Thrain wrote:
Work Exp:
Company X - Aug 2000 - Mar 2002
Company Y - Aug 2002 - Aug 2003
Company Z - Aug 2003 - Present
Letters of Rec I am considering:
Boss at Company X. I worked with him extensively and the job provided incredible leadership and team experience.
Client at Company Z. Company Z is a 2-person computer consulting business (myself and one other person). The other consultant is a close family member, so I don't think its appropriate to ask him to write a letter. However, one of our best clients has offered to write a letter. Is this OK? Does it make sense? Will the adcom understand? Do I need to explain this in an option essay?
Any suggestions or feedback are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Thrain,
Though the letter from Company X is old, it makes sense to you use if it was a pivotal experience for you and you know the recommender will be superpositive. A letter from company Y would be marginally preferable only because it is more recent, but only use it in place of company X if it is equally knowledgeable and equally enthusiastic about you.
I do think you need some letter from your current professional situation so given that letters from family are out, your client letter sounds good, especially if the person has worked extensively with you and will be enthusiastic.
Good luck,