This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation are an integral part of the application process. They provide the admissions committee with insight into your management and leadership ability and continued potential. As noted in our application requirements, we require two letters of recommendation (but just one for re-applicants). This blog will provide you with guidance to help you ensure that you receive supportive letters of recommendation. We’ll also provide you with some advice on who to consider if you cannot request a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, are working in a family business or have an entrepreneurial background.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation should ideally come from a direct supervisor and/or manager who will advocate on your behalf and can speak to your work performance, capabilities, and potential for graduate studies and future career success. Your recommenders should be able to provide us with detailed and insightful information in response to our recommendation questions. They should be able to address how they know you, how you compare to others in your organization, and your potential to continue growing into a strong leader. Keep in mind that we are more concerned with how well your recommenders know you, and not their titles, so don't worry about getting a letter of recommendation from the CEO of your company if they don’t really know you.
What if I cannot request a letter of recommendation from my current supervisor?
If you cannot request a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, you can always contact a former employer. If you do choose to reach out to a former employer, make sure that it is someone that you have remained in contact with and can speak to how they’ve seen you develop since you worked with them. You want to make sure that their feedback is not restricted to speaking to who you were when they knew you, two, three, or five years ago.
If you are an entrepreneur or are working in a family business, in addition to considering previous employers, you can consider clients, vendors, as well as supervisors from volunteer organizations. It is not advisable that your recommender be someone who you are related to since they will most likely be biased in your favor.
What does the admissions committees hope to learn from a letter of recommendation?
The admissions committee wants to learn about your leadership potential, your teamwork skills, as well as your ability to overcome challenges. Letters of recommendation allow us to see you through the eyes of your direct supervisors/managers; individuals who have witnessed your career progression. They can speak to what you have accomplished in your career, how your career to date can position you for future success, and help support your post-MBA goals. For this reason it’s important to make sure that your recommenders are familiar with your MBA plans. Take the time to speak with your recommenders about why you are interested in pursuing an MBA and what you hope to gain. Share a copy of your resume and remind them of some of your professional accomplishments. By sharing your plans, you will help them write a more compelling letter of recommendation.
How and when should letters of recommendation be submitted? Letters of recommendation can only be submitted electronically. You will need to enter each recommender’s details in your application so that they can be sent the link to the recommendation form. Recommendations should be submitted by the round deadline in which you are applying, to ensure that your application is evaluated on time. Make sure to inform your recommenders of the deadline and stay in touch with them to confirm submission of your letters.
One last bit of advice:
Don’t forget to thank your recommenders for taking the time to write your letters and for supporting your future.
Good luck with your letters of recommendation and make sure to keep checking back with us to learn more about our process and our program!
Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!
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