LOR for cambridge

Question

Hi, I am applying in r3. For my recommendation, i was thinking to ask my current client to write it for me. However, on the application page, it says that evaluator should be line manager or supervisor. Please suggest.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

All things being equal you will want to have your manager or supervisor write the recommendation if you feel that they would be a champion for you and take the time to really set you apart and speak to your strengths. If you don't do that then you will need to explain why in the optional essay. I've had many clients get into top 5 schools without a single manager recommendation so keep that in mind...but it is preferred in their eyes. But if your manager or supervisor is unable to - and please listen closely to this - narrate a story where they ** observed you *demonstrating leadership teamwork and problem-solving*, then it's better not to use them. The schools just want to have the lowdown on you but the bigger picture is that they are reading the application to **get to know you**. And if your manager is just going to take your annual review and copy paste it with a bunch of meaningless adjectives and no anecdotes.....then by all means it's worth it to go with someone who is truly going to take the time and has observed you and seen you and can truly speak to what makes you unique. https://mbaprepcoach.com

gbshrey · Answer

Thank you for the quick response.

I could ask my line manager (at my firm) to complete recommendation. However, as a consultant, I believe my client would be in a better position to elaborate on his experience working with me for over an year.

Do i need to write the additional essay for this? I believe supervisor could be someone from the firm or someone who has had an opportunity to look into your work for a prolonged duration such as a client.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Even if you're a consultant your manager should be in the loop enough to speak to your strengths and if they aren't writing the recommendation you will want to include a line or two about why they are not. You don't have to write a huge essay. I agree with your reasoning but what my original thought was stands. https://mbaprepcoach.com

rohitakadisco28 · Answer

As advised by MBAPrepCoach, I concur that a recommendation from the Line Manager will be preferred. However, he/she should be able to elaborately mention your abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and achievements, and should want you to be successful in your MBA journey.

On the other hand, I also feel that the adcom knows that it is not always feasible to take a recommendation from the direct line manager. If that is the case, the client is a good option too! Hope it helps! All the best!

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I fear maybe my remarks were misinterpreted. I am not saying that a manager is necessarily the best choice I'm saying that the school **perceives** it to be the best choice. I don't think they always gain as much in terms of "good content" for managers versus peers or internal clients. That said it is a bit of a red flag not to use your manager so you do need to include an note to explain.... and that could be something to the effect of you're "not willing to share your plans with your manager because you fear that it will jeopardize your job" or your chances for promotion or both. I'm a big advocate of choosing the recommender who will put in the most effort.. be someone who will take the time to work with you...who will Champion you and who truly sees you and all of your unique qualities. If that person can be your manager than great but if not go a different way. If you go a different way you need to say something in your application about why you did so. Hope that's all clear now. https://mbaprepcoach.com

bb · Answer

LOR for cambridge

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