I have found that getting a mentor is a process that usually happens naturally. It's good that there are more formal approaches to this however. Most firms assign someone to show a new employee 'the ropes', but often that trainer does not become the real mentor. Most people are willing to share the skinny with a newbie - usually what the boss's pet peeves are, what is most important to do right on the first day, who to watch out for, general SOP, etc. I found that oftentimes, a quick friendship forms around this relationship in a very natural way. Sometimes, however, a more self-serving employee can take advantage, or even abuse a new-hire by gaining his or her trust, then providing false information or instructions for a variety of skulduggery.