Picking Referees

by **Guest** Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:52 pm

Hello,

I am struggling with choosing referees. My first choice is a manager who I reported to a couple of years ago. The reasons are that I worked for her for quite a while (over 1.5yrs) and have not worked for a manager since then for over 12mths (due to organisational restructures). We also continue to stay in touch. I feel that she is best placed to provide a view of my development over a longer period of time and is likely to provide better insight.

With regards to my most recent manager (as I have left work to prepare for submissions), I reported to him for less than 12mths and we did not form a close relationship. I am therefore reluctant to ask him for a reference (particularly given the amount of work involved).

Could you give me some direction as to whether a) this is appropriate, and b) what are good alternative sources of references?

Thanks!

by **MBAApply** Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:28 pm

Schools typically prefer (and usually state explicitly) recommenders that have known you for more than 12 months, so your decision is made for you. Use your ex-boss, and simply disclose in the optional essay that you've only worked for your current boss for less than 12 months.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com