Which Letters of Recommendation should I use?

[dubc1982]

I was supposed to apply to B-school last year (had everything just about ready except for the GMAT.) I decided to take a job offer I had received literally a day before I was supposed to take the GMAT. I'm now ready to apply for 2009 and have a question about which LOR I should use. I had my former supervisor write a very good letter for me, which I still have. She told me to let her know if I want to use it down the road and its a very well written letter. However, I haven't kept in touch since I left (last October) and don't know if I should use it or get two new ones from my new employer. I used to work for a top 5 corporate law firm and now work for one of the top 3 investment banks. I'm sure I can get just as good, if not better letters from here, but I'm wondering if it would be good to have one from my former employer and one from my new employer? I had a good relationship with my previous employer and I think showing good referrals for two different large firms would be good.

Also, I am going to ask for a letter from someone who worked at my previous employer with whom I work with now. Would it be good to have him discuss our relationship at both firms?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear dubc1982:

Letters of recommendation are not simply letters provided to you. Most schools require the recommender to complete a form for you and submit an additional letter in support of your candidacy. These items are usually transmitted directly between the school and the recommender. So, you need to ask your recommenders in advance if they will assist you and explain the process.

I think having two professional references is best, regardless of whether both are from the same company. It is ideal to have someone from your current employer and at least one be a supervisor, or former supervisor, to you. I think the co-worker from both firms is a good idea as long as your other recommender has been in a supervisory capacity to you.

Regards,
Lisa

[dubc1982]

Thank you Lisa. Yes the previous employer was a supervisor and is familiar with the process involved in submitting the LOR. I think I will try to contact her and get the ball rolling. Thanks again.