Crafting a Strong MBA Recommendation Letter: Tips and Examples

An MBA recommendation letter is one of the most influential parts of your business school application. A recommender should have worked with you closely, seen your work on a day-to-day basis, and most importantly, be willing to provide a great recommendation. Often, this would be a direct manager in your current job who can speak to your overall abilities.

MBA Recommendation Letter: Tips and Example

The Graduate Management Admission Council created the Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR) to help streamline the MBA recommendation letter process. The Common LOR is a template questionnaire that asks the same basic questions a traditional recommendation letter is expected to address. However, rather than writing individual letters to each school, the Common LOR is a widely accepted, standardized document that you can fill out once and submit to many schools. Securing strong recommendation letters for your MBA application is crucial. Here are some tips to help you and your recommenders create impactful letters:

1. Choose the Right Recommenders

Professional Relationship: Select recommenders who know you well professionally, such as supervisors, mentors, or colleagues.

Insightful Perspective: Ensure they can provide specific examples of your skills, achievements, and leadership abilities.

Credibility: While a high-ranking recommender can be impressive, their ability to provide meaningful and detailed insights is more important.

2. Prepare Your Recommenders

Provide Context: Explain why you’re pursuing an MBA and how it fits into your career goals. Share details about the programs you're applying to and their focus areas.

Share Your Resume: Give your recommenders a copy of your resume to help them understand your background and accomplishments.

Highlight Key Points: Suggest specific projects, achievements, or skills you’d like them to emphasize. Provide examples to make their job easier.

3. Communicate Clearly

Discuss Deadlines: Inform your recommenders about the deadlines for each application. Give them ample time to write a thoughtful letter.

Guidelines and Formats: Provide any guidelines or formats required by the MBA programs. Each school may have specific questions or formats they prefer.

4. Emphasize Specifics and Stories

Concrete Examples: Encourage your recommenders to use specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your skills, achievements, and leadership abilities.

Quantify Achievements: Where possible, include quantifiable results (e.g., “increased sales by 20% over six months”) to provide a clear picture of your impact.

5. Highlight Key Attributes

Leadership and Teamwork: Ask your recommenders to focus on your leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and how you handle challenges.

Professionalism and Work Ethic: They should discuss your professionalism, work ethic, and reliability.

6. Follow Up and Express Gratitude

Check-In: Politely follow up with your recommenders to ensure they are on track to meet the deadlines. Offer any additional information they might need.

Thank You: Express your gratitude for their time and effort. A thank-you note or email goes a long way in showing appreciation.

7. Use Multiple Perspectives

Diverse Viewpoints: If possible, choose recommenders who can provide different perspectives on your abilities. For example, one could focus on your technical skills, while another highlights your leadership qualities.

8. Maintain Authenticity

Genuine Insights: Authenticity is key. Ensure that your recommenders provide genuine insights and reflections rather than generic praise.

9. Confidentiality

Confidential Letters: If possible, waive your right to view the recommendation letters. Confidential letters are often viewed as more honest and credible by admissions committees.

10. Align with Your Application

Consistency: Ensure that the stories and examples in your recommendation letters align with the rest of your application materials, including your essays and resume.

1. The purpose of the MBA recommendation letter is to make the admissions committee excited about having you in their business school.
2. Choose someone as an MBA recommender who has supervised your work directly for some time and who would be able to convey to the admissions committee what makes you exceptional.
3. An alumni recommender is better than someone with an impressive title.
4. Don’t approach for an MBA recommendation letter at the last moment. Do it as early as possible.
5. Don’t leave this process to chance but strategize it. Assist or coach your recommender with relevant information that you would want to get highlighted in your letter of recommendation for business schools.

Some wrinkles for MBA recommendation

Q: What if you cannot request a recommendation from your current boss because doing so will adversely affect your relationship with them—or even get you fired?

This is not an uncommon problem, and you should simply explain this situation in the optional essay so the admissions committee understands. However, finding someone else who can speak to your day-to-day performance becomes even more important. Frequently, this means turning to a previous manager.

Q: Does your recommender’s title or status matter?

In short, no. Do not struggle to get the CEO of your firm to write you a recommendation if they have never seen your work product or style firsthand.

