Introduction: Why MBA Recommendations Can Make or Break Your Application

Picture this:

You’re an admissions officer at Harvard Business School. It’s 2 AM, and you’re drowning in a sea of stellar applications. 780 GMAT scores and 3.9 GPAs are starting to blur together.

Then, you read a recommendation letter that makes you sit up straight. It paints a vivid picture of a candidate who doesn’t just meet expectations but shatters them. A candidate who doesn’t just solve problems but anticipates them. A candidate who doesn’t just fit into your program but will elevate it.

That, my friend, is the power of a killer MBA recommendation.

Here’s a shocker:

According to a GMAC survey, 87% of admissions officers rate recommendations as “very important” or “somewhat important” in evaluating candidates.

But here’s the kicker: Most applicants treat recommendations as an afterthought.

Big mistake.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll discover:

1. The secret formula for choosing recommenders who’ll sing your praises (without sounding like your mom)
2. The “Recommendation Matrix” technique that ensures your letters cover all your bases (and then some)
3. How to brief your recommenders so they write letters that make admissions officers weep (tears of joy, of course)
4. Plus, we’ll tackle the top 10 FAQs about MBA recommendations to ensure you’re fully armed and dangerous (in a good way).

Ready to turn your recommendations from good to great? Let’s dive in!

Part 1: Choosing Your Dream Team of Recommenders

Picking the right recommenders is like casting a blockbuster movie. You need stars who complement each other and make you look good. Here’s how to assemble your dream team:

1. The Power Player: Your Current Supervisor

This is your lead actor. They can speak to your current performance and potential. But what if you can’t ask your current boss? Don’t panic! We’ll cover that scenario in our FAQ section.

Pro Tip: If your current supervisor is new, consider asking a previous supervisor who knows you better.

2. The Long-Term Champion: A Former Supervisor

Your supporting actor. They can show your growth over time and provide a different perspective on your abilities.

Crackverbal Hack: Choose a former supervisor from a different company or department to showcase your adaptability.

3. The Wild Card: A Client, Mentor, or Cross-Functional Team Leader

This is your character actor. They provide a unique perspective on your skills and can highlight different aspects of your personality and work style.

Warning: If your CEO or a famous alumnus don’t know you well, avoid the temptation to ask. A glowing recommendation from your direct supervisor trumps a lukewarm one from a big name any day.

The “Recommendation Matrix” Technique

Here’s a Crackverbal secret weapon: Create a matrix with your key strengths and experiences on one axis and your potential recommenders on the other. This ensures comprehensive coverage of your profile across all recommendations.

Example:

Pro Tip: Aim for at least two checks in each row to ensure all your key strengths are covered.

The “What If” Scenarios

But what if…

• You’re an entrepreneur? Ask clients, investors, or mentors who can speak to your business acumen and leadership.
• You have limited work experience? Consider professors who can attest to your academic abilities and leadership in extracurricular activities.
• You’re making a career change? Choose recommenders who can highlight your transferable skills and adaptability.

Remember: The goal is to choose recommenders who can provide specific, detailed examples of your work and potential. Generic praise is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

Part 2: The Art of Briefing Your Recommenders

You’ve chosen your dream team. Now it’s time to set them up for success. Here’s how to brief your recommenders like a pro:

1. The “Shock and Awe” Package

Prepare a comprehensive briefing package that includes:

• Your resume
• Your MBA goals essay
• Key projects and achievements you want highlighted
• The recommendation questions (if available)
• Deadlines and submission instructions

Pro Tip: Include a “cheat sheet” of specific anecdotes or achievements for each recommender to reference.  Make their job as easy as possible!

2. The “Coffee Chat” Strategy

Schedule a 30-minute chat (in person or virtual) with each recommender.

Use this time to:

• Explain why you’re pursuing an MBA
• Remind them of key projects you worked on together
• Discuss specific skills or experiences you’d like them to highlight

Crackverbal Hack: Use the “SAR” (Situation-Action-Result) method to refresh their memory on key achievements. For example: “Remember the XYZ project where we faced [Situation]? I took [Action] which resulted in [Result].”

