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Hi,

I'm in a dilemma over choosing my recommenders. I'm in consulting industry and I definitely want to have strong words in my recommendation letter. The hierarchy in my firm is -> Consultant, Sr. Consultant, Manager, Sr. Manager, Partner

Option 1: Sr. Consultant (Strong content) -> Knows me very well and won't be very difficult for him to use strong words. He can also summarize opinions from different sources. He is also likely to leave very few fields as "N/A" in the recommendation form. But does his being just one level above me matter ?

Option 2: Manager / Sr. Manager / Partner (Label/Status) -> I have very good relations with certain people on higher level as well, with whom I've worked. Although the one from them too will be positive, I'm not sure if they'll be convincing enough in their words (reasons might differ though - not wanting me to leave, not willing to use strong words etc.). They might also want to leave more fields as "N/A". But does the "label/status" overpower all of the above in this case ?

It'd be great if someone could help me resolve this. I'd be really grateful.

Thanks,
Aman

aman.k wrote:Hi,

I'm in a dilemma over choosing my recommenders. I'm in consulting industry and I definitely want to have strong words in my recommendation letter. The hierarchy in my firm is -> Consultant, Sr. Consultant, Manager, Sr. Manager, Partner

Option 1: Sr. Consultant (Strong content) -> Knows me very well and won't be very difficult for him to use strong words. He can also summarize opinions from different sources. He is also likely to leave very few fields as "N/A" in the recommendation form. But does his being just one level above me matter ?

Option 2: Manager / Sr. Manager / Partner (Label/Status) -> I have very good relations with certain people on higher level as well, with whom I've worked. Although the one from them too will be positive, I'm not sure if they'll be convincing enough in their words (reasons might differ though - not wanting me to leave, not willing to use strong words etc.). They might also want to leave more fields as "N/A". But does the "label/status" overpower all of the above in this case ?

It'd be great if someone could help me resolve this. I'd be really grateful.

Thanks,
Aman

Go with Senior consultant. Label helps when you have closely worked with seniors and they will write great things about you. Dont leave it to chance.

Its always good to get a reco from immediate supervisor.

Apphelp Team

Agreed. As a general rule, choose an immediate supervisor as one of your recommenders and choose content over label/status. Who is the other recommender (to explain why you are not choosing both)?