MBA Applicants who have worked with just one Employer find it hard to manage the recommendation letter writing process. The reason to persist with one employer is mostly from a deep appreciation of the environment and the diversity of the experience that the company offered. Rarely it is that the applicant didn't find other opportunities. So, the conversation can be a bit awkward when you state how you were looking at an MBA to move to management/consulting or to switch careers.
We have seen the otherwise jovial current supervisors turning into monsters while the otherwise nonchalant previous supervisors showing greater enthusiasm for your plans.
The Golden Rule
Get recommendation letter from the supervisor who shows greater enthusiasm for your plan.
She is most likely to write a good recommendation letter and meet the deadlines. Recommendation letters are not written in isolation. You have to set a strategy for your application based on your strengths and weaknesses. We develop strategies with our consulting service. Do subscribe here.
Once you know the historical acceptance rate of your target schools, position your recommendation letter as a complementary selling tool to the essays. With word limit, you can't touch every aspect of your personality, but the recommenders can affirm your core values and add elements of your personality not covered in the essays.
Current Supervisor is Enthusiastic
If the current supervisor is enthusiastic to write your recommendation letter, you are in good luck. He would be in a better position to evaluate your latest skills, and offer a narrative that is current and relevant to your career trajectory.
Asking your first supervisor in your very first project to write a recommendation letter is a terrible idea. During our first project, we are rarely mature or competent at solving complex business problems or escalating communication issues. With a couple of years, you gain footing in the company and develop your skills. The supervisor might not know how you have overcome your weakness. He might point out flaws that no longer exists.
Persuading Current Supervisor
We are all selfish creatures narrowly focussed on our goals. The same is for supervisors. From his point of view, meeting the criteria for project completion and preferably getting an appreciation letter from the client is what motivates him. So do everything in your power to help him meet those goals. Put in extra hours, go the extra mile in taking up additional work from the supervisor's schedule and keep the communication going.
Bottom line: You have to buttress the supervisor to such an extent that he would have no other option but to write a glowing recommendation letter.
Many of our clients have asked us - How would I get time to write essays, and prepare for the GMAT if I overcommit at work.
Time Management is the secret. For essays, we have shared some rituals and routines that you can use immediately. For GMAT Preparation, starting early will give you a competitive edge.
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