Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Dos and Don’ts

What MBA letters of recommendation really are (and why that matters)

MBA Programs typically ask for two letters of recommendation for your application.

But LORs are not typically "letters" in the traditional sense. Most schools use an online recommender form with rating grids and short-answer prompts. That format rewards specificity and examples—because generic praise looks weak in a structured form.

How LOR forms typically work

In most applications, you submit your recommender's name and email through the school portal. The recommender then receives a link to a form that often includes:

• Rating matrices (for qualities like leadership, collaboration, initiative, resilience)
• Short-answer questions with word limits
• One or more questions about the recommender's relationship with you

The practical implication: your recommender needs time to think, recall examples, and write clearly. This is not a "five minutes the night before" task.

How to choose recommenders (a decision framework)

Choose recommenders who score highly on these three criteria:

• Proximity: they've worked closely enough to give specifics and anecdotes.
• Authority: they can credibly evaluate your level, impact, and trajectory.
• Investment: they will complete the form thoughtfully and on time.

A common mistake is choosing the most senior person you know instead of the person who can tell the best evidence-backed story.

What to do if you can't use your current supervisor

If you can't use your current manager, consider alternatives that still preserve credibility:

• A former direct supervisor who managed you closely
• A project lead or dotted-line manager who observed your work and influence
• A senior stakeholder who can speak to outcomes and leadership behaviors (with specifics)

What matters is not the title—it's evidence, comparison context, and credibility.

How to ask (and the one question you must ask)

When identifying your recommenders, formally ask each recommender this important question: "Do you have the time to write a positive recommendation for my application to B-school?"

This protects you from a lukewarm or rushed recommendation. If someone hesitates, take it seriously and move to a different recommender.

How to brief recommenders without scripting the content

Your recommenders should understand your goals and the themes you plan to emphasize, but they should write in their own voice. Provide a short briefing pack that includes:

• Your updated resume (impact-focused)
• A 5–7 bullet "story bank" of projects with context, your role, and outcomes
• Your post-MBA goal (role + industry + why it fits)
• Key deadlines and submission instructions

Then talk them through two or three stories you would love them to highlight—especially ones that demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and growth.

Typical LOR questions (and how to use them strategically)

Many programs ask questions like:

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization.
• How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.

These prompts reward mature narratives. Constructive feedback is not a trap if it shows learning, accountability, and improvement.

How Merchant MBA supports LOR strategy

Merchant MBA helps applicants select the right recommenders, design the right coverage strategy, and create a briefing pack that makes it easy for recommenders to write specific, credible recommendations. We also run timeline management so letters don't become the hidden reason an application gets rushed. Merchant MBA does not offer GMAT/GRE services; our focus is admissions strategy and execution quality.