Ask Stacy Blackman

Hello,

I asked my direct supervisor to write me a recommendation and he/she stated that he/she would be happy to do so. This is the issue - my supervisor was just promoted and consequently has become even more busy than normal (I work in financial services). She has asked me to write a draft recommendation and that she will edit as necessary and sign it.

I recently attended an admissions fair and one of the admissions officers highly advised against this approach. My direct supervisor is the person most intimately aware of my contributions, and furthermore is an alumnus of my top choice school -i.e. he/she knows the school and the process.

What do I do? Should I try to get a recommendation from someone else? Should I go back to my recommender and ask if he/she would write the rec and that I would provide support materials or should I write a draft as he/she suggested and have him/her sign it?

I think option 2 would be ideal, but to be honest I think it is a reach given the specific circumstances of this situation.

I'm sure others have been in this situation before, especially in financial services -- I would really appreciate some advice!

Thanks in advance.