Online mentoring may work more effectively for students if they follow a few simple rules.

One is to carefully target searches and avoid "blanket, form-type e-mails," said Brian Sikora, a University of Pittsburgh graduate who works as a financial consultant at Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore.

"If they just want me to let them know if there's a job at my company, chances are I won't respond,'' said Mr. Sikora, a 2000 graduate who agreed to be posted on Pitt's Career Network as an alumni contact. "They're not looking for support; they're using us as Monster.com."

But he's likely to reply to those who take the time to research his position at Kaiser, he said. "I've had personalized letters from students saying they are planning to interview with Kaiser -- one was in Cleveland -- and they'll ask if I have any insights or suggestions about the culture or goals of the company.''

Mr. Sikora ended up exchanging e-mails with the Cleveland student to help him prepare for an interview. "I kind of enjoy it when it's addressed to me and I know they spent time on it so I'll respond. That's what networking should be about: personalization, not just a form letter."

He doesn't like it when students don't follow up. "If you're working with someone in the network, get in touch, follow through and let them know the outcome," he said.

Another issue students and e-mentors should be aware of, particularly for mentors communicating from the workplace, is confidentiality, said Lois Zachary, Phoenix-based mentoring expert. Sometimes, it's necessary to use the phone.

"Something could become so critical or sensitive that you want to pick up the phone,'' she said, adding that that also applied whenever "the level or the potential for misunderstanding is high."