Query regarding Recommendations

Question

Hello Sir/Madam,

I am to apply to b-schools this year and have taken the GMAT for the same. I'm on to preparing applications but am really confused about my LORs.
The thing is ISB-Hyderabad, India has asked for just one LOR. My work-ex is 4 years as on date.
I worked at a dept for about 6 months and then got transferred to my current dept and I'm here since 3.5 years.
My current boss does not like the idea of an MBA and so I'm hesitant for him to be my recommender.
However, my previous boss is willing but has supervised me for 6 months.

Whom should I choose for my LOR. Please suggest.

I would be obliged by your help.

Thanks for reading.

margaretstrother · Answer

Sounds like a quandary, but not an unfamiliar one. If your current boss is not supportive, you'll need the most recent boss who is supportive. Most schools provide an optional essay or space in the application to discuss your choice of recommenders; you can use that space to explain, as simply as you can, that you are choosing Mr X as your recommender because you have not informed Mr Y of your plans to apply for the MBA (probably safer than saying "Mr Y refused to recommend me", which could raise other questions). We know from experience that this is an acceptable answer. These days, many people are wary about burning bridges with their current employer, and the schools understand this.

Good luck!

Margaret Strother

Good luck!

Margaret Strother

AA2014 · Answer

Thanks for the advice.
Actually my dilemma is that my previous boss I told about has supervised me for just 6 months (a quite smaller period compared to my current boss). But he has been in touch since we are in the same unit of the same company till date, just the departments have changed.

So my question is will under such circumstamces, LOR from my previous boss be weak?

Also our unit head (a very senior post) used to be my project manager for 2 years. Im still in his good books but i fear he might generalize the LOR but he may even not do that.

Im really confused and need advice among these 3 people.

Sorry to bother u again but i really need this advice.

margaretstrother · Answer

I understand your dilemma, but what can you do? Six months is an acceptable minimum for a recommender to have been your supervisor, although if it was several years ago, that's kind of a stretch. Nonetheless, you have to work with what you have, and it doesn't look like you have an option other than to ask your previous boss.

Good luck!
Margaret Strother

Good luck!
Margaret Strother

AA2014 · Answer

Thanks a lot for your advice. It has cleared the doubts a bit. I'll proceed with convincing my prev boss.

Thanks a lot

Query regarding Recommendations

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