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.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

As noted in our application requirements, we require two letters of recommendation (but just one for re-applicants). Ideally, your letters of recommendation should highlight your professional accomplishments and abilities. As such, you should request your letters of recommendation from a direct supervisor or manager. This blog will provide you with some guidance to help you secure supportive letters of recommendation, as well as some insight into why they are important to our evaluation process. We’ll also provide you with some options on other possible recommenders for those of you who are working in a family business or have an entrepreneurial background.

How should you request a letter of recommendation?

It’s always best to make the request in person if possible. Why? Because making the request in person allows you to see how the person responds. By paying attention to their physical response to your request, you may learn more about their true feelings through their body language and facial expressions. Are they smiling and do look happy? Are they avoiding making eye contact with you? Do they look uncomfortable? Picking up on these small clues can make the difference between choosing a recommender who will write a lukewarm letter versus choosing someone who will put in the time to make sure that their letter enhances your application. Also, make sure to ask your recommenders if they can write a supportive letter of recommendation. This might seem like common sense, but it’s important that you’re clear about the type of letter you are hoping to receive.

Who should you consider for your letters of recommendation? 

Your letters of recommendation should ideally come from someone who can speak to your career progression, such as a direct supervisor and/or project manager. Your recommenders should be able to provide us with detailed and insightful information on 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.

If you cannot request a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, you can also 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 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.

Before deciding who to reach out to for your letters of recommendation, we recommend that you take a look at the recommendation questions. Make sure that you reach out to individuals who can provide useful and detailed responses to the questions on the form. Take the time to choose your recommender wisely and give them ample time to complete your letter of recommendation by the deadline for the round to which you are applying.

Why are letters of recommendation important? 

Letters of recommendation are important because they allow us to see you through the eyes of your direct supervisors/managers; individuals who have witnessed your career progression. We want to learn about your leadership potential, your teamwork skills, as well as your ability to overcome challenges. Letters of recommendation also speak to what you have accomplished in your career and shed some light on how your career to date can position you for future success.

Letters of recommendation help support your post-MBA goals. For this reason it’s important to dedicate some time to share your MBA plans with your recommenders. Share a copy of your resume, talk about some of your professional accomplishments, and let them know why you are interested in pursuing an MBA. By sharing your plans, you will help them to write a more compelling letter of recommendation.

Does UCLA Anderson use the “Common Letter of Recommendation” form and what is it? 

Yes, we have adopted the Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR) form. The Common LOR is a recommendation form developed in conjunction with the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) with the goal of saving recommenders valuable time by providing a single, common set of questions. The questions remain embedded in each participating school’s existing application system so your recommendation requests and submissions will still be processed and submitted through our UCLA Anderson application form. UCLA Anderson is one of 35 (and growing) MBA programs to use this form.  For more information and to see the form, visit the GMAC Common LOR website. 

One last bit of advice: Dedicate some time to share your MBA plans with your recommenders. Share a copy of your resume, talk about some of your professional accomplishments, and let them know why you are interested in pursuing an MBA and how you hope to grow both personally and professionally through the experience. By sharing your plans, you will help them to write a more compelling letter of recommendation

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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