Choosing a recommender

[DCJ]

I work for a small business so everyone at our company works closely together. Rather than asking my direct supervisor (i.e. the head of the company) to write my recommendation, I am asking a manager in another department. This manager does not supervise me directly but we work closely together on projects and even though we are both managers, this person is more senior that me in rank and time spent at the company. Technically this person is not my "supervisor" or "indirect supervisor" so do I consider them a "peer" or "coworker"? - those don't seem adequate either. Do schools discourage "peer" or "coworker' recs?

Actually both of my recs will be coming from people in similar positions at different companies - don't want to rock the boat my current company by asking my direct boss and supervisor at previous company managed our team from another city so my former senior team mate is the best witness to my performance.

Any thoughts? Will this hurt my chances?

[Stacy Blackman]

Hi DCJ,

In general, your primary recommender should be your supervisor. Almost all schools will want to hear from this individual with whom you interact frequently and who is responsible for managing you directly and can speak to your development, strengths, and weaknesses. You can also ask for a recommendation from a peer or coworker, however at least one of your recommendations should come from someone who has overseen your work.


Best,

Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team