Recommender guidance re cultural differences

Question

Hi, I'm getting ready to send out my reference requests and I was wondering if anyone has any resources I can send along to the recommenders. I live in a place where people are very humble, non-showy, and conservative with praise which is NOT something I want to reflect in my recommendations lol. There's also a bit of a language barrier but they speak and write English. Is there any resource (blog post, etc) that I could send along that will prompt them to be more "American" and effusive? They have no experience with these types of applications and I can't just come out and tell them "please praise me even more!". But an article giving examples of what a good recommendation looks like could really do the trick here.

Or does anyone have some other tips for how to approach this without looking greedy?

Or does anyone have some other tips for how to approach this without looking greedy?

admitStreet · Answer

oiploiloi - Some guidelines/ tips for a strong LoR and mistakes to avoid are here

Broadly, I would suggest having a honest chat with your recommenders, outlining them your MBA plans, key projects/ achievements you worked with them, and what angle you'd like them to approach the LoR with. You could also provide them with some bullet points (though the letter/ phrasing has to be theirs).

Hope this helps a bit.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet
LinkedIn
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

oiploiloi · Answer

Thanks for the link but are there resources that are written for recommenders?

oiploiloi · Answer

Back to answer my own question. I found this great article that hits all the points I was looking for: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-writ ... ela-guido/

Admissionado · Answer

oiploiloi :

This may appear self-serving, but you really should consider hiring an MBA admissions consultant to review these letters. No article or guideline is going to really have much value over recommenders who need to overcome language and cultural issues.

We see this all the time with international applicants. The recommenders just don't "get it" and/or write letters that are filled with errors or improper translations.

This is an important component of your application so don't take any chances thinking you'll be able to get recommenders to follow a step-by-step to deliver.

3Storms · Answer

Hi oiploiloi

I've run across this a lot while working with international applicants. I found a two pronged approach works well to maximize the effectiveness of your LORs.

1) Get your recommenders aligned with the personal brand story you are building through your essays and CV. This helps them to be more focused in their messaging and lets them focus on powerful examples that demonstrate your leadership potential rather than being overly 'cheerleader-ish' with their language.

2) Maximize their enthusiasm by giving them 'specific' reasons why you want THEIR voice to heard by the admissions committees of your target schools. Once they realize the critical role they have to play in your applications, they'll be more willing to break free of their tendency to modesty.

Hope this helps. Of course, far more specific advice can be given if we have free call to discuss the specifics of your background and ambitions.

Best of luck
Vin
Senior Admissions Consultant
3Storms Admissions

oiploiloi · Answer

Hi Vin, I’d love to take you up on that offer of a call of possible.

Posted from my mobile device

TheRedPen · Answer

Hello  oiploiloi

As you diligently work on your applications for an overseas MBA program, your primary focus probably revolves around crafting compelling essays, selecting the right colleges, and taking standardized tests. Undoubtedly, these elements play pivotal roles in your application journey. However, don’t underestimate the significance of the Letter of Recommendation (LOR). It represents another crucial facet of your application, requiring more than just a simple request to your recommender. Like every other component, the LOR demands careful planning and meticulous attention to detail.

We suggest you get on a  free Consultation call  with our MBA experts and understand in detail about your recommendations wrt who should be writing it, what should they be writing, the language, whether you should be submitting additional LORs and much more. 
Alternatively, you can call us at +91 9820491179

Dive deeper into the importance of the LOR as we schedule an appointment to speak with you!

Why are LORs important?
 Cultivating your recommendation letter is a crucial step, as it represents a third-party endorsement of who you are and often serves as validation for other aspects of your application. These letters hold considerable sway with admissions officers at selective universities and are among the most influential factors in their decisions.

For best results, orient your recommender to the process of the letters. Every recommender is open to varying levels of input. Therefore, it’s good practice to include your resume with your request. You may also schedule a brief meeting to give them some background to your application and answer any questions they may have. Ensure they understand what you have done in your job or school and comprehend the impact of your activities. Additionally, explain your plans to them. If they know that your goals lie in a particular industry or course, they can recommend you within that context.

What should your LOR say?
 Recommendation letters go beyond simply praising the applicant. They should be specific and include relevant and detailed examples of behaviours. For example, a letter cannot merely say, “Applicant X loves literature and is an avid reader”. Instead, it should state, “Applicant X can relate literary concepts across various genres. Her identification of the motifs of self-sacrifice in both Hemingway and Steinbeck demonstrates rare insight among students of American literature for her age.”

Additionally, LORs should corroborate claims you have made in other parts of your application. If you write an essay about a challenging project that saved your company millions, the recommender should also represent the accomplishment within that scope. Similarly, suppose you have worked at an NGO or spent your free time running marathons. In that case, your recommender should acknowledge this, enabling the admissions committee to know the claims are valid and that you aren’t just fluffing up your application.

Whom should you ask for your LOR?
 The essence of an LOR lies in its authenticity. It should come from someone who has directly supervised the applicant’s academic or professional journey. Here are two types of recommendations that will add immense value to your MBA application:

1) Academic recommendations: 
 Your choice of a recommender should align with your specific program and the time that has elapsed since your college years. In most cases, it is advisable to have at least one Letter of Recommendation (LOR) authored by an academic professional, such as a teacher or professor. While this academic recommender may not necessarily belong to the same field you are pursuing, their unique perspective on your academic background and potential holds significant value. This academic recommender must furnish concrete examples of your engagement within the classroom and your participation within the department. They should also provide context for your academic performance compared to your peers in a particular class or within the broader graduating cohort. This emphasis on academic recommendations becomes particularly critical for inexperienced individuals or those with under four years of work experience. During this early career phase, your academic trajectory remains fresh, making a professor’s insights relevant and influential.

2) Professional recommendations:
 A recommendation from a professional supervisor can offer valuable insights into your personal qualities and areas of growth and impact. This type of recommendation highlights traits such as work ethic, leadership abilities, and teamwork skills, providing a comprehensive view of your professional character.

A pivotal consideration is the level of impact you’ve made in your role. For applicants with work experience, securing recommendation letters from immediate supervisors—those who have directly overseen your work is crucial. It’s important not to request a letter from the head of the company or firm if you haven’t had direct working experience with them. What matters most is that your recommender knows you well and can provide a meaningful assessment of your capabilities rather than simply holding an impressive title.

At The Red Pen, we guide our students through every facet of the application process, ensuring they present their most authentic selves to their dream institutions. 
 For more guidance on your MBA applications, please  reach out to us . Our MBA team looks forward to assisting you.

Recommender guidance re cultural differences

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