Choosing a recommender

Expert replies

DCJ: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 68; Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 10:01 pm

by DCJ » Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:30 pm

I work for a small business so everyone at our company works closely together. Rather than asking my direct supervisor (i.e. the head of the company) to write my recommendation, I am asking a manager in another department. This manager does not supervise me directly but we work closely together on projects and even though we are both managers, this person is more senior that me in rank and time spent at the company. Technically this person is not my "supervisor" or "indirect supervisor" so do I consider them a "peer" or "coworker"? - those don't seem adequate either. Do schools discourage "peer" or "coworker' recs?

Actually both of my recs will be coming from people in similar positions at different companies - don't want to rock the boat my current company by asking my direct boss and supervisor at previous company managed our team from another city so my former senior team mate is the best witness to my performance.

Any thoughts? Will this hurt my chances?

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:30 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacy Blackman: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 1048; Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:59 pmFollowed by: 113 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 50 times

by Stacy Blackman » Mon Dec 12, 2011 10:09 pm

Hi DCJ,

In general, your primary recommender should be your supervisor. Almost all schools will want to hear from this individual with whom you interact frequently and who is responsible for managing you directly and can speak to your development, strengths, and weaknesses. You can also ask for a recommendation from a peer or coworker, however at least one of your recommendations should come from someone who has overseen your work.

Best,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Interested in a free 30 minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Sign up here: https://stacyblackman.com/contact
S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
Admissions Strategy
323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com

Read the SBC blog.

Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.

Learn more about me

Featured schoolRound 2 closes Jan 7, 2027 55 days left

Chicago Booth

Since 1982, 10 Booth faculty members have received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, more than any other business school.

#3
U.S. News rank: $175,000
Median base salary: 670
Average GMAT Focus: 635
Students in the class

Apply to Booth Visit chicagobooth.edu See the full profile

Photo: Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 2.0

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review