Join us for How They Did It: Early Decision Success Stories on 1/29 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for How They Did It: Early Decision Success Stories on 1/29 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Do you remember stressfully running around to your favorite teachers in high school, begging them to write letters on your behalf to send to all of the colleges you were applying to? Well, letters of recommendation are just as important to business school admissions as they are to undergraduate admissions. What better way is there to promote yourself than first-hand accounts of your work and character from peers and superiors?
Nearly all MBA programs require one or more letter of recommendation to accompany their application – some request four or more! In a few cases, admissions offices will even require letters focusing on very specific situations, projects or recent interactions with superiors. It is very important to line these letters up as early as possible to identify the right writer and give him or her enough time to put together a strong statement of support.
MBA candidates should seek to portray themselves and their goals in a very specific way. Look to colleagues, partners, customers or business associates who can speak to your strengths. Be polite and respectful when approaching these letter writers. Give writers what they need – an updated résumé, perhaps even copies of your essays if complete – to ensure their letter fits into the bigger application “package” you’re pursuing.
It may sound like a no brainer, but be sure to ask writers whom you know will promote you in a positive light. A well-respected boss that you really liked and worked well with may not always harbor the same feelings for you. Take the time to sit down or meet with your recommenders and explain to them your goals and aspirations and why you are seeking an MBA. If you are applying for a specific MBA specialization, express your reasoning for choosing it to your recommender.
Make sure your recommendation letters speak to different strengths or experiences. Admissions officers do not want to hear about the same project or job from two different writers, and it’s a wasted opportunity for you. Admissions officers want to see how you present yourself in your professional life, and they want to hear it from very different perspectives.
Finally, thank your recommenders. While you will not read the letters they wrote on your behalf, they will certainly be an integral part of your MBA applications process and the road to advancing your career!
