Best MBA Letter of Recommendation Examples

During the selection process for an MBA degree, students often need a recommendation letter.

A letter of recommendation is a document written by a professor, supervisor, or ex-employer to the admissions committee validating the applicant’s performance, skills, and character.

It aims to recommend a particular person enter the selection process to take the MBA degree, counting their values, strengths, qualities, and academic trajectory, among other aspects.

Following are the free, downloadable letter templates that can be customized as needed:

"MBA Letter of Recommendation Template"

"Free MBA Letter of Recommendation Example"

"Editable MBA Recommendation Letter Format"

"Professional MBA Reference Letter Sample"

"Downloadable MBA Recommendation Template"

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    Pre-Writing Considerations

    This letter for the business school enables said committee to know the applicant’s virtues, efficiency, effectiveness, and values. In addition, it recognizes the efforts, commitment, honesty, and responsibility of the student and their academic aptitudes to complete their MBA studies.It can be decisive in the application process for an MBA degree.

    For this reason, it is essential to understand what needs to be considered before writing it:

    Gather keywords

    The most important thing to consider before writing this letter is to gather keywords relevant to the student or employee’s experience at college or workplace and any project relevant to the application. One can also get an idea of keywords from the MBA program notice published by the university on their websites.

    Usually, these include:

    • Dedication
    • Analytical skills
    • critical thinking skills
    • Different soft skills

    Understand the applicant’s goals

    Before writing it, it is essential to know the goals of the applicant. To understand his goals, one should also consider the candidate’s academic performance or performance as a company professional.

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    It is essential to consider the candidate’s skills and try to validate them through specific examples.

    These quality traits must be relevant to the desired position, whether in the field of employment or education.

    Review the directions for submission

    One can send this letter to the university using several ways, including email, mail, or fax. It is recommended to ask the applicant for the method and any other details, such as the last submission date. If one is sending it through email, it is recommended to use one’s work or institutional email address. Another crucial thing is to ask the applicant for the university’s name so one can write it according to the requirements of that university. 

    Writing an MBA Recommendation Letter

    Like any other official letter, it is formal in structure and content. Each employer, advisor, professor, or coordinator must put in the letter’s content what they believe is relevant for the student’s admission to a university, which should be well-informed and rich in information.

    What follows guides is a guide that explains the process of writing it:

    Introduction

    One should designate a letterhead with one’s name, address, and contact information at the top. If there is no letterhead, one must place this information above the date on the top-left side of the page. Otherwise, the first thing one should include on the top-right section of the page is the date, followed by one’s addressee’s name and name of the company or college.

    Like any other formal letter, the first line should address individuals or groups by their name and title. Provide a short introduction and one’s relationship with the individual one is recommending, including how long one has known them.

    Body paragraph

    When writing it for an MBA degree, it must be known that the recipient does not know anything about the person who is applying; hence one must explicitly mention reasons for recommendation such as academic records, skills, and achievements of the person that are relevant to the program. One must then follow these points up with examples of the applicant’s accomplishments that demonstrate their abilities.

    Universities and business schools typically request letters of recommendation for an MBA program for various reasons. One of the main goals is to understand each candidate completely.

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    Merely listing their academic or professional achievements is not enough to create a convincing letter.

    One must detail why the person is suitable for the MBA program by mentioning examples, including personality traits or conduct in the work environment.

    Conclude properly

    Correctly concluding the letter is just as crucial as writing the other parts of it, as it shows one’s professionalism, which affects the applicant’s application. To conclude, one can emphasize the wholehearted recommendation of the applicant and encourage them to contact us for any queries.

    Who can Write an MBA Recommendation?

    The right person for a recommendation is an individual who is versed in the applicant’s academic or professional achievements. In this case, a former professor or an immediate supervisor is in the best position to offer an informed recommendation for MBA studies.

    The letter will highlight the applicant’s work ethic and academic achievements besides the applicant’s professional successes.  Any person who has had a direct relationship with the applicant either in class or at work can write a good recommendation letter.

    These individuals may include:

    • Current boss
    • Former supervisor
    • Undergraduate professor
    • Internship boss/ supervisor

    Sample MBA Recommendation Letters

    Recommendation Letter 1 for MBA Application

    Dear Ms. Smith,

    I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mark Thompson for admission to your esteemed MBA program at Harvard Business School. My name is Dr. Emily Johnson, and I am an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Greenwich Business School. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mark for three years, initially as a student in my Strategic Management class and later as a research assistant.

