The form the rec should be in?

Launched April 26, 2006
This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:14 am

The form the rec should be in?

by AceIt » Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:45 pm
Hello Stacy and Amy :-) Thanks in advance for your help. I just read a first draft of my employer's Stanford recommendation on my behalf, and he basically answered the questions in paragraph form so it looks like this:

Question
Answer

Question
Answer

etc.

I had thought the best- and most compelling format- was to answer the questions within the body of a recommendation in letter form. Your advice would be appreciated. Also, Stanford recommends 2-4 pages- what do you think is a good length? At least 2-3?

Thanks!
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 573
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:58 pm
Thanked: 29 times
Followed by:2 members

by Amy » Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:01 am
Hi AceIt,

It's most important that the questions are answered and that your recommender cites very specific examples to support his comments about you. Rather than "AceIt is fantastic and in the top 1% of his peer group." he should support such assertions with examples: "AceIt had responsibilities to perform the due diligence during our acquisition of widget industries, which was far beyond the typical analyst duties. AceIt did an excellent job of leading the group to perform the required analysis and we were able to successfully ascertain our risk in the project. Therefore, I would rank AceIt in the top 1% of his peer group."

I think anywhere in the recommended range is fine for length. The format is not especially important here, most people submit in the format you say your letter is in, and I think it is generally preferable to a letter style format because you are ensured that all questions are answered. Content is the single most important factor.

Good luck!

Amy
Amy
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:14 am

Thanks very much!!

by AceIt » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:49 am
That was a great answer! Thanks! :-D