Start thinking about your recommendations as soon as possible. The whole process of identifying good recommenders, lining them up, and then making sure they follow through with winning letters can take a lot of time. Most MBA applications require 2-3 letters of recommendation, including one from your current supervisor if possible.
Make It Personal
Choose people who like you and who think you're good at what you do. Choose good writers who can express their opinions clearly. If a potential recommender seems less than enthusiastic in any way, keep looking. That person's ambivalence is likely to come through in the letter.
Ask early and ask nicely. Start sizing up potential recommenders—let them know that you may soon ask them for a letter. The more time they have, the better job they'll do recommending you. A lunch invitation is a great way for the recommender to get to know you better.
Help the recommender to be specific about your accomplishments. Provide copies of your application essays, your resume, and any other supporting data. Make the process as easy as possible for your recommenders. And, of course, a thank-you note at the end of the process is appreciated and expected.
Keep your recommendation writers on schedule. Provide a gentle reminder when a deadline is approaching. Pave the way for this reminder when you first ask for the recommendation by mentioning a date for a follow-up call.
Consider These Questions
Ask yourself these questions when considering
potential recommenders:
- Have you worked closely with this person?
- Does this person think favorably of you?
- Does this person know that you intend to go to business school?
- Is this person an effective narrative writer?
- If this person knows you from previous rather than current experiences, have you kept in touch?
- Will this person complete your recommendation letter by the deadline you specify?
