Often given the
least importance by MBA applicants, letters of recommendation add immense value
to your applications and require a significant amount of time and attention. Be
proactive and start thinking of all the potential recommenders. Choose on the
basis of how well they know you and how keen they would be to help you through
your application. It is always an add-on to choose someone with good written
skills; someone who can craft a compelling letter of recommendation.
Your list could
comprise of current or previous employers, supervisors from the not-for-profit
organizations you worked for, or college professors. The latter however doesn’t
put as much impact as the others since it is from a much prior timeline. The
newer the experiences you bring in to your recommendation, the more the value
they add to it. In all, aim for a good combination of recommenders in order to
showcase your skills and capabilities to the fullest, thus bringing a broader
perspective to your candidacy.
A key thing to
remember here is that your recommenders hold significant positions at their
respective firms and will have deadlines to meet. So give them enough time to
work on the letters, 4-6 weeks preferably. It is always nice to talk to them
about the strengths you want to leverage in your application. Make them
understand why a certain school appeals to you and your passion for pursuing
MBA. From my own experience, I have observed that it is always easier for a
recommender to provide an effective letter if they know about the process and
the expectations that encompass it.
Start by
connecting with all your potential recommenders and evaluating who would be keen
on providing a recommendation. Once you narrow down to the final pool of
recommenders, divide your applications among them. Keep it to 2-3
recommendations per person. Respect their time and consideration by not bothering
them with too many recommendation requests.
I would also
say, please refrain from writing your own letters. It is however always nice to
help your recommenders through the process. So provide them with all the
necessary information and do not forget to remind them of the deadlines. A good
recommendation is of no use if not sent on time!
All the best!
Urvashi Marda, Forté Fellow
Class of 2014, Kelley School of Business at Indiana University
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