3. The “Fill in the Blanks” Technique

Provide your recommenders with a template to help structure their thoughts. For example:

“[Your Name] stands out because of their ability to [Specific Skill]. For instance, in [Specific Project], they [Action Taken] which resulted in [Quantifiable Result]. This demonstrates their potential for [Relevant MBA Skill].”

Remember: This is a guide, not a script. The recommendation should be in your recommender’s own words.

4. The “Jog Their Memory” Timeline

Create a timeline of your work together, highlighting key projects, achievements, and growth moments. This visual aid can be a powerful tool to refresh your recommender’s memory.

Example:

Copy

Pro Tip: Include both professional achievements and instances of personal growth or challenge.

5. The “Connect the Dots” Method

Help your recommenders understand how their letter fits into your overall application strategy. Explain:

• How their perspective complements your other recommenders
• Which aspects of your profile you’d like them to emphasize
• How their recommendation aligns with your MBA goals

Crackverbal Insight: This strategic approach ensures your recommendations tell a cohesive story that aligns with your overall narrative.

Part 3: Managing the Recommendation Process

You’ve briefed your recommenders. Now, how do you ensure they follow through without being a pest?

Here’s the delicate art of recommendation management:

1. The “Gentle Reminder” System

Set up a reminder schedule:

• 4 weeks before deadline: Initial reminder
• 2 weeks before deadline: Check-in and offer assistance
• 1 week before deadline: Final reminder

Pro Tip: Use a tool like Boomerang for Gmail to schedule these reminders in advance.

2. The “Value-Add” Follow-Up

Instead of just asking “Have you submitted yet?”, provide value in your follow-ups:

• Share a relevant article about the school or industry
• Offer additional context about your MBA goals
• Provide updates on your application progress

Example: “Hi [Recommender], I hope this email finds you well. I recently read this fascinating article about [School]’s new [Relevant Initiative]. It really reinforced my excitement about the program. I’d be happy to discuss how this aligns with my goals if it’s helpful for your recommendation. By the way, I’ve completed my application and am on track for the Round 1 deadline. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.”

3. The “Plan B” Backup

Always have a backup recommender in mind, just in case. Brief them lightly and be ready to fully engage them if needed.

Crackverbal Hack: If a recommender is consistently unresponsive, it’s better to switch to a backup than risk a last-minute rush or missed deadline.

4. The “Thank You” Triple Play

Show your appreciation at three key points:

• When they agree to recommend you
• When they submit the recommendation
• When you receive your admissions decision (regardless of the outcome)

Pro Tip: Make your thank-you meaningful. Mention specific ways their guidance has impacted you or how you plan to pay it forward.

Conclusion: Your Recommendations, Your Secret Weapon

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of MBA recommendations.

Let’s recap your journey:

1. You’ve learned how to choose your dream team of recommenders
2. You’ve discovered the secrets of briefing your recommenders for maximum impact
3. You’ve mastered the delicate art of managing the recommendation process
4. You’ve got answers to all your burning recommendation questions

But here’s the thing: This is just one piece of your MBA application puzzle.

Remember:

• Your recommendations should complement, not repeat, your essays and resume
• Every interaction with your recommenders is a chance to reinforce your personal brand
• The best recommendations aren’t just submitted—they’re strategically crafted to showcase your unique value

So, what’s next?

It’s time to put these strategies into action. Reach out to your potential recommenders, start crafting your briefing materials, and begin the journey to stellar recommendations.

But if you find yourself overwhelmed, or if you want that extra edge to make your recommendations truly shine, remember: You don’t have to do this alone.

At Crackverbal, we’ve helped thousands of applicants just like you secure powerful recommendations that have opened doors to top B-schools. Our MBA Application Mastery Program includes personalized guidance on choosing and managing recommenders, ensuring your recommendations become your secret weapon.

Ready to turn your MBA dreams into reality?

Your future at a top B-school is closer than you think. Let’s make those recommendations roar!