My Boss is Leaving the Company - Recommendation Question

Question

My current boss, whom I have worked with for nearly three years, is leaving the company to pursue a new opportunity. He is going to be one of my MBA recommenders, however, since he will no longer be my current supervisor at the time of the application, will his recommendation lose weight?

They do not yet know who my new boss will be. Ostensibly, I will be temporarily reporting to someone for a few months. Hence, there will not be time to develop a relationship with a new boss before I need to apply to schools.

Can I proceed with my outgoing boss's recommendation and include an explanation as to why I am unable to provide a recommendation from my current supervisor? Will my application suffer without a recommendation from my future current boss?

Thanks.

MBADecoder · Answer

This should be okay. If you worked with your manager for 3 years, that's substantial experience and hopefully, he will have a lot of good things to say about you.
You can ask him to recommend you. At many MBA programs you will need two recommendations, so you may still have to ask another person within your organization to recommend you.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

mc93  do not panic, this happens all the time. Do exactly as you outlined. If he has a business email somewhere you should be fine (I hope he has a decent linked in?) Do you serve on a board or anything nonprofit related that demonstrates leadership? If so I would encourage you to get a 2nd letter from them, if you have made a difference there.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hello mc93 , Your application will not suffer here. Title should not be the primary criteria for selecting your recommenders. One of Personal MBA Coach’s most important tips for selecting your recommenders is to choose someone who knows you well. It is crucial that your recommender be familiar with your work, your character, your strengths, your weaknesses and your career aspirations. The best MBA letters of recommendation show intimate familiarity with the candidate (which will be the case should you select your outgoing boss). LOR support is a key component of Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages. We will guide you through selecting the ideal recommenders and preparing them so your LORs shine and align with your overall application. Feel free to take a look through our services on our site to learn more about how we can help support you through the application process. Do not hesitate to reach out to scott@personalmbacoach.com to learn more about how we can enhance your candidacy! Best, Personal MBA Coach

GeneralEducation · Answer

Hi,  mc93

When asked for MBA recommendations, schools want the recommendations to come from a person whom you are associated with or someone who closely analyses your activities. It can be your reporting manager at your current job or a manager whom you have worked with closely in your previous company. If you associated with any social clubs or NGOs, your supervisor or the head of the club can also be a recommender. Please make sure that you do not suggest your peer from the workplace as your recommender. Also try avoiding the heads of the business (CXOs, Directors, GM) unless you are reporting to them on a regular basis as they need not be aware of your contributions and involvement.

Cheers!!

My Boss is Leaving the Company - Recommendation Question

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