Who is your mentor?
In a Hurry? Quick Answer
Name a specific person (or type of person if you don't have a formal mentor), explain what they've taught you, and show that you're coachable and value continuous learning. If you don't have a mentor, mention people you learn from or aspire to emulate.
The Recruiter's Mind
They're checking if you're coachable and invested in growth. Employees who seek mentorship tend to develop faster, stay longer, and contribute more. This question reveals your humility, self-awareness, and commitment to professional development. It also shows whether you build meaningful professional relationships.
Example Answers
Formal Mentor Relationship
"My mentor is David Rodriguez, a VP of Engineering I met through a professional networking group three years ago. He's helped me navigate career decisions, particularly when I was debating between staying technical or moving into management. We meet monthly, and he's taught me to think more strategically about my career trajectory. Recently, he helped me prepare for this type of role by sharing insights about what companies look for in senior candidates. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping my leadership approach."
Multiple Mentors Approach
"I don't have one single mentor, but I've been intentional about learning from several people in different areas. My former manager taught me stakeholder management, a senior engineer I worked with showed me how to write cleaner code, and I have a friend in product management who helps me understand the business side. I believe in learning from different perspectives, and I actively seek feedback from people who are strong in areas where I want to grow."
Building Your Network
"I'm currently working to establish a more formal mentorship relationship, but in the meantime, I learn from the leaders I admire in my field. I follow the work of Brené Brown on leadership vulnerability and Simon Sinek on purpose-driven organizations. I also make it a point to have coffee with senior colleagues quarterly to learn from their experiences. I'm someone who actively seeks out learning opportunities, whether through formal mentorship or by surrounding myself with people I can learn from."
Red Flags to Avoid
- Saying "I don't have a mentor" and leaving it at that (shows lack of initiative)
- Naming a famous person you've never met (Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, etc.)
- Being vague: "Just someone I worked with once"
- Suggesting you don't need mentorship because you figure everything out yourself
- Naming someone but being unable to articulate what you've learned
- Criticizing previous mentors or managers
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Be specific: Name the person and your relationship to them (if you have one).
- Share what you've learned: Highlight specific skills or insights they've provided.
- Show it's ongoing: Mention how frequently you connect and recent guidance.
- Demonstrate coachability: Share an example of advice you implemented.
- If you lack a mentor: Explain how you're proactive about learning from others.
- Connect to the role: Mention how mentorship has prepared you for this opportunity.