Recently started a job, should I ask for rec letters from current job

Question

Hey guys,

I have worked in three places during my career so far. The current one (third) is a fairly new job for me (6 months). I am thinking of applying this year and would like to know if it is a good idea to ask my current supervisor for a rec letter. If I do so, I am signaling that I will leave them in about a year - I am not scared of being let go, I am a pretty integral part of the team and have done a great job so far.

What do you guys recommend? Should I ask my current supervisor for a rec letter or should I stick with my previous employers?

Thanks!

Admissionado · Answer

Go with your feeling man. If you have someone who likes you a lot and would have great things to say and it would not endanger your current job, then yes. And if not, then no.

redfield · Answer

Basically agree with the above - current would be preferred all things being equal but whoever loves you more and if it would strain relationship with current manager because of how quickly you already plan on leaving. Keep in mind pretty much every school asks you to explain why you aren't getting a current supervisor to do your recommendation.

StratusDonna · Answer

If you feel you can get a rec from current boss and 1)won't put your job at risk and 2) think your supervisor has seen enough of your accomplishments to be able to write a good letter- then sure ask the current supervisor. But if you have a great relationship with a former supervisor then consider that. If you don't have your current supervisor write a rec- just write a sentence or two about why you made that choice.

ARINGO · Answer

Hi there, just thought I'd throw in my vote here too - since you have done well and don't seem to be getting negative gut feelings about asking, I'd say go ahead. For the sake of demonstrating more of your skills, I'd recommend using both your current supervisor, and a supervisor (or other higher up) from your previous job.
Usually candidates who do not use their current supervisors are not doing so because they know that the supervisor/company would not want them to leave, it doesn't sound like you're picking up on those queues. Did you mention to them at any point, perhaps during your interview that at some point you might like to go to B-school?
Good luck!
Michelle  Aringo

ARINGO · Answer

By the way, thought I'd share an excellent article from our site about choosing recommenders. Hope it is useful for you! https://aringo.com/mba-recommendations-process/

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I would say first evaluate if you are confident that you will receive a strong recommendation. Admissions officers every year remark how many recommendations they review where the recommender does not give a positive recommendation. So given the mild complexity of your situation just make sure you are sure of that positive recommendation.

I always recommend grabbing lunch or a coffee to discuss this. Serving as a recommender is a big commitment so you want to treat the request with the same level of respect. In your situation you should be fine just make sure you are confident here

Recently started a job, should I ask for rec letters from current job

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