How to Get Compelling MBA Letters of Recommendation

The letter of recommendation is a common requirement in MBA admissions — but not all letters of recommendation are alike.

Letters of recommendation are just one piece of the MBA admissions puzzle, alongside professional experience, interviews, undergraduate transcripts, test scores, and other application requirements. It might be tempting to put less effort into finding recommenders for your MBA application as you deal with all of those other requirements, but a bad letter of recommendation can hurt your chances of getting into a program.

MBA letters of recommendation give business schools valuable insight into your professional experience and ability to contribute to a team. Selective MBA programs are looking to fill limited spots in their programs and want candidates who will add value to their cohorts.

Read on to learn what goes into a good MBA recommendation letter and how a good recommendation can help you stand out from the crowd.

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A good letter of recommendation can be a crucial part of an MBA application. Here are a few steps you can take to land a solid letter of recommendation:

You need someone who can speak to your work, not just a personal or academic reference. If you’re currently employed, make sure you get a letter of recommendation from your current boss. Previous employers are also a good idea to ask for letters of recommendation.

MBA programs are typically geared toward professionals with a few years of experience under their belts, and getting letters of recommendation from managers and your professional network can help boost your application.

“A good recommendation is from someone, preferably a direct manager or supervisor, who can write about the candidate’s qualities, performance, and fit for an MBA program,” Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, told BestColleges. “Specificity is key. A solid recommendation will be compelling when it includes specific examples or anecdotes to support assertions.”

Many programs require at least two letters of recommendation. Choosing a current and previous supervisor might be the best bet for landing solid letters of recommendation that highlight your professional ability and work ethic.

Different MBA programs have different letter of recommendation requirements. Make sure to check a school’s letter of recommendation criteria on their respective admissions websites before seeking out recommenders.

Some top business schools will allow you to use the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation, which provides your recommenders with a template to fill out and highlight your abilities.

Some schools will ask specific questions of your recommenders. Harvard Business School will ask your recommenders to describe some constructive feedback they gave you and also how you compare to other well-qualified people in similar roles. Other schools have more unique requirements: NYU Stern’s EQ Endorsement approach, for example, asks endorsers to highlight your interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Respect is key when asking for a letter of recommendation. Remember that you’re asking your recommenders to take time out of their schedule to write a letter of recommendation for you, and don’t approach them as if their answer will already be a “yes.”

“Let them know that it’s okay for them to decline because you’d like to submit the most competitive application possible, and you’re looking for recommenders who may comment on your strengths and potential based on their observations,” Gutiérrez said.

Give them plenty of time to write your letter of recommendation and clearly communicate requirements and deadlines. That will both give them more time to put their thoughts together, and benefit you in the long run, said Philippe Barr, former assistant director of MBA admissions at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

“Applicants should give their recommenders enough time to write a great letter,” Barr said. “A rushed letter will never be a great letter. Timing is everything.”

Business schools want candidates who will excel in their program, but also contribute to their community and alumni network. The cohort-based model of many MBA programs demands collaboration, leadership, and a willingness to be a team player.

A great letter of recommendation does more than just brag about your skills. It also shows how you’ll fit into the program you’re applying for. As MBA programs roll out specializations in niche areas, that might mean highlighting your technical prowess.”An outstanding letter of recommendation is a letter in which the recommender demonstrates his or her understanding of the applicant’s strengths and vulnerabilities and aligns them with the program’s offerings,” said Philippe Barr, the former assistant director of MBA admissions at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

“A bad or weak recommendation is vague,” Gutiérrez said. “While it may be tempting to solicit a letter of recommendation from the CEO or another executive at the company where the applicant works, the letter will not be helpful if it is generic and does not speak specifically to the qualifications of the applicant.”

While your letter should be from someone who knows you well enough to speak to your strengths, in most cases, a letter of recommendation from a family member or personal friend should be a no-go. Business schools want to see how your professional experience will make you a valuable addition to their program, and while your mom, uncle, or childhood best friend might have great things to say about you, they’ll never be objective enough to provide a truly effective letter of recommendation.

If your current supervisor is against you taking time away from work to get an MBA, avoid asking them. Your recommenders should want you to grow and support your decision to get an MBA.

Selecting a relevant, professional contact who can speak to your current work experience and who supports your decision to get an MBA is a surefire way to get a good letter of recommendation. You won’t need to worry about a bad letter of recommendation if you get the right recommender.