Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Dos and Don’ts

MBA Programs typically ask for two letters of recommendation for your application. This is a unique opportunity to let professionals who deeply know you support your application. Direct supervisors are usually the best choice, although it will all depend on the strategy and narrative of your application.

Before we look deeper into the matter, you need to know that LORs are not typically actual letters. To start your application, you have to create an account on the school’s website. Once you do that, you will find a section about LORs, where you will have to input your recommenders’ names and email addresses. Recommenders then get an email that explains to them that you have chosen them to be your recommender. They’ll be directed to an on-line form where they will find: 

– A list of check-boxes and/or matrices, where the recommender ranks you across various qualities. 

– A couple “short answer” questions with word limits, or one single general question about the recommender’s relationship with you. 

Choosing the recommenders

First and foremost, always keep in mind that you are asking a favor from someone (your boss, preferably) who you will stop working for. This is a very delicate situation. Determine how to break this unfortunate news! When identifying your recommenders, formally ask each recommender this important question: “Do you have the time to write a positive recommendation for my application to B-school?” As obvious as this might seem, don’t assume people will have the time and energy to make the commitment. Always keep in mind that they are helping you! Thank them again and again!

Second of all, you have to use LORs very effectively. Don’t choose two recommenders who will say the exact same things about you. Also, avoid the mistake of thinking that someone who has a high hierarchical position will be a better advocate than someone who really knows you. Applicants don’t realize how important these recommendations really are, they are hugely important!

Third, it is also crucial that your recommenders understand how the MBA application process works and what the purpose of these letters of recommendation is. Go over the process with her/him, emphasizing the importance of depth, details, and anecdotes to address specific situations and your contributions, but don’t overwhelm them with unnecessary information. Take the time to share context for your decision to pursue the MBA, your post-grad plans and key themes you intend to highlight in your application. The better the recommender knows you, the easier it will be for him/her to write this important letter of recommendation.

Finally, the recommender should stress the big achievements you’ve made. Do these achievements show leadership, teamwork, creative thinking, determination, focus, intelligence, charisma, etc.? They should! Give your recommenders enough time to brainstorm and craft the letters of recommendation and keep in touch with them by maintaining regular communication, checking in to ensure they’re aware of upcoming deadlines.

Typical LOR questions

– Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.

– How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?

– Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.

As mentioned above, your recommender may have to complete a matrix too, grading you on a variety of skills: Initiative, Result Orientation, Influence and Collaboration, Team Leadership, Developing Others, Adaptance, Resilience, Problem-solving, etc.

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