Letters of Rec

[Guest]

I am applying to Harvard and they ask for a direct supervisor's letter of rec. In my job as an examiner we work in teams where three senior examiners rotate leading the teams. The lead examiner serves as my direct report who then writes my feedback form. Can I have one of these examiners do a letter of recommendation instead of my supervisor? My supervisor simply receives the forms the examiners write, but has never been on an exam with me. Also, I feel she will not take very kindly to me leaving the company. Can I explain this in the optional essay?

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

You can explain your lack of a letter via your optional statement, but I would be concerned that these fellow examiners would not be considered objective supervisors, but subjective peers. I would consider another option - possibly your client. You certainly don't want the AdCom to question the integrity of your letters.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

I am applying to Harvard and they ask for a direct supervisor's letter of rec. In my job as an examiner we work in teams where three senior examiners rotate leading the teams. The lead examiner serves as my direct report who then writes my feedback form. Can I have one of these examiners do a letter of recommendation instead of my supervisor? My supervisor simply receives the forms the examiners write, but has never been on an exam with me. Also, I feel she will not take very kindly to me leaving the company. Can I explain this in the optional essay?

[Gust]

The bank's are not possible recommenders. Even given the fact that the senior examiners are ten or more years experienced, they'd be viewed as peers? What about if I explain that Senior Examiner is a much higher level examiner? Our company structure is very unique. We have examiners who outrank supervisors based on seniority. You think I should take the risk of asking a supervisor though?