LSBR Blog How to request a Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendations are vital, whether you’re considering applying to an MBA program or looking forward to switching careers. While it may appear easy, it has its difficulties. Asking a person to write a letter that speaks to your character and outlines your strengths can be tough and even awkward.

Do not stress about it, with the proper online education, and the process could be completed seamlessly. People in positions of authority see these requests often, and they are likely used to writing letters of recommendation. However, it does require some time and energy, so make sure you’re appreciative.

Here are some steps to follow. These processes have been put to good use and are proven to work. Follow these steps to make it easy for people to provide you with impactful, effective letters of recommendation.

1. Know who to ask

It is expected that your letter of recommendation is written by people who have had considerable interactions with you professionally. Ideally, this would be someone you have worked under his or her administration, say a current or past supervisor. Reach out to those people who are sincerely interested in your long-term success and can speak to your character. Their title, status, or Economic position is not important. What matters is that they can provide anecdotes to describe your work ethic, leadership style, and what you can contribute to your MBA class.

2. Be proactive

Plan ahead. Know how soon you are expected or required to submit your request, and you’re your letter request appropriately. It’s best to ask at least four to eight weeks ahead of the deadline to ensure that the person writing will not be writing in the rush of a deadline. You can likely begin conversations about a recommendation as soon as you’re thinking of applying. In what you do, do not wait too long. Remember that whosoever writes a letter for you is doing you a favour.

3. Schedule a time to meet in person

Asking in person is more personal and gives you all the advantages of a face-to-face meeting, including the benefit of speaking about your letters right away rather than a call or

text message. It allows you to share more details and your motivations for seeking an MBA as well as providing reasons you’re the best fit for LSBR. These discussions will undoubtedly improve the appeal, quality, and efficacy of your letters.

4. Give correct information

A recommendation is only as good as the information the reference has to work with. You want individuals who can share detailed examples of your growth and measurable impact over some time. The importance of providing the right information in your recommendation cannot be overemphasised.

There is a list of suggested discussion points to help guide conversations with your recommenders. Consider taking notes of ideal answers to these questions to serve as a conversation guide before meeting with your recommenders.

Discussion points:

Personally, ask yourself these questions; they are useful conversation guidelines. Why do I want my MBA? What am I missing in my professional career at this point that makes me consider an MBA seriously? Why now and not a year or two from now?

What do I want to do with my MBA? How do I want to advance or change my career? How will my online education help me do that? What specific skills or experiences do I want to get out of the MBA that I can’t get now?

Why LSBR? Are there programs that suit me at LSBR? What are those programs? How am I a culture fit? Which of the four defining leadership principles do I showcase most, and how? Where do I hope to be after the MBA, in terms of location and company?

How have I demonstrated leadership in this job, whether that is leading a person, a team, a project, or even a problematic thought process?

What are my key achievements or significant areas of impact at my current job? What are the areas of growth that I’ve worked on at my current job?

If I decide to enrol in a part-time MBA program, how would I manage my work responsibilities with the added commitment to my coursework? What immediate benefits could an MBA bring to my current job?

5. Follow up

Thank your recommenders for taking time out of their busy schedules to write a letter on your behalf. Remember, it was a favor to you. Similarly, immediately you’re accepted, it is expected and common courtesy to follow this up with an update. Bring them up to speed on your progress and let them know how their efforts influenced your success. Show appreciation.