Choice of recommenders

Question

Hello, 
I would like your advice on my choice of recommenders.
I can't ask my current supervisor for many reasons (Have been in my current position for 2 and a half years). I have already asked a former supervisor (from 2018) who agreed to give me the recommendation. 
I still have to make a choice for the 2nd letter. I can either ask another former supervisor (from 2017) or a colleague from my current company who left for another managerial role in another firm. When she was working with me, she was not really a manager but was a little bit senior to me though AND has worked in the company for 6 years.
I have already tried asking her manager (way more senior) who said no and I don't really have an ideal alternate I can trust not telling my boss (another manager or colleague or even bankers/lawyers we work with)

So, should I go with 1)the older former supervisor or 2)the colleague (but not really a peer) who left my current company last year or 3) a colleague working in another department (same age but we have worked on several interesting projects together) 
I can't ask someone from ECs either ... 
Many thanks for your feedback!

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  prepgmat95 ,

Thanks for your query.

A recommender should always be someone who has worked with you in a senior's capacity. Hence, you should not take your recommendations from a peer. Between the former supervisor (1) and your senior (2), you need to decide who would do more justice to your recommendation. Go ahead with the one who has known you in an immediate capacity and will have enough facts to substantiate claims.

All the best!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hello prepgmat95 , I believe we spoke back in April about your LOR situation. It is good to hear that you have decided on one of your recommenders. For the second one, another past supervisor can definitely work. While your LOR should preferably come from your current employer, the most important thing about a recommendation is the quality of what they write. If you feel that your former supervisor who left your company knows you well and can write a good letter, they will likely be a good choice. You will want to make sure you prepare them adequately by sharing your career aspirations, telling them what you plan on discussing in your essays, and reminding them of your key accomplishments. Again, do not hesitate to send a note to scott@personalmbacoach.com to learn how we can provide you guidance for selecting and preparing your recommenders. LOR support is one of the key offerings of our comprehensive services . Best, Personal MBA Coach

ARINGO · Answer

In general, schools are looking for recommenders who know the candidate very well, on the basis of an experience that is:
1) As long as possible. 
2) As intense as possible. 
3) Experience that is preferably work-related.

The level of excitement that the recommender demonstrates, and the reasons for this excitement (supporting examples), are most important. Moreover, the longer and more intense the acquaintance is, the better.

Other criteria to consider - 
 * Recommendations that describe the candidate's background in the exact same industry name mentioned in the career plan are preferred. 
 * Recommendations that attest to the candidate's leadership and management background are preferred.

prepgmat95 · Answer

Thank you all for your answers! 
I have an update, today I've asked a Project Manager in another department from my current company (my longest experience) with whom I've worked intensely and she agreed to be my recommender, just after asking her I thought maybe I could also have asked her boss (a Director) instead. Are titles really important or the point is more to have someone willing (meaning excited) to recommend you?

ARLeeConsulting · Answer

Hi  prepgmat95 ,

the titles of your recommenders don't matter that much as long as it is clear that they are more senior than you.

If the Project Manager knows you better than her boss does, I would go with the PM.

I hope this helps.

Warm regards
Alex

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hi prepgmat95 , Title should not be the primary criteria for selecting your recommenders. Admissions committee members will see right through a strategy to have someone very high up in your company, who you don't know very well, write a letter for you. Not only will they not be able to explain the most important aspects of your candidacy, but the letter will also not be as credible if it is clear that you do not have a strong relationship with the recommender. Therefore, it's much more important to have someone who is willing/excited to be your recommender and knows you well. Feel free to reach out to scott@personalmbacoach.com to further discuss your application strategy! Best, Personal MBA Coach

Choice of recommenders

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