Finding a Mentor

I am so proud of my two cousins TJ and Brian. Both have made choices in their lives that have resulted in challenging circumstances that they may not have intended on. I am proud of their courage and persistance to overcome these difficult situations. TJ found the strength to raise his two young girls after losing his one true love, the mother of his girls, to cancer. TJ who spent over a year struggling to find work was given an opportunity to work in a law office and pursue an education in criminal justice. Brian left his college basketball scholarship and career because it was not a good fit. He struggled to make a living in the restaurant industry and was recently given the opportunity to get into bar management. Both TJ and Brian found mentors who took a chance on them and set them on their paths to bright and successful futures.

I am looking for my mentor. Someone who will see my education, experience, and desire to work hard and learn as assets. Someone who will accept me for who I am and teach me how to become a star. Someone who will see my potential rather than what I lack in experience.

This job search is hard. Recruiters and hiring managers tell me that their are many "well-qualified" candidates. When I hear these words, my mind fills with fear that I am not "good enough". Will my resume pass the initial screening test? Do I have the right education and work experience? Will the interviewers look past my less than eloquent answers to see that I am really a diamond in the rough? I am a diamond who needs a little polish to turn into a star.

Yes, I know that I may not have the perfect resume, nor will I be able to "sell myself" as well as other candidates. But, I am unique. I have a breadth of business experience from marketing and finance. I am motivated to learn and try new things. This is why I am looking for my mentor who can polish my rough spots and set me on my path to becoming a star.