jessenchester wrote:
I am a R1 applicant for US B schools. I am in a bit of a fix about my recommendations.
I have done 2 roles primarily in my 5 year career.
1. Current role: I have been in it for 13 months. I have worked under my hiring manager for 8 months until he left for another team in the same company a few months ago. My current manager and I have worked for 5 months only. Which one of the two should I choose?
2. Previous role: I did this role for 4 years. I worked under different manager through this while but the same engineering manager, who has little experience in being a direct manager to me. I have two choices again here - the engineering manager or a direct manager during this time. Which one should I choose?
I am not stating my personal opinion here so as to not sway the opinion. It would be great if I could get a perspective on this matter from the experts..
Always choose the recommenders who can add the most examples of you leading initiatives, recruiting people to your teams, and making an impact. Remember that it is the examples they share that matter most. If you have not much to show for the past 5 months, then it doesn't make sense for your current manager to write you a recommendation (just explain that in the optional essay or other area of the application where this information is requested). If the engineering manager saw you in action and can write about your initiative, your impact, your ability to work with and lead others, then he can write the recommendation. If not, I would select the direct manager that worked with you most recently.
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