You’re new to Coaching & Mentoring. How can you impress in an interview?

1 Know the difference

Coaching and mentoring are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and purposes. Coaching is a short-term, goal-oriented process that helps someone improve their performance or overcome a specific challenge. Mentoring is a long-term, relationship-based process that helps someone develop their potential and grow their career. Knowing the difference can help you tailor your answers to the role and the context.

3 Demonstrate your approach

Your interviewer may ask you how you would handle a hypothetical or real coaching or mentoring scenario. This is your chance to demonstrate your approach and your understanding of the principles and best practices of coaching and mentoring. For example, you could explain how you would establish rapport, assess the needs and goals of the coachee or mentee, use open-ended questions and reflective statements, facilitate learning and discovery, and support action and accountability.

4 Show your passion

Your interviewer wants to see that you are genuinely interested and enthusiastic about coaching and mentoring. Show your passion by expressing your motivation, your values, and your vision for coaching and mentoring. For example, you could share why you want to be a coach or mentor, what you hope to achieve, what you enjoy most about coaching and mentoring, and how you plan to develop your skills and knowledge further.

5 Ask insightful questions

Asking insightful questions is not only a skill for coaching and mentoring, but also for interviewing. By asking relevant and thoughtful questions, you can show your curiosity, your research, and your engagement with the role and the organization. For example, you could ask about the coaching or mentoring culture, the expectations and outcomes, the challenges and opportunities, and the support and resources available.