LOR from an ex company manager. Left company 5 years ago

Question

I am having a score of 720 (Q:50 V:38 IR:5) and planning to apply in Insead, LBS and elite colleges which mostly require two LORs.
My current manager has agreed to give LOR, but I am struggling to get another one in the same company (mine is a small organization). Not many hold a manager position. Mostly senior engineers post. 
Left my previous company 5 years ago. Can someone help in confirming if an LOR from ex company manager which I left 5 years ago will be taken into consideration by Insead or M7 colleges? Would it be a drawback for me if such an old reference is taken while appyling?

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hello Anki18 , While your LOR should preferably come from your current employer, the most important thing about a recommendation is the quality of what they write. If you feel that your former manager is familiar with your work, character, strengths, weaknesses and career aspirations, they may be a good choice. Typically, Personal MBA Coach does not suggest answering optional essays unless you have something specific to explain in your background. However, this could be an opportunity to explain an unusual recommender. LOR support is one of the key components of our services. Feel free to reach out to scott@personalmbacoach.com if you have any other questions about preparing your recommenders to write the best letters! Best, Personal MBA Coach

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi Anki18,

I prefer recommendations that are recent. I believe you would have gone through a huge learning curve in the past 5 years, your leadership skills would have evolved (as would have your weaknesses). Therefore what a person who knew about your work/skills 5 years ago will not be so relevant today. Try finding someone else who you worked with in the past 3 years - that would be a better option for getting a recommendation, IMO

ARINGO · Answer

In general, schools are looking for recommenders who know the candidate very well, on the basis of an experience that is : 1) As long as possible. 2) As intense as possible. 3) Experience that is preferably work-related. Consider the following factors when selecting recommenders : o The level of excitement that the recommender demonstrates, and the reasons for this excitement (supporting examples), are most important. o The longer and more intense the acquaintance is, the better. o Recommendations that describe the candidate's background in the exact same industry name mentioned in the career plan are preferred. o Recommendations that attest to the candidate's leadership and management background are preferred. A recommendation from the current workplace is often a must. If the candidate can't bring one, they usually need to add a note explaining why. Recent relationships are better than "old" relationships If possible, it is better to select recommendations that provide different angles on the candidate. This LOR from the ex manager might be OK as a 2nd or even 3rd LOR, assuming that it will address important aspects of your professional experience and shed positive light on your candidacy, but your 1st should come from current manager. For more info on selecting recommenders, please visit : https://www.aringo.com/hacking-the-mba- ... plication/

LOR from an ex company manager. Left company 5 years ago

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