Recommendation from a new boss?

Expert replies

hrubacky: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:35 am

by hrubacky » Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:57 am

I started with my current organization in March and my supervisor left (amicably) in June. Since the organization is restructuring, my chain of command is still in flux.

So who do I ask for a recommendation:
- my current supervisor, who barely knows me
- my previous supervisor, who I only worked with briefly
- my closest peer at my current organization
- an executive I worked closely with at my previous job (I'm already asking my previous supervisor)
- someone outside the workplace (although no one jumps out at me)

I'd love some advice on this!

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:57 am

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CriticalSquareMBA: Legendary Member; Posts: 1088; Joined: Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:29 pmFollowed by: 52 members; Thanked: 171 times

by CriticalSquareMBA » Wed Aug 28, 2013 6:57 pm

Hi there,

You should really be targeting the person that knows you the best and that seems to be your previous supervisor. Actually, if both the executive and your previous supervisor know you to the same extent, I would prefer the executive wherever possible (rank trumps if they both know you very well).

As for your current job, most schools ask for your current supervisor. You could explain why you can't use your current supervisor but you would still need to use someone in your current company. In that case, I would recommend you explore getting your previous supervisor. Keep in mind, you'll have to clear this with certain schools - some are more understanding than others.

I hope that helps - let me know if you have any other questions!

Bhavik

Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

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blessu: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 23; Joined: Sun Aug 25, 2013 10:15 pm; Thanked: 1 times

by blessu » Thu Aug 29, 2013 7:19 am

hrubacky wrote:I started with my current organization in March and my supervisor left (amicably) in June. Since the organization is restructuring, my chain of command is still in flux.

So who do I ask for a recommendation:
- my current supervisor, who barely knows me
- my previous supervisor, who I only worked with briefly
- my closest peer at my current organization
- an executive I worked closely with at my previous job (I'm already asking my previous supervisor)
- someone outside the workplace (although no one jumps out at me)

I'd love some advice on this!

That's a tough situation... you probably need 2 recommenders, so from what you described it looks like the best are your closest peer and the executive. but you'll need to explain the choice of recommedners.

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