be spending lots of time with your mentor.
   


2. Your mentor must inspire you. A good mentor will leave you feeling energised, positive and ready to tackle the working world.
   


3. Spend time with a potential mentor before asking them whether they’d like to assume the role. Become their friend and let conversation follow naturally. If you have questions, ask them but do it when the time is right.
   


4. If your potential mentor can’t be a friend to you then move on.
   
   
5. Does the person you've identified to be a possible mentor have a public image? It’s a good idea if you speak to people who know them well. This way you’ll get a better idea of what he or she is really like.
   


6. Potential mentors could challenge you, and if they do, then good. Mentors are meant to bring out the best in you by challenging you.
   


7. You need to put in everything you’ve got to this new relationship. Over the long term you’ll benefit tremendously.

Still looking for the right job and the right mentor? Careers24 has thousands of jobs for you to browse through. Simply create or upload you CV to get started.