For creating memorable essays, we can help you build narratives. For Interviews, we have a few tricks that will make you a better conversationalist. But one part of the MBA Application where we expect the applicant to lead is the Recommendation Letter.
I have been approached a few times with the question "Shall I write my own recommendation letter?” It takes a 10-minute rant before applicants understand what I am trying to say.
Your voice is your own.
It is unique.
If you try to write your own recommendation letter, it always comes across in the way the phrases intermix, and how you frequently use your favorite words. Fake recommendation letter tends to be overly sympathetic and less objective about the applicant.
June - Best time for Meeting your Recommender
For a September or even a January Deadline, start shortlisting, and persuading the recommender by June.
If you have not already pursued your supervisor for the recommendation letter, here is a to-do list.
1) Shortlist at least 4 recommenders
What we have seen over the years is that supervisors have a hectic travel schedule. Last minute change in plans can create havoc in your application schedule. Even if the recommender wants you to succeed, persuading them to write a stellar letter between Jet Lags never works out.
Shortlist your favorite supervisors for your favorite schools.
2) Recommenders Burn Out
Don't expect the same level of enthusiasm from the recommenders on his 8th essay about your strengths. Most of the questions are repeated, but a copy-paste approach for, say, Stanford and Harvard would not yield the same result. Each school stands for something unique. And if you don't debrief the recommender on what the school expects, the narrative will fail. Not all your attributes have to be highlighted for your application to stand out.
Map the school's USP with your strengths.
Ask the recommender to highlight only those attributes using elements of storytelling. We have shown how in our Winning MBA Essay Guide.
3) Understand what motivates the Recommender
When I requested my favorite supervisor in 2008 to write a recommendation letter, he told, "write and show it to me. I will sign it.” We are lazy. Supervisors who might be 5-10 years older than you is already taking too much on their plate. The pro-bono work on your recommendation letter needs some tangible return. I am not suggesting you bribe them. Well, not money at least.
But everybody needs some form of appreciation.
Understand what the recommender value:
a) Is the person a sports fanatic? Get them tickets for his favorite team (at least 5 games).
b) Is the person a movie buff? Buy a prequel, the original and the sequel to his favorite movie
c) Does the person need support with a new project? Volunteer to help.
d) Has the person recently welcomed a baby into the family? Get them a cute dress for each month - 3-4, 4-5 etc. for 12 months.
Your 8th recommendation letter will still find the enthusiasm that you deserve if you are thoughtful with your gifts.
Not all recommenders need gifts. Some value public appreciation. Your MBA plan might not be public yet but share how you appreciate the mentorship of the recommender.
4) Set a Schedule Early On
Most supervisors hate writing. You might even hate it. The word count in Essays limit the narrative fluidity MBA Applicants used to have in 2012. Recommendation Letter is the one place where you can bring a third person's perspective on your candidacy. Ask the recommender whether she would like to write letters for 2 schools this week or write one for each school every week.
Whatever be it, schedule it and add the plan to both your Calendars. Preferably, send a mail with an event invite. It is weird to manage your supervisor, but if you don't schedule it now, you would have to accept a mediocre letter, a couple of days before the deadline.
5) Explain what each school expects
I would recommend that you download our Winning MBA Essay Guide, take short notes on what each school expects and give a small (1-2 min) debrief on what the school expects.
Ideally, write an objective for each question in the recommendation letter and mention what you have highlighted in your essay
Q) What would you say are the applicant's strengths?
Objective: Please highlight my Leadership and Entrepreneurial outlook (Stanford MBA)
Essay: Highlighted my extroversion and problem-solving skills.
Extroversion --> Leadership
Problem Solving # Entrepreneurial
The recommender can complement or supplement your narrative.
Ideally go for a 1:1 structure
In the above example, the recommender will focus on the applicant's leadership from the context of a high-impact project, but subtly mention how he was able to navigate complex work dynamics through extroversion and initiative. The applicant had highlighted his extroversion and problem-solving skills. The recommender can skip problem-solving skills but can mention a unique event where the candidate brought in new revenue streams by thinking like a start-up. Thus, highlighting his Entrepreneurial outlook.
Extroversion supplemented Leadership
Entrepreneurial Outlook complemented Problem Solving Skills
One mistake that we often see applicant make is using the exact traits - right to even the context, word usage, and backstory for essays and recommendation letter. The admission team expects you to coordinate, but subtlety and a distinct narrative for essays and recommendation letter are highly effective for authenticity.
Finally
Develop a friendship with your recommender. Share your worries and ask for advice. We tend to help friends, colleagues, and even supervisors who show vulnerability.
Vulnerability is highly persuasive.
Atul Jose
MBA Admission Consultant, F1GMAT
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