Getting recommendation letter for your MBA Application is more time consuming than you think. Many factors will play into it. However, before we go into the details, “who will you ask for a recommendation letter?”
1) Senior team member/Manager from your previous company
This is the most preferred option as it would avoid the awkwardness of revealing your MBA plans to your current manager/supervisor. Select a person who:
a) Is a genuine well-wisher
We don’t want people who will write the recommendation letter just for the sake of it. If you had been nice and committed to your previous company, you would have a good working relationship with your managers. They would be more than happy to help you achieve your dream MBA.
b) Has worked with you in at least two projects
If you had worked with your previous managers on at least two projects then he would be able to give a fair and accurate account on your weaknesses and strengths. Provided you have done a good job, your recommenders would be more than willing to convince the admission officer on your candidacy for an MBA.
c) You can personally visit
E-mail and telephone calls are fine and are practical in cases where your manager has relocated. However, requesting a recommendation letter personally will reflect on the seriousness with which you see the whole process.
2) Current supervisor/manager
This is not a recommended option but if you have worked with the company for your entire career then there are no other options. This option is valid for cases where your relationship with your current manager is better than the previous ones.
Be aware of the risk and the timing of you request. If you are in the busiest schedule of a project then it is not wise to ask for a recommendation letter. Every project has a gestation period. It is better to think about the timing of the request and use the gestation period in managing the recommender.
The second thing that can affect your working relationship is the revelation of your MBA plan. People might assume that you are less committed towards your current project. Make sure that the request and your plan for an MBA is not news among the team. If you are a critical member of the project then your revelation can kill the team spirit. Assure your team members and your manager that your current project is your number one priority.
3) Teachers
If you had completed your undergraduate course around 3-5 years back; it is less likely that you would have maintained proper contact with your teachers. Your teachers might not even know your working style and your real strengths. Ask your prospective business school whether you can request recommendation letters from your colleague/classmate. The idea behind asking your teachers for recommendation letter is to analyze your academic performance and your attitude towards learning new concepts.
Select teachers who know your working style, teachers with whom you had many interactions and who had helped you with your school project. Pick a teacher who sincerely wants to help you.