Current Student
Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Posts: 1687
Given Kudos: 31
Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy, MC
Schools:Kellogg '11
Re: Managers LoR - necessary?
[#permalink]
06 Jul 2009, 07:09
I think for the purposes of bschool apps, it's safer to steer clear of recs from subordinates. The perception is that there is a greater chance that recs from subordinates can be manipulated to be overly positive or not truthful.
In the past, applicants have used:
- team lead
- alternate manager - eg, someone who is not your direct manager but has worked with you in a managerial role in the past
- someone from a client
- someone from an EC, if that's a major part of your application
- colleague who can speak to your leadership, strengths and weaknesses
Whoever you choose, it's important that the letter speak to your abilities and be supported by great examples. I don't think the recs carry as much of an impact if they're just six paragraphs on how awesome you are. They need to also tell the app reviewer a bit about why you're awesome, why you stand out from your colleagues, and why they (the bschool) would be lucky to have you as a student.