MICHIGAN BUILDS. MICHIGAN HIRES. 248-237-3600
SKILLED TRADESMICHIGAN JOB FAIRS
← Career advice library

Employers • PRACTICAL GUIDE

Give new employees a clear mentor relationship

Michigan Skilled Trades Job Fairs • Published October 18, 2026

A mentor arrangement works better when both people understand its purpose. Naming a mentor without allocating time or defining responsibilities can leave a new hire unsupported.

Put it into practice

  1. Choose someone who understands the work and can explain it patiently.
  2. Clarify what questions the mentor handles and which issues go to a supervisor or another specialist.
  3. Schedule brief check-ins and review whether the arrangement is helping.

Make the next step count

Mentoring should support your training process rather than substitute for required instruction or supervision. Ask the new employee what remains unclear and give the mentor a way to raise concerns. Keep expectations realistic alongside the mentor's normal workload.

Your action today

Choose someone who understands the work and can explain it patiently.

Write down the answer or next action so you can use it in your next application, interview, or recruiting conversation.

Continue your research

This article offers general advice. Confirm role requirements, program details, and event arrangements directly with the relevant employer or organizer.

Keep building your plan.

Employers

Keep employer information consistent across recruiting channels

Candidates may see your booth flyer, website, job board listing, and recruiter message within the same day. Conflicting details create unnecessary uncertainty.

Read the guide ↗
Employers

Make a small recruiting team effective at a busy event

A small team can still create a useful candidate experience when responsibilities are clear. Plan for busy periods instead of improvising every interaction.

Read the guide ↗
Employers

Use candidate questions to improve your recruitment message

Repeated questions reveal information your materials may be missing. Treat them as feedback about clarity rather than interruptions to your pitch.

Read the guide ↗