    Mark has consistently demonstrated exceptional abilities in both academic and extracurricular activities. During his time in my class, he exhibited a profound understanding of complex business concepts and an ability to apply these concepts in real-world situations. His research project on “Innovative Strategies in Tech Startups,” which won the Greenwich Research Excellence Award, is a testament to his analytical skills and innovative thinking.

    Beyond academics, Mark has shown remarkable leadership qualities. As the president of our campus’s Entrepreneurship Club, he led a team to organize the “Greenwich Startup Week,” which was highly successful and beneficial to the entrepreneurial community. This initiative not only showcased Mark’s organizational skills but also his compassion and commitment to societal betterment.

    Mark’s interpersonal skills and team spirit are exemplary. He has a natural ability to inspire and motivate his peers, which I have observed in numerous group projects and activities. His positive attitude and ethical conduct in the workplace make him a role model for others.

    In conclusion, I am confident that Mark Thompson will be an outstanding addition to your MBA program. He possesses the intellect, initiative, and leadership qualities necessary to excel in your program and to contribute significantly to the university community. I encourage you to contact me at e.johnson@greenwichbs.edu if you need further information.

    Sincerely,  

    Dr. Emily Johnson

    Recommendation Letter 2 for MBA Application

    Dear Mr. Lee,

    I am delighted to recommend Sarah Chen for the MBA program at Stanford Graduate School of Business. My name is John Carter, and I serve as a Senior Project Manager at Innovatech Solutions Inc. I have known Sarah for four years in my capacity as her supervisor.

    During her tenure at Innovatech, Sarah has distinguished herself through her exceptional academic performance and her innate understanding of business management principles. She has a keen analytical mind, which was evident in her impressive thesis on “Emerging Market Economies and Global Trade Patterns,” which offered insightful solutions to challenges in international trade.

    In addition to her academic prowess, Sarah has demonstrated significant leadership and team-building skills. She played a pivotal role in the “Global Tech Expansion Initiative” where her strategic thinking and ability to collaborate effectively led to a 30% increase in our market reach in Asia and Europe. This project not only highlighted her technical skills but also her ability to lead and inspire a team towards a common goal.

    Furthermore, Sarah has an exceptional character, marked by a high degree of integrity, empathy, and resilience. She has consistently shown an ability to work well under pressure and adapt to new challenges, qualities that are essential for success in an MBA program.

    In conclusion, Sarah Chen is a motivated and talented individual who I believe will thrive in your MBA program. Her unique blend of academic excellence, leadership skills, and personal qualities make her an ideal candidate for Stanford Graduate School of Business. Please feel free to contact me at j.carter@innovatech.com should you require any additional information or insights.

    Warm regards,  

    John Carter, MBA

    Key Takeaways

    The two recommendation letters provided are useful examples for anyone seeking guidance on writing similar letters for MBA applications.

    Here’s a consolidated analysis highlighting why these letters are effective:

    1. Both letters are written by individuals with relevant professional standing — Dr. Emily Johnson, an Associate Professor, and John Carter, MBA, a Senior Project Manager. Their titles and affiliations add credibility to their endorsements.
    2. Each recommender clearly states their relationship with the candidate and the duration of their acquaintance. This context gives weight to their assessment of the candidate’s abilities and character.
    3. Both letters give a detailed overview of the candidates’ academic excellence.
    4. The writers go beyond professional achievements to discuss personal qualities in both letters. 
    5. Each recommender expresses strong confidence in the candidate’s abilities and future success in the MBA program. This direct endorsement is powerful.
    6. Both recommenders invite the admissions committees to contact them for more information, demonstrating their genuine support for the candidates.
    7. The letters are well-structured, professionally formatted, and free from jargon, making them accessible and easy to read.
    8. The tone of both letters strikes a balance between professionalism and personal warmth, making them both respectful and engaging.

    Conclusion

    A recommendation letter written for an MBA student presents their academic record, skills, achievements, and personal characteristics. Therefore, it should be appropriately written, and the information in the letter must be accurate, as admissions officers will certainly check it.

    About This Article

    Alexander Ruiz
    Authored by:
    Educational Consulting, Test Prep Tutoring, College Application Consulting
    Alexander Ruiz stands as the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute in Claremont, California, a distinguished establishment offering tailored educational plans, specialized subject and test prep tutoring, and comprehensive college application consulting. With a rich experience spanning over a decade and a half in the education sector, Alexander's approach transcends traditional teaching. He empowers students not just academically, but also fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence, essential tools for holistic development. Alexander's academic credentials, a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University, further enhance his ability to guide students towards their academic and personal aspirations.

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