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aggarwalanant
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Recommendation Dilemma 24 Feb 2010, 08:56
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Hi all:

I work as a Design Engineer for a mid sized (~200) manufacturing/ technology company. I am planning to apply for b-school this year. My boss is a senior engineering guy and a strong supporter of a stable team.

Although he likes me a lot as an employee but I have a gut feeling that he would not like my idea of leaving the company and I might be out of work much earlier than I plan to.

I don't want to miss a recommendation from him. Please suggest WHEN should I approach him and HOW?

Thanks a lot!

-Anant
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xpiano1978
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Recommendation Dilemma 24 Feb 2010, 10:10
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If you don't trust him enough to not screw you over (e.g. get you "laid off" fired, or whatever), why would you trust him to write a strong recommendation for you?
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xpiano1978
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Recommendation Dilemma 24 Feb 2010, 10:25
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As a follow up - if you feel strongly that this will happen, then it is usually acceptable to not have a recommender from your current employer. A Kellogg adcom anecdotally said that at least 25% of applications seem to have this issue and make a statement under "special notes" (or other appropriate) section.
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aggarwalanant
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Recommendation Dilemma 24 Feb 2010, 11:41
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Thanks a lot for replying.

If I plan to take my chances and still ask him for a recommendation, how far ahead in the application process is it reasonable to do so? Also, what would be a good way to approach him?

-Anant
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xpiano1978
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Recommendation Dilemma 24 Feb 2010, 11:51
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aggarwalanant
Thanks a lot for replying.

If I plan to take my chances and still ask him for a recommendation, how far ahead in the application process is it reasonable to do so? Also, what would be a good way to approach him?

-Anant
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1 month would be the absolute minimum. (1 month prior to the submission deadline). I gave my rec people 2.5 months, and prodded them every 2 weeks or so.

I'd just be up front (assuming you are sure you want to take the risk). It would help if you had a rationale for him, why you're looking for b-school (he may feel personally hurt, or something, and this will help him to write a better rec). Mention you've enjoyed working there, but you just don't see meeting your career goal... You should definitely give him an out, "ie if you don't think you have the time, please tell me now, and I'll find someone else". You want to make sure he has plenty of time and feel comfortable.

Also, you should comment - you'll apply, and see what happens. This leaves open the door that you'd stick around AND maybe you could get a promotion/raise out of it...

Absolutely make sure you're comfortable with him writing the rec - it is stressful having this facet of your application outside your direct control....
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aggarwalanant
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Recommendation Dilemma 24 Feb 2010, 12:01
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Kudos! Sounds like a strategy. Thanks :)