Can I write the MBA Recommendation Letter Myself and 12 Other Most Commonly Asked Questions about the MBA Letter of Recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation (LOR) can be stressful. Employers know that there aren’t many MBA graduates who return to their former employers after their MBAs. So how do you raise the topic to your manager delicately, all while making sure you maintain a positive relationship, manage your application timeline, and get a strong letter of recommendation? 

Many recommenders also ask applicants to write the letters of recommendation for them, and are happy to just sign. That sounds ideal, but it’s much harder than you would think to write in someone else’s words. Your recommendations may end up reading like your essays. That’s a dead giveaway.

So how do you approach your recommendations in the right way? Luckily for you, we’ve been asked just every recommender-related question under the sun. Let’s get into it. 

1. Should you ask in person or over email for an MBA recommendation letter?

   
   

If you have a good relationship with your recommender and speak to them regularly, asking in person (or over a call) is best. Follow up with an email so they have all the details in writing.

Here’s a sample outreach email to send to your MBA recommenders:

Subject: MBA Recommendation Request

Hi [Name],

I’m applying to MBA programs this fall, and I’d be honored if you’d consider writing a recommendation on my behalf.

I truly valued our time working together at [Company/Project], especially on [Example]. I think you could offer a unique perspective on my growth and leadership.

I’m happy to share a short summary of my goals and talking points to make the process easier. Please let me know if you’d be open to it, and I’ll send over more details.

Thank you for considering my request!

Best, [Your Name]

2. Whom should I ask to be my MBA recommender?

   
   

Ask someone who:

• Has directly managed you or worked with you in a supervisory role

• Can speak in detail about your professional growth and contributions

• Is enthusiastic about your MBA journey

  
  

Don’t pick your recommender based on their title. Sure, they might be the CEO of your company, but if the only interaction they’ve had with you is a brief nod in the elevator, it’s not an effective recommendation. 

Strong choices for recommenders include your current supervisor (obviously), a former supervisor, indirect managers, professional mentors, board members or clients (if needed). Avoid academic references, peers or juniors, family members, and friends. 

3. What if my current manager doesn’t know I’m applying for an MBA?

Don’t jeopardize your job for a recommendation. Business schools are well aware of this common constraint and do not view it as a disadvantage if an LoR is not from a current employer. The content and depth of the letter are far more important than the recommender's current title or company.

Acceptable alternatives in such scenarios include a former supervisor, an indirect manager, a client or business partner, or a senior-level manager who has recently left the company and who knows your work well. 

Critically, if you can’t get a letter from a current supervisor, proactively explain this in the application’s optional essay. Be direct and brief while explaining your situation.

4. What if I work in a family business?

We’d recommend that you avoid getting recommendations from family members. Seek out a mentor, client, board member, or senior leader who’s seen your work up close.

5. What if I work in a startup? 

   
   

If you work in a startup, it’s best to ask a founder/manager, or a senior leader who oversaw your work.

6. What if I’m in the military or government?

Typically, you would ask your direct superior. If chain-of-command protocols make this tricky, an equivalent-ranking civilian manager or past CO can work.

7. What if I have switched jobs recently?

   
   

Business schools understand career changes. Ask someone from your previous role who worked closely with you to get a stronger recommendation.

8. What makes for a strong MBA Recommendation Letter?

The key elements schools look for are:

• Authenticity: Does the recommender genuinely know and believe in you?

• Strengths backed by evidence: Specific examples of leadership, initiative, and collaboration

• Career progression: Growth over time (especially under pressure or after failure) and promotions/recognition

• Communication and interpersonal skills: How do you work with others and invest in them?

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Generic praise like “hardworking” or “a team player” doesn’t move the needle. Instead, recommenders should highlight your unique strengths and back them up with stories.

SWC tip:

We guide clients to give their recommender a short recommender briefing document with:

• A 1-paragraph summary of why you’re applying and your goals

• A list of 3 - 4 key projects you worked on together

• 2–3 specific strengths to emphasize (with examples)

• Performance reviews 

• A timeline for each school and format requirements

  
  

Make it easy for them to write quickly and effectively. Providing this information also helps your letter be more strong and specific. 

9. When should I ask my recommender to write my MBA letter of recommendation? 

   
   

Ideally, you would follow a timeline that starts 8-10 weeks before your school’s deadline. Around this time, send them a request. Let them know your full application plan, including how many schools you’re applying to and in which Rounds. Confirm their acceptance soon after, and send them reminders 2 weeks before your application deadline. 

For example, if you are targeting Round 1 September deadlines, you should identify potential recommenders in April or May, finalize and thoroughly prepare them by June, and then conduct check-ins by July-August.

10. What if my MBA recommender is dragging their feet?

Be polite, and don’t push too hard. Try something like:

“Hi [Name], just checking in! I know you’re busy, so please let me know if I can help with any questions about the recommendation process to make it smoother. I'm grateful for your support.”

If you get radio silence 1 - 2 weeks out, consider identifying a backup recommender.

11.  Can I write my MBA recommendation letter myself? 

We discourage writing your recommendation letter yourself. It’s not a good look to risk your essays sounding similar to your recommendation letter – and schools can tell. 

12. Can I reuse a recommendation letter for my MBA application? 

Ideally, no. Don’t reuse a letter from a job application or from your grad school application. It won’t be tailored enough to your goals or your MBA plans, and you’ll risk being shoved to the side with other generic recommendation letters. 

13.  What if I have two recommenders writing similar recommendations for my MBA application? 

That’s okay! Just make sure they cover different aspects of your work/project. For example: one talks about your strategy skills, the other focuses on team leadership. Make sure there are no overt overlaps in language, and you’re good to go. 

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Our comprehensive Letters of Recommendation course has example recommendation answers and tailored LoR guidance for top business schools. Check it out on MBAConsultant.com.