The Letter of Recommendation (LoR) plays a pivotal role in your ISB PGP application, offering third-party insights into your professional capabilities, leadership potential, and personal character.
ISB values thoughtful peer and supervisor feedback to assess your readiness for the program, making the selection of the right recommender and effective guidance crucial for success.
In this article, we’ll explore how and when to choose a recommender, provide expert tips for crafting impactful LoRs, and share sample responses tailored to ISB’s specific requirements.
When to Choose a Recommender for ISB PGP?Start identifying potential recommenders as early as three months before your application deadline. This timeline ensures ample preparation for a strong, personalised recommendation:
- Three Months Before Deadline: Identify potential recommenders and approach them informally to gauge interest and availability.
- Two Months Before Deadline: Finalise your choice and provide them with key materials like your resume, goals, and achievements.
- One Month Before Deadline: Follow up to ensure they have all the necessary details to craft a thoughtful recommendation.
How to Choose a Recommender for ISB PGP?Your recommender should be someone who:
- Knows your professional skills and growth well.
- Can provide specific examples of your achievements and leadership abilities.
- Holds a supervisory role (current or past), or is a senior colleague or client who has worked closely with you.
Avoid: Choosing someone based solely on their title. A personalised and detailed letter from a direct supervisor carries more weight than a generic one from a high-ranking executive.
Expert Tips on Crafting Strong Letters of Recommendation for ISB 1.
Select Recommenders Who Know You Well: Choose someone who has directly observed your work and leadership. They should highlight specific examples of your contributions and growth.
Tip: Avoid senior executives unfamiliar with your work. A detailed account from a direct supervisor is more impactful.
2.
Provide Context and Guidance: Share your resume, career goals, and key achievements with your recommender. This will help them tailor their letter to reflect your alignment with ISB’s values.
Tip: Offer specific examples for your recommender to emphasize, such as leadership roles or problem-solving achievements.
3.
Highlight Measurable Achievements: Encourage your recommender to use concrete metrics to showcase your impact, such as increased revenue or efficiency.
Tip: Replace vague praise with detailed statements. For instance, “Led a team to achieve a 20% sales increase in six months” is more effective than “a great leader.”
4.
Emphasise Leadership and Growth: Ensure your recommender discusses instances where you demonstrated leadership or adapted to feedback. ISB values candidates who show growth potential.
Tip: Include examples of initiative-taking, team management, or handling challenges effectively.
5.
Address Unique Qualities: Ask your recommender to mention what sets you apart, such as creativity, interpersonal skills, or resilience. Comparisons with peers can also strengthen your application.
Tip: A well-rounded letter highlighting technical and soft skills makes your profile compelling.
6.
Align with Your Application: Ensure your LoRs complement your essays and resume by aligning the narrative across your application materials.
Tip: Share your essays with your recommender to create a cohesive story.
7.
Allow Ample Time for Writing: Respect your recommender’s time by approaching them early and setting deadlines.
Tip: Regular follow-ups ensure the recommendation process stays on track.
8.
Balance Professionalism with Personality: Encourage your recommender to include both professional accomplishments and personal anecdotes.
Tip: Stories about integrity, empathy, or teamwork make the letter more memorable.
To refer to some sample Letters of Recommendation for ISB Applicants, check out the link below:
https://admitstreet.com/blog/isb-lor-letter-of-recommendation/Final Thoughts ISB’s LoRs provide a vital third-party perspective that complements your application.
By carefully choosing your recommender, guiding them with clear context, and emphasising measurable achievements, you can maximise their impact.
Remember: A strong LoR doesn’t just praise—it provides concrete evidence of your readiness for ISB’s rigorous MBA program. With strategic planning, your LoRs can become a cornerstone of your successful application.
Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet |
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