Manager
Joined: 18 Aug 2013
Posts: 106
Given Kudos: 18
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Technology
Battle of the recommenders: current boss/alumni vs prev mgr
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14 Aug 2014, 14:18
I have a simple question about who is best to ask for a recommendation. I am applying to a top 5 school and actually feel stifled by the 2 recommender limit. I have already selected 1 of my 2 recommenders, so the second one is where I'm struggling.
Please help me choose between the two:
1. Current boss. He is not my direct manager but I work in a start-up environment so we have worked on several things together, have weekly team meetings, etc. He has a super strong background: ivy-league education, MBB, and is an alumni of the school. Also, the Head of admissions seems to know him by name (I gather that from their very friendly interaction at an info session). I have only worked with him for the last 4-5 months. Also not too sure if he would be "raving" about me. He also seems super busy, so I'm not sure how that would impact the quality of the recommendation.
2. Previous manager. Worked very closely together and formed a good relationship with him. He doesn't have as much of a spectacular background, but still pretty good. We worked together for the greater part of last year. I am quite positive that he knows me well and would "rave" about me. I don't get to see him every day though, so without that constant reminder, this may allow him to put off writing it to the last minute, and I'd like to avoid a rush job if at all possible.
I feel I have a better relationship with my previous manager and might get more of a raving review than my current boss. However, I don't want to discount my current boss's background, and especially his relationship to the Head of admissions. What would you do? What other things would you consider?