Question On Recs

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm going to apply to MBA programs for the 205-2016 school year. I've got what I think is a competitive application, but I am worried about one thing: recs. I have been at my current job for a little under a year and am looking to switch. This would mean that at the time I'd start applying I will have just started a new job and would basically have to forgo that rec. Would it be OK if I only had recs from previous jobs, and not my current one? If I stay on at my current job it shouldn't be a problem, but if I start a new job I might be in a bit of trouble as far as securing a good, recent rec, since I wouldn't be able to ask for one after only a couple months of work. I also can't shake the feeling that my current boss would be upset with me for leaving and deny my rec request. Am I overthinking this, or do I have a legitimate reason to be concerned about this?

mgg234 · Answer

I started my job April 1, 2013. I used my former manager from my previous job. I got into my top choice (kellogg).

brandon432 · Answer

I applied two month after starting a new job. Needless to say, I had my manager from my old employer write my first rec. My second one was even from a supervisor. It was from a friend/classmate of mine from another program. Use whoever will write the best letter.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi rlp,

It's a good thing you're thinking things through. While it's not mainstream for folks to change their jobs right before applying it also isn't uncommon. A lot of time folks line up opportunities that make sense for them and taking them helps the profile. From a recommendation standpoint, if you don't use a current supervisor (because you've only been there a month or so) that's ok and can be explained. However, if you think switching jobs is going to complicate things with your existing supervisor, that'll be a hurdle. It's easy to explain but you'll effectively have no supervisors to bank on.

If the job change is the right decision for you, then I don't think you should let recommendations stop you. But you'll need to mitigate this. As some of the others have pointed out, you can be successful with your apps even if you've just moved jobs.

If you want to chat about this, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help and I'd be happy to help talk this out with you.

Cheers,

Bhavik

Question On Recs

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