Who should I ask to write my MBA letter of recommendation?
Choose someone who has worked closely with you and can give honest feedback, not just a high title. Your immediate supervisor is usually best, then a team leader, a former supervisor, a client if you work in a family business, or a college project guide if you lack work experience.
A good MBA recommender is about closeness, not job title. The right person has seen your work and can describe your performance and skills honestly.
Who You Can Ask
| Recommender | When it suits you |
|---|---|
| Immediate supervisor | Usually the best choice, as they have seen your growth and work performance |
| Team leader | Can speak about your project work and skills like teamwork or problem solving |
| Client | An option if you work in a family business and the client has worked with you |
| Former supervisor | Suitable if they can write a strong and detailed recommendation |
| College project guide | An option if you have no work experience, as they know your leadership and management skills |
What Makes a Strong Recommender
- Has worked closely with you
- Can give honest, specific feedback
- Is willing to write a detailed letter
My Advice
Brief your recommender with your goals and key achievements so the letter is specific. Check each business school's page for how many recommenders it wants and who it prefers.
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