The Application Process

Hi all,

I have a quick question about recommenders. Before I ask, here's the an extremely short story that's important. I used to work for a director in my company in the business development team. Since then, I took another position within the same company in a different division. I've been in my current role for over 2 years now, and with my old director, I was in the role for about 1.5 years. I left the team with extremely positive assessments and a great professional working relationship with my director.

I was originally planning on applying to schools last year, but I had to push it off by a year (2012 to 2013). I'm starting to apply now, mostly R2, and need to ask my old director for a recommendation. He graciously agreed last year and started to write a little bit, but after I learned of my situation, I asked him to put it on hold until next year because of my personal issue.

Anyway, I e-mailed him last week (about 7-8 days now) to see if he would be willing to resume writing for this year. This director would be 1 of 2 recommenders for me this season. I really value his input, but after sending the e-mail, I haven't received a response. I know he's a busy guy, on travel a lot, but I don't know how to react to a 'no response.'

Do I e-mail him back? If so, what do I say? Do I just forget it and find someone else? My other recommender, aka my current manager, is completley on board and is my second recommender (all set here).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Greetings,

First of all, does this director who is suppose to be your recommender know you personally? If so, why is there so much hesitation in reaching out again? Just send a note and follow up with a short phone call.

Secondly, have a back up plan. If you've got a deadline you are evaluated and your recommender is also evaluated based on deadlines! If he can't get to things fast enough and you need that recommendation in another week or so, make sure you've got someone else in mind who knows you personally and can write a stellar recommendation for you!

The key to a good letter of recommendation isn't the "title"...its about who knows you well enough to paint a picture for you.

Hopefully, this helps.

Good Luck!

This is something that can potentially change your life. Do not be afraid to follow up with your director. Everyone is busy these days and someone can easily scan an email on their phone - marking is as "read" - and then easily forget about it. Or maybe he just didn't want to respond. Either way you should want to know the status.