Getting recommendation letters for an MBA program is one way that applicants can put themselves ahead of all the other candidates out there. The letters that an applicant receives provide an additional, third-person perspective on the applicant’s skill set. Above all, these letters from recommenders should enhance the application by offering new and invaluable insights into the person applying.
This is why it is so essential for a person who is applying for an MBA to only get these letters from individuals they have worked with closely. This is the best way to ensure the recommendation provides relevant and specific examples of the applicants work. Try not to submit two overly similar recommendations. It is much more powerful to have recommenders who can share different views and perspectives of the individual’s candidacy.
Letters from VIP Recommenders or Side Letters
When searching for details at Personal MBA Coach about letters of recommendation, some people ask about VIP recommenders and side letters. The answer to these is not always black and white.
In some situations, applicants will sabotage their efforts if they choose bigwig recommenders who have impressive-sounding titles. While the goal is to impress the Ad.Com, this is a tactic that usually backfires. Someone with an excellent-sounding title who does not really know the applicant is unable to offer specific examples to support what they can do. Quality endorsements are going to come from individuals who can highlight the applicant’s interpersonal, personal, and professional skills.
Winning Recommendation Letters Require Some Guidance
It may be smart to offer a packet of materials to help a recommender understand why business school is the next logical step for the applicant. This may include things like an updated resume, information about the program a person hopes to attend, and their application essays.
Today, everyone is busy. As a result, many recommenders will have applicants write their own letters. This is never a good idea. If the individual does not have the time to write a recommendation, it is best to find someone else.
Along with being unethical, the application reviewer will usually be able to tell if the applicant wrote the letter from the writing style in the essays. This is a huge red flag when it comes to a person’s integrity. Also, it may result in an automatic ding. While this is true, it does not mean that an applicant cannot have some impact on the final letter that is created.
It is a good idea to make the recommender’s life easy by giving them an example to back up each of the characteristics an applicant would like to have highlighted. Be sure to share details regarding how the person contributed to specific projects.
Getting the Best Recommendations
When it is time to get recommendations for an MBA school, there are many factors to consider. Take some time to keep the information here in mind to know what to do and what to avoid when seeking recommendations. This information will help ensure the desired results are achieved.
