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Recommendation letters

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Recommendation letters

by biker317 » Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:17 am
Thanks Amy for all your help, your answers have been very resourceful.

I think my case is a little unique. I’m fairly good at taking tests getting scores and writing essays. My bigger problem is getting the right kind of recommendation I need. The potential problem I face is that I have never stayed with an employer for more than 2 years. I have 4 years of work experience and I haven’t kept in touch with my ex-employers/ supervisors or not in good terms with them. I am thinking of changing my job this year for better career prospects. I plan to apply to schools for Aug 09 full time or part time. How do you think I should fix this problem? Does anyone on this board have similar problems? Thank you!
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:14 pm
Dear biker317:

That is a problem as admissions committees want to see recommendations from people who have worked with you professionally, especially supervisors. Are there any co-workers you worked closely with that you could ask? Vendors or clients that you have worked with, beyond an occasional check-in or the like, would also be helpful.

In addition to securing references from your professional experience, you will absolutely want to address your frequent job changes in your application. Likewise, be prepared to explain your career path to date in your interview.

Best of luck to you!
Lisa
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How to do this

by just-in » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:08 am
Hi,

Do you have any ideas about how to explain several job changes in a very short period of time (let's say, 3 jobs in 3 years).

I know those reasons/explanations are personal but I am pretty sure that there is a better way to address this issue than another.

For instance, I am pretty sure that we should not mention that our job was boring or something like that...

What is the most appreciated explanation for several job changes?

Any advice would be much appreciated cause I am kind of lost here.

Thank you

Just-in
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by Lisa Anderson » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:38 am
Dear Just-in:

You ask a good question as anyone interviewing for a new job, much less applying to business school, needs to have a good story explaining why job changes have been made (especially after less than 18 months). While you want to be honest, it is not a good idea to be negative about a position (duties, people or otherwise) and you need to have a solid reason for the move. Generally, it is best to phrase things as "an opportunity I could not pass up" or "a new challenge". If you followed a supervisor or colleague, then that can work to your advantage as you appear desirable in that someone came back for you.

It is also legitimate to state that the company was laying people off or not doing well financially, so you found a new opportunity. We are all aware of the cyclical nature of business. If you did, in fact, get laid off from a job, be sure to phrase it more as "I took a package as the company was not doing well" versus "I got laid off".

Hope that helps. Good luck!
Lisa
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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