LORs for applications

Question

I have worked in just one company since the start of my career. How should I plan my LORs

admitStreet · Answer

The ideal recommender(s) would be your current and previous managers i.e. seniors who you reported to who have worked closely with you and can provide examples/ anecdotes . Some further guidelines on LoRs are here . Regards, Arvind W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

MBADecoder · Answer

Firstly how many LORs do you need to submit at your target schools? One or Two? As per b-school directions, one recommendation should come from your current supervisor. Assuming you will get one from them, the second one can be from a previous supervisor or a client. The second recommender should have different examples to give as compared to the first recommender, so as to avoid repetition.

Score-Quest · Answer

For LORs, it's important to select individuals who can speak to your abilities, accomplishments, and potential with authority and specific examples.

Given your situation, you should consider requesting LORs from your current manager and either a skip-level manager (your manager's manager) or senior leaders within the company with whom you have a good working relationship. These individuals can provide different perspectives on your work ethic, leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, and your impact on the company.

Admissionado · Answer

AmeyPatil9696 :

Agree with most of everything said above. Two things you must consider:

(1) Do you trust these people to vouch for you and deliver on time?

(2) Do they know you well enough to have credible information and examples to share?

All other commonly discussed matters (e.g., title, longevity of relationship) can be helpful, but are a distant second when it comes to the selection criteria for LORs.

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. The level of excitement that the recommender demonstrates, and the reasons for this excitement (supporting examples), are most important. Recommendations that describe the candidate's background in the exact same industry name mentioned in the career plan are preferred. Schools prefer recommendations from bosses, unless they state otherwise. For more tips on selecting MBA recommenders, please visit: https://aringo.com/mba-recommendation-letter-process/

MBAGuide · Answer

AmeyPatil9696 I've extensively covered strategies for Letters of Recommendation. I trust that you and other applicants can extract valuable insights from these links. 1. The Secret Sauce For Outstanding Letters of Recommendations 2. How To Select Your Recommenders Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, Former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

ggaurav · Answer

Does it matter if I get the recommendation from CEO of the company? Will it boost my chances?

MBAGuide · Answer

ggaurav interesting question. In some cases, receiving a recommendation letter from a high-level executive, such as a CEO or founder, can be a game-changer. These luminaries carry significant weight and can provide a level of endorsement that few other applicants can achieve. However, it's understandable that working closely with such individuals is rare, especially in companies with defined hierarchies, and their direct involvement in crafting the letter may also be minimal. Often, dedicated personnel write the letter in the executive's voice, with final approval from the executives themselves. In such situations having much discussion regarding applicant's contributions and capabilities can be a challenge. But if you work in a flat organization or a startup, getting a recommendation letter from the founder, chairman, or CEO can hold more value than one from a senior colleague or manager. These top-level executives are usually well versed with providing strong recommendations and have a unique perspective on how to position your candidacy as a top MBA candidate. Without their endorsement, admissions teams may lack crucial context when reviewing your application essays. In short, you should take the LOR from someone who is able to cite many examples where you have gone above and beyond what is expected in the professional environment and where things probably would not be the way they are without your contribution. CEO or not, your professional relationship with the recommender should be considered. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, Former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

ggaurav · Answer

In some cases, receiving a recommendation letter from a high-level executive, such as a CEO or founder, can be a game-changer. These luminaries carry significant weight and can provide a level of endorsement that few other applicants can achieve. However, it's understandable that working closely with such individuals is rare, especially in companies with defined hierarchies, and their direct involvement in crafting the letter may also be minimal. Often, dedicated personnel write the letter in the executive's voice, with final approval from the executives themselves. In such situations having much discussion regarding applicant's contributions and capabilities can be a challenge.

But if you work in a flat organization or a startup, getting a recommendation letter from the founder, chairman, or CEO can hold more value than one from a senior colleague or manager. These top-level executives are usually well versed with providing strong recommendations and have a unique perspective on how to position your candidacy as a top MBA candidate. Without their endorsement, admissions teams may lack crucial context when reviewing your application essays.

In short, you should take the LOR from someone who is able to cite many examples where you have gone above and beyond what is expected in the professional environment and where things probably would not be the way they are without your contribution. CEO or not, your professional relationship with the recommender should be considered.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process.

Aanchal Sahni  (INSEAD alum, Former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)

Thank you for your reply. I work in a PSU so you are correct top officials don't really have time to write the letter personally and usually that's done by secretary. So I guess that's no for me.

LORs for applications

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