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November 12, 2024 45 views

Top 10 Tips for MBA Recommendations

MBA recommendations

When it comes to business school applications, securing strong recommendations can make a tremendous difference. Admissions committees rely on recommendations to get that third-party perspective on who you are as a professional. They provide unique insights into your character, leadership abilities, and potential that your resume or essays may not fully convey. While it can feel straightforward—choose someone who knows you well and ask them to sing your praises—MBA recommendations actually require careful thought and planning. 

This strategy guide covers ten tips for ensuring that your MBA recommendations capture who you are and resonate with admissions committees.

What are your chances of getting into a top business school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

Tip #1 Understand the Format of MBA Recommendations

Schools want recommenders to highlight skills and qualities authentically and without exaggeration. “A recommendation can validate your achievements, work ethic, and interpersonal skills in a way that no other part of your application can,” says Chandler Arnold, SBC consultant and co-host of the B-Schooled podcast.

Unlike recommendations for other graduate programs, MBA recommendations focus more on structured, essay-style responses and scoring rubrics rather than free-form letters. “Here’s the secret—MBA recommendations aren’t really letters at all,” Chandler reveals. “What they truly are for most schools is a series of essay questions and a sort of forced ranking grid.”

Keep this distinction at the forefront of your mind as you navigate your application process.

Tip #2 Choose the Right Recommender

Many applicants try to snag a prestigious recommender, but a high-level title without close familiarity often yields a lackluster recommendation. More than anything, you want to choose someone who knows you well, wants you to succeed, and has the ability and time to write a compelling recommendation.

The ideal recommender is someone who has observed your contributions and impact closely and can communicate the qualities that will make you a successful MBA candidate.

“A big title might catch attention, but admissions committees know when they’re reading a generic letter,” says Chandler. “Genuine insights from someone who truly understands your work and character will always be more powerful.” Accordingly, a sincere letter from a direct supervisor who knows you well will be much more impactful than a superficial endorsement from a C-suite executive.

Tip #3 Set Your Recommender Up for Success

“A lot of applicants just send the link to their recommender and leave it at that,” Chandler notes. “Don’t make that mistake.” While it may seem enough to point your recommender to the recommendation link and wait for the letter to come in, this approach rarely produces the best results.

You want to ensure your recommender has all the information needed to craft a compelling letter that aligns with your MBA goals and application narrative. A well-organized prep packet can strengthen their ability to deliver a recommendation that supports your application.

Here’s what your prep packet for MBA recommendations should include:

  • Your resume: This doesn’t need to be the final version, but it should give them a clear view of your background.
  • Key projects: Highlighting results and quantifiable achievements will help them discuss your impact confidently.
  • Career goals: Make sure they know why you want to attend business school, your short- and long-term goals, and how the MBA fits in.
  • Application narrative summary: This can be a few bullet points on why you’re pursuing an MBA and what you hope to achieve, particularly at the specific schools you’re targeting.

“You want to jog their memory with specifics, but without scripting or overstepping,” says Chandler. “Keep it authentic.”

Tip #4 Frame Your Accomplishments in the STAR Format

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format can help your recommender articulate your achievements effectively by keeping the information clear and focused. As Chandler explains, “Adding quantifiable results, like percentage increases or cost reductions, makes your impact more concrete.” Your recommender might remember the project but could benefit from these reminders to convey its significance in a compelling, results-oriented manner.

B-Schooled Podcast Episode #133: Ten Things I Wish I’d Known About Recommendations When Applying (Part 1)

Tip #5 Avoid Redundancy in MBA Recommendations

Your recommendation letters should complement, not duplicate, other parts of your application. For instance, if you’ve discussed a particular project in your essays, your recommender might speak to different aspects of your performance, such as teamwork, leadership, or adaptability. This allows the admissions team to see a more rounded picture of your abilities and avoid repetitive storytelling.

MBA recommendations should fill in the gaps and add depth to your story. Consider aspects of your character that may be challenging to highlight in an essay, such as emotional intelligence or resilience, and ask your recommender to address these.

Perhaps you’re known for your teamwork. In that case, have your recommender describe a specific situation where you uniquely demonstrated this quality. Recommendations can share parts of your story that don’t naturally fit elsewhere in the application but are essential to understanding who you are.

Tip #6 Respect Their Time with a Clear Timeline

Give your recommender ample time to write your recommendation and include a deadline a few days before the official one to account for last-minute changes. This buffer helps alleviate stress on both sides and ensures that your recommender isn’t rushed into submitting a subpar recommendation due to time constraints.

About two weeks before the recommendation is due, check in to see if they need additional information. This could be more detailed information on a particular project or a reminder of a specific outcome you achieved. A gentle follow-up at this stage shows that you’re invested in the process and appreciate their effort in the letter.

Tip #7 Address Draft Requests with Professionalism

Occasionally, a recommender will ask you to draft the letter yourself, especially if they’re short on time. While this might seem convenient, Chandler is unequivocal on this point: “If a recommender asks you to draft the letter, politely decline.”  Admissions committees become familiar with each applicant’s writing style. Therefore, MBA recommendations that appear to be written by you, no matter how well-intentioned, could jeopardize your application.

Instead, offer an outline or detailed bullet points that they can shape into a final letter. One effective strategy is to meet with your recommender and have them verbally share their thoughts. Then, take detailed notes or record the conversation to capture their perspective. You can then return these notes to them to use as a basis for their letter.

B-Schooled Podcast Episode #134: Ten Things I Wish I’d Known About Recommendations When Applying (Part 2)

Tip #8 Give Thoughtful Feedback on Your Narrative

Since recommenders complete a grid and answer various prompts, ensure they understand the key themes you’re highlighting in your application, such as leadership, adaptability, or cross-functional collaboration. “You’re not guiding them in a manipulative way but helping them see how they can support your narrative,” Chandler explains.

For example, if your story emphasizes a pivot to a new industry, discuss with your recommender how they can highlight instances where you demonstrated adaptability or learned quickly in unfamiliar environments. If leadership is a focal point, mention specific projects or team situations where they saw you shine.

By providing context on your goals and most substantial achievements, you enable them to effectively tailor examples in their MBA recommendations that reinforce your narrative.

Tip #9 Ensure Sincerity Above All

The best MBA recommendations read naturally and sincerely. “An overly polished letter or one full of vague praises can sometimes work against an applicant,” Chandler points out. Admissions officers value candid language and specific observations over flattering generalizations.

As motivational speaker Zig Ziglar notes, “If you’re sincere, praise is effective. If you’re insincere, it’s manipulative.” Recommenders need to convey respect for your goals and admiration for your work without exaggerating. Genuine endorsements shine even more powerfully than those trying too hard to impress.

MBA recommendations

Tip #10 Show Genuine Appreciation for Your Recommender’s Support

Writing thoughtful MBA recommendations takes significant time and consideration, so remember to express your gratitude! Acknowledge their effort in helping you with this pivotal part of your MBA application. Sending a personal note or even scheduling a quick coffee catch-up can go a long way to show your appreciation. Not only does this reinforce a positive relationship, but it also shows that you value their support and insights.

“Gratitude is more than a courtesy; it’s an acknowledgment of the role they’ve played in helping you reach your goals,” Chandler emphasizes.

Recommendations are a unique opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of your character and abilities. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing thoughtful, genuine recommendations aligned with your goals. Selecting the right person, providing them with helpful information, and guiding them to share an authentic perspective can profoundly impact your MBA application.

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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs. From our All-In Partnership to interview prep, essay editing, resume review, and much more, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

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