Recos: Former Emploment Manager or Community Servive Leader

Question

Need advice. I am trying to decide between using a former manager or the leader of the community service activity where I am involved. I will be getting a reco from another manager at my previous job. Do I need two from the job or would the community leader be better?

aaudetat · Answer

One thing I picked up last year: they're more interested in the what than the who. In other words, there really is no need to try to get diverse recommenders, or recs with certain titles, or whatever. The absolutely most important thing is that the recs support what you say about yourself, really know you, and write good things - and write them well. 

If they will both do all of those things, then I would look at the package you're creating. Does the community service make you stand out or add a nice little nugget to who you are? More so than the work one? Then use it. 

I guess I would need to know more about the what - I don't really believe in deciding on the "who" when it comes to recs.

lanter1 · Answer

I am getting a rec from the managers boss, so the stories may be similar. I thought the community might bring diversity to the app.

aaudetat · Answer

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. I guess I'd prioritize this way (roughly):

1. Person knows you.

2. Person will say good things about you & support your application.

3. Person knows how to write.

4. Person adds to a particular area: addresses a potential weakness, supports a particular part of your positioning statement, can tie you to a particular part of the school.

Note that ideally you have all of them, with 1-3 being required. I think that number 4 gets to your idea of diversity, but I think it's about more than that. Diversity for its own sake isn't really worthwhile. Diversity that adds or supports a particular strength is what it's about.

My two cents.

lanter1 · Answer

Both will show leadership since i am/was a leader/manager in both positions. I have known each for over two years. It's a tough decision.

lepium · Answer

I agree with Aau. 
Building on her comments, if both recommenders are pretty much equivalent, then you need to evaluate what you need to do to submit an ideal application (the holistic approach). That will depend on the rest of your application and even the school, so it's up to you to figure it out.

The only thing I can say is that most people have recommendations from work only and that doesn't stop them from getting into schools. 

L.

lanter1 · Answer

That is true Lepium. I think the reason I am torn is that my community involvement has only been over the past 1.5 years. I have done a lot in the last 8 months for the community involvement of the reco. This may strengthen my application from a community/extra environment. One of my goals is to establish a nonprofit alongside my work desires. I am hoping the reco from the community guy will show that I am capable in both areas.

aaudetat · Answer

then it seems like you have a pretty good reason for including this rec - it supports one of your goals.

Recos: Former Emploment Manager or Community Servive Leader

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