letters of recommendation; status of recommendee a factor?

by **aleksander_karlsen** Sun Jul 05, 2009 11:23 am

Regarding letters of recommendation, is the status of the reccommende also a factor? (in addition to the content of the recommendation) Would having a successful CEO add weight to the application (even if the company he leads is probably not well known in the US)? Or would it be better to have a partner at Accenture (well known in US) as a recommendee? The CEO worked closely with me for four months as my supervisor at the small niche management consulting firm I currently work in (late 2007), while the Partner at Accenture worked directly with me for six months during 2007. Is time a factor (length of association)? I am 100% the Accenture partner would give me a good recommendation (ranking vs. peers aso), and quite sure the CEO would do so.

The internal recommendation is easier, since my employer knows me well through several years of association. The external options, though, is somewhat harder since these individuals does not know me as well as my current employer (and also they knew me two years back when I was at a different development stage then now).

by **mbamission** Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:52 pm

The best recommendations come from those in a managerial position that know you best. You want to choose a recommender that can write detailed anecdotes about your professional accomplishments, impact and career progression. If the person doesn't meet this standard, then its best to choose someone who does. Be sure to check the schools' recommendation requirements. Most programs require a recommendation from your direct manager, so you can choose another colleague that can write objectively about your work performance for the second recommendation. Just be sure they can bring something new to the recommendation (compared to your manager's recommendation).

Hope this helps!

Monica Okrah
MBA Mission
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letters of recommendation; status of recommendee a factor?

letters of recommendation; status of recommendee a factor?

Re: letters of recommendation; status of recommendee a factor?