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Dear J.T. & Dale: Now that I've graduated college, I've been told I should find a mentor. First, I don't know how to find one. Second, I'm not sure what I want to do yet, so I don't see the point in wasting someone's time. — Evan

DALE: We'd certainly agree that you shouldn't waste someone's time. However, if you're looking to rationalize away the work of finding mentors, you've come to the wrong place. It's absolutely worth your time; the issue is how to also make it worthwhile for the people you seek out.

J.T.: I did some seeking out of my own: I had a conversation with Kevin Martinez, who's an associate publisher at Harper's Bazaar and 2008 Mentor of the Year for the magazine industry. Kevin suggests starting by identifying people who are accomplishing things you'd like to accomplish and setting up informational interviews on the best way for you to achieve your goals.

DALE: I know, Evan — you already said you don't know what you want to do. But J.T. is talking about the overriding goals of doing interesting work around admirable people. You don't have to figure out ahead of time your life's work — all you need to do is spot people doing interesting work.

J.T.: As for contacting those people, Kevin tells us that the ones who are willing to work with his busy schedule are the ones who get his ear: "I always appreciate when people ask if I can meet with them early in the morning or late in the day. It shows they are flexible and that they understand that I also have a job to do." Kevin further suggests that you do your homework: "Asking me to tell you about the publishing business is not going to get me excited about mentoring you. I expect you to already have done your research and come with clarifying questions that can help me fill in your gaps in knowledge. That shows me you know how to use me as a mentor." (There is much more to learn from Kevin Martinez, and I've posted my entire interview with him at jtanddale.com.)

DALE: The point is that you can't expect anyone to tell you what you should do with your career or life. If they do, run. And you shouldn't go in expecting them to get you a job, either. Instead, let them know you want to gain from their experience. There is a big difference in reaction between asking for help and asking for wisdom. Start with the latter, and you'll end up with the former.

Dear J.T. & Dale: I have been working in my current job for about eight months and have accomplished very little. Prior to my current position, I spent two years in a lower-level job where I accomplished a lot. I'm preparing for a job search, and I'm not sure which job to highlight in my cover letter. — Megan

J.T.: Here's the goal of any cover letter: to inspire someone to pick up the phone and speak with you. I guarantee that doesn't happen when you start with, "I saw your ad and want to apply for ————————."

DALE: It happens when you make it clear that you meet all the stated job requirements, and then offer something extra. And that means calling on all your job experience and highlighting the best of both. Kate Wendelton, the founder of a job-hunting group called The Five O'Clock Club, has a technique I admire: including a list of the stated job requirements in your cover letter, with how you meet each one, putting them in side-by-side columns.

J.T.: As for figuring out what else to talk about, I have my clients answer questions like these:

— Looking at your past professional success, what makes you good at what you do?

— How has your work inspired you?

— What value does it provide?

— If asked to describe yourself in an honest, humble, funny yet confident sort of way, what would you say?

The answers to these questions will become the raw material that you use to go beyond job requirements and write an irresistible cover letter.

Jeanine "J.T." Tanner O'Donnell is a professional development specialist and founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell.com. Dale Dauten's latest book is (Great) Employees Only: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success.