A professional letter of recommendation (LOR) from a credible referee is of utmost importance when you are applying for an MBA program. Your recommender can give insights into your work that tells the admissions panel about your potential to succeed in a graduate program.

The first thing the admissions committee would want to look at in a reference letter is “How long have you worked with your referee and in what capacity”. Many applicants are mistaken that a letter from the CEO, VP, or director of the company will be the ideal one – however, the truth is that such a reference will have ZERO value if you have not directly worked with your referee. A good reference must always come from someone you have worked with for at least six months.

Always Include Proof and Examples in your MBA LOR

A strong MBA recommendation letter should not just contain a deluge of superlatives like “Ms Jon Doe is industrious in learning and very hardworking.” It should also include examples that reflect your qualities and traits. Vivid examples that support your attributes are a great way to showcase your strengths. Without examples, your reference will look as if it was “a cut, copy, paste, generic” kind of a reference that the referee gives out to anyone and everyone that asks for one.

Here is an excellent example of an academic letter of reference written for a student who got into top MBA programs in US and Canada.

Sample Professional Letter of Recommendation for MBA

How long and in what context have you known the applicant? What is the peer group you are using for your comparison?

I have known Ms. Jon Doe for over a year since she joined Capgemini as a product manager. Being her immediate supervisor, I quickly discovered that she was a mature young woman who could be counted on for help and support. During her employment here, I observed Ms. Doe closely as she helped to formulate a strategic vision for our division. In my nine-year career in this industry, I have worked with over two hundred analysts and product managers, including several with MBA degrees. Ms. Doe is one of the most impressive employees I have worked with. By nature, she is a creative and original thinker. In addition, she has strong native intelligence, great insight into people, and excellent problem-solving skills. In competitive situations, she has demonstrated extraordinary powers of observation and an ability to recommend change.

Please describe the applicant’s strengths. Provide detailed examples of where these strengths were exhibited.

Ms. Jon Doe’s most outstanding contributions to our group were achieved through her use of analytical skills, interpersonal strengths, and superior communication skills. As a Product Manager, she initiated new projects and formulated the expansion strategy for our division. Ms. Doe established a good business case for revamping our corporate brand “Moccle Tiva Lifestyle” to “Moccle Tiva Home” and won approval for initiating a campaign worth more than $100,000. She also spearheaded the complete product development cycle for all products offered at “Moccle Tiva Home” retail showrooms. By taking this initiative, Ms. Doe became an expert in the field, mastering everything there was to know about the area.

Ms. Doe also employs meticulous attention to detail and a systematic approach to solving problems. For example, when our Company was completing a major project to improve our products, at the last minute, one of our vendors announced that he could not fulfill our order. Under strict time constraints, Ms. Doe found a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturer, which saved the Company nearly $90,000 in equipment costs. Because of her excellent analyses and presentations, the group refocused on more profitable business opportunities. She added a new dimension to her presentations by completing a thorough risk analysis about a particular area where we aimed to pursue business. When analyzing a situation, she considered all potential pros and cons, which was one of her most salient strengths.

Please comment on the applicant’s areas of development (weaknesses). What efforts has the applicant made to show improvement?

When Ms. Doe first joined the firm, her desire for perfection occasionally caused her problems managing her time. This was not a weakness but an inherent desire to complete all projects with unquestionable quality. Although this mindset does not hinder her at this point in her career, Ms. Doe will benefit from spending less time and energy on non-critical projects. I have addressed this issue with her, and she has learned to refocus her attention on more critical issues.

I was particularly impressed by how well she handled my feedback and immediately applied it to her advantage. In a recent project, she was responsible for planning the logistics of the exhibition hosted by the Canadian Furniture Council. Twenty leading furniture-manufacturing companies participated in this exhibition. Under stringent timelines, Ms. Doe had to ensure that everything was prepared for the big day. Initially, she was slow to start because she took too much time planning and strategizing the entire project, but once I talked to her and intervened a bit, she ensured that all display stock was delivered on time. I saw how she moved away from micro-managing to macro-managing, which drastically helped her improve her shortcoming. She handled all designs of POS material and dealt with the promotional activities that took place at the exhibition.

She successfully managed the entire display of products at the exhibition arranged by Canadian Furniture Council; the Company earned USD 6.6 million in a 3-day exhibition, and almost all of the credit goes to her.

How has the applicant contributed above and beyond her/his expected responsibilities?

To survive in a high-pressure environment, Ms. Doe has cultivated an impressive ability to juggle several responsibilities simultaneously. On several occasions, she has taken on roles, which were not part of her Job Description, and has managed them well. When necessary, she will also go far beyond what is expected of her to serve her clients and managers. For instance, she liaised with marketing agencies to develop a productive and comprehensive marketing campaign where she handled the designs of POS material. She also remained involved in the complete recruiting process of staff – this was the HR responsibility, but she contributed to help expedite the recruitment.

I was particularly impressed by her desire to volunteer and her whole-hearted effort to contribute to society in Toronto. Using her knowledge and experience in corporate management, she set out to help hurricane-affected people in Texas. She collaborated with an NGO and formulated a plan to deliver the products to the right place. She even accompanied others to the field. Her encouragement motivated many other employees to participate in the relief efforts. In every situation, she has a clear plan and a quantifiable objective, which she pursues in the face of any obstacle.