When you apply for an MBA, you will likely seek support from several people in your network. In addition to inviting input and opinions about programs on your long list, proofreading your essays, and doing early networking, one very important step in the application process is confirming your recommenders and setting them up to succeed in the letter of recommendation (LoR) process. MBA recommendations are typically in a question/answer format and request specific examples and detailed information. Thus, submitting a LoR can be a time consuming process and it’s no small favor to ask, so this blog post will provide you with some tips on how to request a letter, how to support your recommender, and, hopefully, how to ensure you get a ringing endorsement that boosts the strength of your candidacy.
1. Choose Your Recommenders Wisely
Some applicants try to enhance the prestige of their recommendations by seeking letters from people they know who have the most important-sounding job titles. However, this is often not the best strategy for getting a strong, believable letter that will strengthen your candidacy. While you may be able to get the CEO of your company to sign a letter of recommendation, if you didn’t actually report to or work with that person in any direct capacity, the letter will likely not express the kind of familiar bond that shows knowledge of your work quality and growth. Instead, you should identify recommenders whom you have worked and studied closely with. Ideally, you want to target recommendations from current or recent supervisors, especially people who hired you and/or were responsible for your performance review and promotion decisions. After that, other senior colleagues with whom you worked directly and long-standing clients or customers may provide valuable letters in support of your application.
2. Ask Early
You think you’re busy? You might be right, but the person writing your LoR is probably just as, if not more busy. As a matter of respect, ask the person as early as possible if they’d be willing to write an LoR for you. You can ask them well before the application is even available online, or even while you are still mulling whether to apply.
The most disrespectful thing you can do when requesting an LoR is to wait until the very last minute and put pressure on the person writing the letter for you to finish in the final days before the deadline. Respect that they have other priorities so that they have ample time to write an excellent letter for you. Additionally, asking early gives you time to revert to your backups in case your preferred recommender isn’t willing or able to provide a letter.
3. Give the Writer Everything They Need
No matter how well the person writing your LoR knows you, you should provide comprehensive information to make this process as easy as possible for them. This means you should give them a small package of all of the information that they need about your academic and professional careers, which may include:
- Your university transcript
- Your most up-to-date CV
- Question lists and letter format requirements for the schools you are applying to
- An outline for each letter of recommendation question reminding them of your key attributes and accomplishments at work
- A clear list of the deadlines for submitting the letters
- An outline of your accomplishments, strengths, and growth during your relationship
- Your post-MBA career goals
You never want the person writing your LoR to have to waste time coming back to you for information you should have given them the first time around. Help them to help you by ensuring they have everything they need. If possible, you might ask your recommender for a meeting in which you can brief them on the above information and make note of personal strengths and accomplishments that you will highlight in your essays, so that they might reinforce the magnitude of these elements by referencing them.
4. Support a Busy Recommender
Busy recommenders will sometimes ask an applicant to provide them with a draft of a letter that they can review, edit, and submit in order to save time. If you find yourself in this situation, you will still want to proceed with Step #3 above. By discussing your letter with the recommender, you can gain an understanding of their thoughts and feelings, as well as the stories that they would probably tell about you. By establishing this alignment, you can increase your chances of the recommender signing off on your letter, streamlining the process and saving them valuable time.
5. Write a Thank You Note & Follow Up
After your recommender has written your LoR, it is important to thank them with a personal note. This may sound like common sense and good manners, but many people fail to execute this step. A handwritten thank you note is a warm gesture which will make your recommender feel genuinely appreciated and a thank you letter leaves the door open to go back to them in the future with personal updates and an excuse to stay in touch. This probably isn’t the last time you’ll need your recommender’s help so be sure to maintain a positive relationship with them throughout your graduate education.
Conclusion
Writing a glowing LoR is no small favor and it is best to be prepared to inform and support the people who are generous enough to provide you with one (or several). By following the process laid out above, you can give yourself the best chance to develop an application portfolio that gets a boost from strong, personal recommendations.