A Letter of Recommendation for an MBA is a document that demonstrates an applicant’s readiness for an MBA program by highlighting their commendable character traits and past achievements.
Typically drafted by professionals or academics who know the applicant well, the letter is vital to the MBA application process. It provides admissions officers with an endorsement of the applicant’s potential success, offering unique insights that reinforce the applicant’s overall application and showcase their suitability for advanced business studies.
Who to Select
Ideal candidates to write your recommendation letter for an MBA can include managers, supervisors, or mentors who:
- Have directly observed your work and can provide specific examples of your skills and leadership;
- Are respected professionals in your field; their reputation strengthens their recommendation and offers context for your achievement;
- Has given you constructive feedback and observed how you implemented it. This shows your ability to handle and grow from criticism, a key trait for success in an MBA program.
Business schools generally prefer professional recommendations. Therefore, aim to get letters from professional sources, especially if two are required.
If three letters are required, having one from an academic source is acceptable, especially if they can speak to your intellectual abilities and achievements.
Building Relationships
Begin building and nurturing professional relationships well in advance of applying. This will ensure you have credible and supportive individuals who can vouch for your capabilities when the time comes.
How to Request
Meet with your potential recommenders face-to-face if possible. Follow these steps to ensure your recommender provides a compelling and relevant letter:
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Thank them for meeting with you and making your request respectfully. Emphasize that a stellar recommendation letter is crucial to your MBA admission chances.
Example:Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I really appreciate your support and guidance throughout my time here. I am currently applying for an MBA program and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Your insights and observations about my work would be invaluable to my application. I understand this is a significant request, and I truly appreciate any assistance you can provide. -
Provide details. If the recommender agrees to write a recommendation letter for you, briefly share information about:
• the MBA programs you plan to apply to, including their values, cultures, and specific requirements on formatting and submission;
• a brief description of your academic (e.g., transcripts) and professional background (e.g., CV) and goals;
• a draft of your essay (if you feel comfortable sharing). You can either provide hardcopy materials or send them via email. - Highlight key attributes. Discuss your key attributes and how to highlight them with the recommender. While you may have predetermined qualities to emphasize, invite the recommender to share their insights for a broader perspective. Ask what makes you stand out among other well-qualified individuals.
- Offer concrete examples. After determining what to highlight, provide at least one concrete example for each key attribute to illustrate your strengths and achievements.
- Use templates and guidelines. These can act as a starting point but stress the importance of their authentic voice in the letter. Reassure them that their authentic perspective is valuable and that the letter does not need to be perfect, just honest and supportive.
- Set realistic deadlines that give them ample time to write and refine the letter. Offer to send them a reminder when deadlines approach.
- Thank them again for their time and support, and emphasize how much you value their assistance.
How do I ask recommenders to submit letters for multiple graduate programs?
When applying to multiple graduate programs, it’s common to feel awkward asking recommenders to submit multiple letters. However, recommenders typically write one strong letter and do minimal customization for each specific school, which can be a quick process.
How to Write
Step 1: Introduction
Include the following aspects in the introduction:
- A formal greeting;
- A self-introduction introducing yourself, your title, and your affiliations;
- An introduction of the applicant;
- Your relationship with the applicant; and
- How this relationship influences your decision to recommend them for the MBA program
Step 2: Body Paragraphs
The body of the letter should consist of 2-3 paragraphs and focus on specific examples and qualifications, organized logically.
Below are some actionable steps and examples to create a great MBA recommendation letter:
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Include Specific Examples: Detail relevant instances where the applicant demonstrated key qualities such as leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, or problem-solving.
- Example: During our project to revamp the company’s client management system, Jane led a cross-functional team, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration. Her leadership resulted in a 20% increase in client satisfaction within six months.
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Illustrate Fit with the MBA Program: Explain how the applicant’s experiences and qualities align with the values and culture of the MBA program they are applying to.
- Example: Tom’s commitment to sustainable business practices was demonstrated through his work in developing eco-friendly packaging solutions. His dedication aligns well with your program’s focus on ethical leadership.
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Maintain Authenticity and Credibility: Balance your praise with honest, constructive feedback to enhance the letter’s credibility. Avoid excessive praise and exaggerating descriptors. Include specific examples of the applicant’s growth and response to challenges.
- Example: While Sarah initially struggled with delegating tasks, her willingness to seek feedback and improve has been impressive. Over the past year, she has developed into a confident leader who effectively empowers her team.
Step 3: Conclusion
The conclusion should reiterate your endorsement and highlight the applicant’s potential for success in the MBA program. Extend an invitation to the university to contact you for further information if needed. Conclude with a formal sign-off, including your printed name and signature.
