people more than others. People may be professionally and financially successful, but are they honest? How did they get where they are? Joseph, a lawyer I know, began a mentor-protégé relationship with the attorney for whom he was working as a clerk.

Joseph was excited and thought it was a great match—until he began to notice very subtle signs of dishonesty in the way this attorney went about his business, as well as his personal life. How a person conducts himself in all roles makes a difference . In the words of Gandhi: “Life is one indivisible whole.”

Now I am not encouraging you to judge other people. In this case, as in Joseph's case, you must follow your heart. When you are evaluating a person who may have a significant role in your life, you must respect that individual or you will not respect his or her counsel. Seriously consider this quality when searching for a mentor.

Display character traits, abilities and values similar to your own.

This doesn't mean you must agree on everything or do everything alike. But whether or not the person possesses qualities you admire helps to determine whether your prospective mentor makes a good role model for you.

As we have already discussed, volunteer service and internships are also great ways to meet people who share similar values to your own and have reached admirable heights. You may also seek out mentors in your university, professional clubs and organizations (more on these later) and part-time employment.

Can connect you with other significant people and meaningful opportunities.

This is not a prerequisite, but it certainly can make a difference in your future. Chances are, your mentor will be able to provide you with guidance and leads through his or her own network of clients, colleagues and friends. As your relationship with your mentor strengthens, you will most likely be introduced to or come across these people naturally.

4. Offer professional assistance on some level in return for another professional's guidance and advice (you scratch their back, they scratch yours)

Remember the big picture: the process of advancing your career is the process of serving the needs of others. Why should your mentor be different? There are probably many ways in which you can make your mentor relationship reciprocal.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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