Questions regarding Recommenders and Recommendation Letters
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13 May 2011, 01:29
This is my first post as I just recently came across this forum. Have been reading through many of the threads here and found that there are lots of good insights and advises provided by people with solid knowledge regarding MBA applications.
I see a lot of emphasis on controlling how to get the recommenders to write the recommendation letters. There are however a few questions that I have regarding the recommendation letters and hope some of the experts here can shred some lights on the topics.
1) I work in the top ranking boutique executive search firm based in Hong Kong specializing in finance. Not sure if anyone has worked or know someone who works in this industry in Asia but most of the top tier search firms in finance are boutique specialist. Problem is that we work very independently and at junior level, each associate support one consultant. I was fortunately enough to be able to directly support the Managing Director who deals with senior recruitment, which gives me lots of exposure to be in touch with senior executives (I have made placements from VP to Managing Director levels) and later also support the CEO of the firm during time when human capital was lacking.
Problem is, that means there are only 2 managers who would have direct supervision and acknowledgement into my work performance. Over the time at my current firm, there had been a number of departures and somehow I had become among the most senior member in the research team at my firm. To tie this to the questions regarding recommendation letters, I understand that I will need 3 recommenders who would give reference to my career, which I feel confident to ask my CEO and MD to help with. However, I am struggling to find the third recommenders. There are other senior consultants here but I don't think they can give an accurate account of my work, I can on the other hand ask my colleagues who are more junior than I am to help, or some of my former senior colleagues. I would like some advises if possible as to how to choose the right person to give this task to.
I am due for promotion in June to a consultant position and will be dealing more with clients. However I have yet to develop any solid relationship with a client whom I can trust to give me recommendations.
Is there anyone on this forum who has ever encountered the same problem? Which I guess happens more often in a boutique firm?
PS. I do have a past job before the current one, but it is a family business and my boss was my mother. I am not sure if she would be the best person to give recommendation taken into account the concern of biasness given our relationship.
2) Since I do have my eye on an MBA in 2 year time, I try to keep a good relationship with managers who can possibly give me recommendations. However, did it ever happen to anyone where a career switch has dampen the relationships with their bosses? In that case, would you still ask for recommendations from your former boss?
Would really appreciate some insights. Thanks a lot in advance for any help