You will be measured on the overall “strength” of your admission application which includes your letters of recommendation. The extent to which your letters of recommendation are prioritized by the admissions committee varies by program. Whether you need two or three letters of recommendation, be sure to identify positive and relevant recommenders.
Positive
Select recommenders who think well of your work and will speak positively about you. When you ask someone to write a letter of recommendation for you, ask them if they are comfortable being a positive and strong letter writer for you. Too often, graduate school candidates ask a supervisor or professor if they will write them a letter of recommendation. To avoid conflict or an awkward conversation, some letter writers agree to write a letter which is then only satisfactory. Secure letters of recommendation from those who respond to your graduate school plans with enthusiasm and support.
Being open to constructive feedback from a person who declines your request to write a letter in support of your candidacy may ultimately provide you with an opportunity to strengthen that professional relationship. No one is obligated to write a letter for you and sometimes it is not about you. Some individuals might have to decline your request simply based on their own professional or personal commitments and timelines. If you are unsure of how a potential recommender views your candidacy, and they seem to be reluctant or unenthusiastic about supporting you with a recommendation letter, choose another recommender.
Relevant
Professional degree programs typically prefer letters of recommendation from industry supervisors. The more expertise your recommender has in the industry and functional area you are pursuing, the better. For example, if you are applying to an MBA program with a concentration in supply chain management and a reputation for graduates successfully securing employment in the automotive industry, it would be ideal to have a recommendation from a vice president of supply chain at Ford Motor Company who earned an MBA from a highly ranked MBA program and knows you well.
For application to Ph.D. programs, it is usually best to have faculty write your letters of recommendation. Faculty are typically best positioned to explain your academic readiness and accomplishments and can effectively describe your research interests and potential.
As noted in How to Prepare a Graduate Business School Application Checklist, providing a copy of your resume, statement of purpose, and transcript will help your letter writers align their recommendations with your professional career goals. Give your recommenders plenty of time to meet application deadlines.
It is helpful to provide your recommenders with guidance. If you are applying to a program that values work ethic, be sure to let your letter writers know this. They can tailor their letters accordingly. If an essay prompt asks you to describe your career aspirations which align directly with the graduate program’s strengths, and one or your recommenders can affirm that your career plans and aspirations have not wavered in the time they have known you, it may further improve your candidacy.
There are always other factors to consider when asking someone to write a letter of recommendation for you. It is helpful to know your recommenders are reliable and dependable and will meet submission deadlines. Having a recommender who is well respected as an industry leader and regularly contributes to the field is helpful because their input about your preparedness for graduate school will be appreciated and respected.
Pro tip: Be sure to keep your recommenders up-to-date regarding your progress and acceptance. Stay in contact with them throughout your graduate program, perhaps with a brief update at the end of each semester. Maintaining an ongoing relationship with your letter writers and demonstrating a sincere and appreciative connection with them will encourage them to support you throughout your career.
