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The letters of
recommendation are far from being an administrative formality
and you have to give them as much attentions as the other parts
of the application. Think about what your objectives are, and
take the time to carefully explain your approach to the people
who write your letters. The school leaves the choice of who
writes your letters up to you. It is, however, absolutely
necessary to have one or two of the letters come from
individuals who have worked with you professionally.
GENERAL ADVICE
Choose people close to you rather than big names at your
company:
This advice is written and repeated in all the MBA guides. Some
candidates feel obliged to have well known individuals recommend
them because they think business school prefers well connected
candidates. The school actually places very little importance on
the notoriety of the person who recommends you. So don't look to
have the president of the company or your consulting firm's
founding partner write your recommendation unless this person
really does know you well. Rather look for people who have spent
enough time working with you to be able to give an account of
who you really are.
Highlight different aspects of your leadership ability:
Try to choose people who each shed a different light on each of
your qualities. It doesn't help much to have three people from
your company each say, in a slightly different way, that you
have a wonderful talent for analyzing situations. Above all,
business school is looking for signs of your leadership ability.
So don't hesitate to have each one of your letters speak about a
different aspect of your qualities as a leader. For example,
have your first letter, from a former professors, describe
your ability to motivate the students belonging to student
association X. A second letter, written by your first boss, will
emphasize that your data analysis defined new goals and
objectives for department Y. Finally, a third letter, if any,
from another employer can discuss your natural talent as a
mentor, which enables those who work under you to develop their
talents.
Don't be too modest:
Emphasize your achievements. For example, if you were at the
head of your class, or if you are one of the top performers at
work, encourage the person writing your letter to focus on these
qualities. Competition for places at top business schools is
tense. Tell yourself that other candidates' letters of
recommendation will be full of superlatives.
SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Dear Sir/Madame:
I would like to enthusiastically recommend John Smith as a
strong addition to the ABC Business School. John not only has
the technical qualifications and mental turpitude for admission
to your prestigious program, but also has demonstrated the
leadership, business acumen, management ability, technical
expertise, and oral and written skills necessary to succeed in
all that he endeavors.
As John's supervisor at The Insurance Bank for the past two
years, I have observed his substantial skills first hand and
have been astonished with his level of performance at such a
young age.
Although I am four years his senior and have received an MBA,
John has consistently displayed insight and knowledge equal to
or better than my own, and I rely upon his judgment quite
heavily.
In his position as a consultant, John is required not only to
perform technical exercises, he is also expected, among other
things, to (1) manage multiple projects simultaneously visa a
vis predetermined budgets, (2) cultivate and strengthen client
relationships, (3) manage a staff of analysts and word
processors on client engagements, (4) develop internal systems
and procedures, (5) develop new products and services, and (6)
think creatively. He has not only fulfilled but has exceeded the
expectations of management in each of these very important
functions.
Perhaps his strongest abilities are to think creatively and act
decisively and correctly. These are skills that cannot be taught
and are the principal reasons for John's success to-date.
Because of this, John is often called upon by senior management
to resolve the most difficult and time sensitive client
projects.
I have also had the pleasure of knowing John on a personal
basis, and very much enjoy his self-confidence, sense of humor,
and personality. John is always the first to organize group
activities and has very strong personal relationships both
inside and outside the office environment.
Finally, John's unique combination of the above skills with a
high level of moral and ethical standards have been critical to
his personal and professional development. It is my belief that
he will succeed in any undertaking largely because of his
determination to adhere to these standards and accomplish his
goals with integrity.
I have only touched upon the most important abilities of this
highly qualified and motivated individual. With this letter, I
can highly recommend John Smith for admission to the Harvard
Business School. If you require any elaboration, please call me.
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