Q: How about an academic reference?

This would probably not be your best option. You need a really good reason to have a former professor write you a recommendation. For most candidates, their active relationship with their professor was a long time ago, and the professor viewed them in a far different light than a professional reference would, meaning that their input would be less applicable to an MBA context.

Q: How about getting a reference from a customer or client?

A customer or client reference can be intriguing, but it should be used only in very special cases.

Q: Can you ask a colleague to write a recommendation?

If you are having trouble securing a second recommendation, consider requesting one from someone from another organization you are actively involved with, such as a volunteer group. This is an especially good option when your leadership qualities are very much on display in your interactions or work with the organization.

Q: So, in the end, what makes for the best recommendation?

The answer is that the best recommendation is the one that paints you in the best light. This is what the top schools want and therefore the type of recommendation you need to focus on getting.

Sample MBA recommendation letter to guide you and your recommenders in creating a compelling and impactful letter:

[Recommender’s Name]
[Title]
[Company/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Admissions Committee Name]
[Business School Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

I am delighted to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant’s Name] in support of their application to the MBA program at [Business School Name]. As [Applicant’s Name]'s [recommender’s relationship to applicant, e.g., direct supervisor] at [Company/Organization Name] for [number of years], I have had the pleasure of observing their professional growth and development, and I am confident in their potential to excel in your program and beyond.

[Applicant’s Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to excellence. One of the most notable projects that exemplify [his/her/their] capabilities was the [specific project name/description]. In this project, [Applicant’s Name] led a cross-functional team of [number] members to [specific goal or outcome]. Through [his/her/their] effective leadership, clear communication, and innovative approach, the team was able to [specific achievement, e.g., increase sales by 20%, reduce costs by 15%, etc.]. This accomplishment not only underscored [Applicant’s Name]'s ability to lead and inspire others but also highlighted [his/her/their] keen analytical skills and strategic vision.

In addition to [his/her/their] professional achievements, [Applicant’s Name] has also demonstrated a strong commitment to personal and professional development. [He/She/They] actively seek out opportunities for learning and growth, whether through formal training programs or informal mentorship relationships. [Applicant’s Name] is known for [his/her/their] willingness to take on challenging assignments and [his/her/their] ability to quickly adapt to new situations. [His/Her/Their] resilience and determination are truly commendable.

[Applicant’s Name] is not only a talented and dedicated professional but also a person of high integrity and strong ethical standards. [He/She/They] consistently act with honesty and transparency, earning the trust and respect of colleagues, clients, and stakeholders alike. [His/Her/Their] collaborative and inclusive approach fosters a positive and productive work environment, making [him/her/them] a valued member of any team.

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will bring the same level of dedication, innovation, and leadership to the MBA program at [Business School Name]. [He/She/They] have the drive and ambition to succeed in your rigorous academic environment and to contribute meaningfully to the school community. I wholeheartedly endorse [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your MBA program and look forward to seeing [his/her/their] future accomplishments.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Sincerely,

[Recommender’s Name]
[Title]
[Company/Organization Name] 

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

Ques. How can I help my recommender write a strong letter for me?

Ans. Provide your recommender with your resume, a copy of your MBA application essay (if available), and any relevant information about your career goals and how the program aligns with them. You can also suggest specific examples of your work they might want to highlight.

Ques. Can I request a recommendation letter from someone I haven't worked with directly?

Ans. In some cases, a strong recommendation from a professor or mentor can be valuable. However, focus on recommenders who can speak directly to your work ethic, skills, and potential for success in an MBA program.

Ques. What makes a strong recommendation letter for an MBA program?

Ans. Strong recommendation letters go beyond simply stating the applicant is qualified. They highlight specific skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate the applicant's potential to succeed in an MBA program and their future career.

Ques. What information should I include in an MBA recommendation letter?

Ans. Your letter should typically include:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your relationship with the applicant.
2. Strengths and Qualities: Highlight 2-3 key strengths relevant to an MBA program (leadership, analytical skills, communication, etc.).
3. Specific Examples: Provide concrete examples of how the applicant demonstrated these strengths in your work together (projects, presentations, problem-solving).