Free MBA Recommendation Letter Template (with Example)

A strong recommendation letter can significantly improve your chances of getting accepted into an MBA program. It is important to the admissions committee that someone who knows you well through direct involvement vouch for your qualifications and character. What’s more, if the person recommending you can mention detailed examples of your performance, your name might shoot to the top of the list.

The most valuable recommendations are usually more professional-leaning than academic. These are references provided by employers, mentors, and supervisors. That said, a professor can also improve your chances of acceptance by penning a glowing recommendation.

In this article, we review all you need to know about MBA letters of recommendation.

Who Should You Select to Write the Letter?

As already mentioned, the most ideal person to recommend you for an MBA program is someone from your current or previous workplace, such as your supervisor or employer. This is because, unlike your teachers, these parties have seen first-hand your skills in a real-world setting.

If you are self-employed or your supervisors haven’t known you long enough to recommend you, you may turn to one of the following parties:

• A client who enjoyed your service.
• A supervisor or employer from a previous job.
• A member of the board of directors
• Anyone who evaluates your work.

One of these people can write your principal letter of recommendations. For the support letter, which is just as crucial as the first, you should consider someone who knows you very well and will likely write a glowing recommendation.

What to Include in Your Letter

As with any recommendation letter, an MBA Letter of Recommendation argues that you are an excellent applicant that will likely excel if chosen for the program. To do this, it must include:

• A brief description of the relationship between the writer and the applicant.
• An overview of the applicant’s qualifications and best qualities.
• Detailed examples to demonstrate these claims.

Most admissions committees will prefer that the description be more specific than anecdotal. If the writer claims that the applicant is diligent, they should give an example of when the applicant displayed diligence in their work.

How to Write an MBA Letter of Recommendation

Unless it is to be set via email, your letter of recommendation should be written in a formal business format consisting of an introduction, at least two paragraphs, and a closing. It should be no more than one-page long and should follow the submissions formula provided by the institution.

If you are the applicant, you will need to discuss the letter format with the writer to ensure they cover all the necessary details. The following is a detailed breakdown of how to draft this letter:

1. Introduction

After including the addresses, contact information, subject line, and a proper salutation, the writer should briefly establish their relationship with the applicant then mention their reason for writing.

2. Paragraph One

The first paragraph should outline the applicant’s positive qualities and qualifications. The writer may focus on attributes related to the business industry such as organization, leadership, and social skills. Overall, this part must read as facts backed up with evidence rather than a compliment from a friend.

3. Paragraph Two

Paragraph two should explain further why the applicant is an excellent choice by giving exact examples of their achievements. If applicable, the writer may also offer mild criticism and show how the candidate responded positively to a negative situation.

4. Closing

The writer should close the letter by restating their support for the applicant and inviting the reader to contact them for further assistance. They should then include their contact information, supply a formal sign off, indicate their name, and sign below it.

MBA Letter of Recommendation Template (Word Template)

An MBA is a continued education program that provides the applicant with an opportunity to further their education and future career. If you are applying to this program, a recommendation from one of the parties discussed in this article can only improve your chances of getting accepted.

As the writer, if you are approached to write an MBA letter of recommendation, try to emphasize specific examples over general compliments. Doing so will ensure that your letter reads as a factual account of the applicant’s qualities and capabilities.