Stage 4 · Lesson 4 of 6
The first message
A good first message to a possible mentor is short, specific and easy to answer. Say who you are in one line, why you chose them (something real: a post, a project, their path), and one clear question or a small request, such as fifteen minutes on a call or one question by message.
Do not paste your whole CV or ask them to "guide me". Thank them, and make it easy to say no. Many people will not reply; that is normal and rarely personal. Follow up once after a week or two, politely.
Common trapa long, vague message asking for mentorship in general. It asks for too much and gives them nothing to answer.
A question to check yourself and an AI practice session come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- PlatformFreeSefism 1:1 Mentorship
Sefism
Sefism's own one-to-one sessions with Tauseef for approved members
Practise
Keep handy
- MentorCruisePaid
Longer-term mentors in tech when you want someone in your corner for months
How to ask questions that get useful answers from busy people
Also worth your time
- Google Summer of CodeGo deeper
A paid summer of open source work with a mentor assigned to you
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).