Ask questions to prevent miscommunication

When you're looking for a mentor, don't be afraid to ask questions to prevent miscommunication and save your time and energy. Being a mentor is more than just possessing enough skills and being a professional in your industry. First of all, the person should be willing to teach others and know how to do it constructively.

Second, they should have time for mentorship. Efficient mentor-mentee communication takes more than a few minutes a day to discuss questions and share recommendations. Even if it's their first mentoring experience, they should be focused on investing time in you and your difficulties.

Third, all questions about the mentor’s compensation must be discussed beforehand. Generally, mentoring implies a non-commercial relationship. They're not tutors — they share their knowledge out of a genuine desire to help the next generation of specialists grow. However, depending on their experience, proficiency, and level of commitment, some mentors may offer paid services, and it's better to ask them about it upfront before you set your expectations.