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Sample MBA Recommendation Letter

Recommendation Letter for MBA Application

Most MBA Applicants spend so much time on GMAT and Essays that they forget to invest time and effort in one of the most critical aspects of the MBA Application – the Recommendation letter. 

The first step of managing the recommendation letter writing process is selecting the right recommender. 

You don’t need CEOs or project heads as your recommender. You need a manager or a senior supervisor from your team - someone who has invested in your success. 

MBA Admissions
Sample MBA Recommendation Letter

Sample MBA Recommendation Letter - What would you say are the applicant's key weaknesses or areas for improvement?

Weakness in MBA Recommendation Letter 

Weakness in essays and recommendation letter should not be general statements or synthetic weaknesses. 

If applicants cannot accept weaknesses pointed out by supervisors, it is unlikely that they would do so in a classroom environment under the supervision of professors. 

MBA Admissions
Sample MBA Recommendation Letter

Sample MBA Recommendation Letter - Applicant’s Performance Compared to Other Qualified Individuals

How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well – qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples (e.g, what are the applicant’s principal strengths?).

Name of the Applicant: Jon
Industry: Technology
Theme: Learn and Lead
Function: Technology Consultant
Organization Structure: Flat
Role: Team Lead (Second Year)
Company: X
MBA Admissions
Sample MBA Recommendation Letter

Sample MBA Recommendation Letter - Please comment on the applicant's potential for leadership.

Applicants need to think through past experiences to find the stories that best illustrate leadership skills. The most effective examples may not be the first to come to mind.

What kind of experiences will make the best tales of leadership?

  •     Think about challenges where the following came into play:
  •     Identifying/defining a problem
  •     Being open to new information, input, etc.
  •     Building consensus with appropriate stakeholders
  •     Guiding strong mid-course corrections; overcoming mistakes
  •     Building on success

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MBA Admissions
Sample MBA Recommendation Letter