Step 4: Proofreading and Submitting
Ensure that you have thoroughly proofread your letters for clarity, proper grammar, and formatting. Review the submission instructions carefully and coordinate with the applicant to ensure timely submission.
MBA Recommendation Letter: Example
[Company Letterhead]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Emily Johnson’s MBA application as she applies for the MBA program at Harvard Business School. As the Vice President of Marketing at ABC Industries, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Emily for the past three years. Having observed her skills and leadership firsthand, I am confident in recommending her for your MBA program.
Emily has repeatedly demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving abilities. One notable example is her role in launching a new product line. Emily led the marketing team by conducting extensive market research, organizing brainstorming sessions, and ensuring effective collaboration through regular meetings and project management tools. Her strategic planning and adaptability resulted in a 30% increase in market share within six months. Her leadership in coordinating efforts and overcoming challenges was crucial to the project’s success.
Emily’s dedication to corporate social responsibility further illustrates her fit for Harvard Business School. She initiated a company-wide program to support local community projects, identifying partners, developing proposals, and creating a volunteer task force. Her innovative approach significantly enhanced our corporate image and employee morale.
While Emily has many strengths, her ability to learn and grow is what sets her apart from other MBA applicants. Initially, she faced challenges in managing cross-departmental projects due to differing priorities and communication styles. However, Emily proactively sought feedback from her peers and mentors while attending workshops on project management and effective communication. She implemented what she learned by setting clearer goals, improving her delegation skills, and fostering a more inclusive team environment. Over the past year, Emily has transformed into a confident leader who successfully manages complex projects and fosters a collaborative work environment.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Emily Johnson for the MBA program at Harvard Business School. Her leadership skills, dedication to social responsibility, and continuous personal growth make her an ideal candidate. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (123) 987-6543 if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Robert Miller
Vice President of Marketing
ABC Industries
[email protected]
(123) 987-6543
Letter of Recommendation for MBA Sample
Copy the free sample or download a customizable letter of recommendation template below.
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Institution]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s Address]
___________________ [Recommender’s Phone Number or Email Address]
___________________ [Date]
___________________ [Recipient’s Name]
___________________ [Recipient’s Institution]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s Address]
___________________ [Recipient’s Phone Number or Email Address]
Dear ___________________ [Recipient’s name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to recommend ___________________ [Applicant’s name] for the ___________________ [Course/degree applied for] at ___________________ [Name of institution offering this course/degree]. Having had the pleasure of engaging with ___________________ [Applicant’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to applicant] for ______ [Time] at ___________________ [Name of institution], I have been impressed by their commitment to achieving and maintaining a high standard in all endeavors. This positions me well to attest to their suitability for this application.
During their tenure in ___________________ [Applicant’s field of study/interest], ___________________ [Applicant’s name] has consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill]. A notable achievement was their commitment in _____________________________________ [Description of achievement]. As a result, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Moreover, ___________________ [Applicant’s name] has shown remarkable ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill] through their involvement in _______________________________ [Description of achievement]. Because of this, ___________________________ [Result of achievement].
Beyond ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s accomplishments in ___________________ [Applicant’s field of study/interest], they have made significant contributions to ______________________________________ [Description of achievement], showcasing their ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill]. Through these contributions, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
To conclude, I am confident in recommending ___________________ [Applicant’s name] for the ___________________ [Course/degree applied for]. I have no doubt that they will continue to grow and inspire others in their future endeavors.
I am happy to provide any additional information or discuss ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s journey further. I can be reached at ___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email].
Sincerely,
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Department or Title]
________________________________ [Recommender’s Email or Phone]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Common Letter of Recommendation?
The Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR), created by the Graduate Management Admission Council, streamlines the MBA recommendation process with a standardized template. It includes key questions that a traditional recommendation letter addresses. Despite its format, using the pointers on the template page—such as emphasizing specific examples and maintaining authenticity—can still help you craft a compelling and detailed Common LOR for multiple schools.
How do I politely remind recommenders to send letters before the deadline?
It’s common for professors to complete recommendations near the deadline. Politely remind them by having the application system send a reminder email with the submission link. Follow up with a courteous email if needed and thank them for their time. If the deadline is imminent, consider visiting their office during a convenient time to discuss it if possible.
What does it mean when a professor says, “You can give my name and contact information” after I request a letter of recommendation?
This means the professor agrees to be your recommender. When you apply, you will provide the institution with the professor’s name and contact information. The institution will then contact the professor directly with instructions on how to upload the recommendation letter. You do not need to write the letter yourself.
