Whom to choose for recommendations?

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Whom to choose for recommendations?

by 4meonly » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:54 am
Dear Consultants,

I have a question regarding the letters of recommendation.

I need 2 letters of recommendation but have 3 persons who can write them.
1. My current supervisor - Business Unit Manager expat from Europe.
He works for our Company since September, 2008 after me previous BUM and supervisor were laid off. Current boss has 15 years of experience in Pharma and has fluent English and I think that recommendations from expat will play dividends for me. But I am not sure in him - I am not sure that he will do his best in order to help me to be accepted (telephone talks, mails, etc. if necessary)
2. My previous supervisor, Head of Marketing.
She was laid off and now does not work for my Company. Now she works for big well known International Pharmaceutical company. I am absolutely sure that she will do her best in order to help me to be accepted. But she is not my current boss and I think it is not good.
3. My previous Business Unit Manager (also I supervisor of Head of Marketing)
She knows me for 6 years and she was the first manager that hired me for #1 Pharma Company after my graduation. She really knows me very well and she also will do her best in order to help me to be accepted. But she is not my current boss and I am not sure in her English skills.

That is why I am asking you for help - which 2 persons to choose? If you recommend me to choose my previous managers (it will be better for me) should I describe the lay off reasons/circumstances in my essays?

I work as a Product manager in the biggest Russian Pharmaceutical Company with full P&L responsibility and plan to apply at R3 to Fuqua B-School.
My GMAT is 660, GPA - 3.9 and I have MD degree. 6 years in Pharmaceutical business within well-known companies.

Thank you in advance for your help.

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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:27 am
Dear 4meonly,

You need to pick the two people who will give you the best recommendation and know your work the best. It seems that would be your previous managers based on your post. If you select them, you do not need to disclose they were laid off. However, you will need to indicate why you did not pick your current supervisor. In this case, I think you could note you have worked for him for less than a year and you are worried about your company finding out you are applying to business school, so you picked the two previous supervisors who know your work best.

Good luck,
Lisa
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by 4meonly » Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:36 am
Dear Lisa,
thank you very much for your help!

I agree that my previuos managers know me better than new one and I will ask them to help me.

Best regards,
4me