ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

Types of Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for MBA

Most business schools ask for two types of LORs—professional and academic. Some schools might ask for only one type, while others may want a mix of both. 

Let’s look at each type in detail.

1. Professional LOR

A professional LOR comes from someone you worked with, usually your manager, supervisor, or team lead. This type of letter focuses on your work experience, leadership skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. It explains how you performed tasks, managed responsibilities, and grew in your role.

For example:

• A manager can talk about how you led a team project and completed it before deadlines.
• A supervisor may describe your ability to handle challenges and find solutions quickly.

2. Academic LOR

An academic LOR is written by a professor, mentor, or faculty member from your college or university. This type of letter highlights your academic achievements, learning abilities, and classroom performance. It shows how disciplined, hardworking, and committed you were as a student.

For example:

• A professor might mention your research project, presentations, or how you performed in group activities.
• They can also talk about your problem-solving skills or how you contributed to class discussions.

3. Personal LOR (Rare)

Some universities may also allow a personal LOR if professional or academic options are not available. This can be written by someone like a mentor, coach, or project guide who has worked with you in non-academic or volunteer settings.

For example:

• A volunteer coordinator can write about your teamwork and leadership during a social project.
• A coach might highlight your dedication and discipline in managing responsibilities outside of academics or work.

How to Write LOR for MBA?

Writing a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for an MBA program may seem like a big task, but it’s actually simple when you follow the right steps. The goal of the letter is to highlight the candidate’s strengths, skills, and achievements. It should also explain why the person is a good fit for an MBA program.

Let’s go step-by-step to understand how to write a strong MBA recommendation letter.

1. Start with a Clear Introduction

The introduction is where the recommender introduces themselves and their relationship with the candidate.

• Mention who the recommender is—job title, position, and organization.
• Explain how they know the candidate—as a manager, professor, or supervisor.
• State the duration of the relationship—for example, “I have worked with [Name] for 3 years at [Company Name].”

Example:
“I am writing this letter to recommend [Name] for the MBA program at your esteemed university. I am [Recommender’s Name], the Marketing Manager at [Company Name]. I have supervised [Name] directly for 2 years while working on multiple high-profile projects.”

2. Highlight Key Skills and Qualities

This is the most important part of the letter. The recommender should talk about the candidate’s key strengths with examples.

• Leadership Skills: Mention how the candidate has managed teams or led projects successfully.
  Example: “In his role as Team Lead, [Name] managed a group of 10 people and successfully delivered a project ahead of time, improving efficiency by 15%.”
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Explain how the candidate has solved a problem at work.
  Example: “[Name] identified and fixed a system error that was delaying client deliveries, saving the company $10,000 in losses.”
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Show how the person works well with others and contributes to group success.
  Example: “[Name] built strong relationships with team members, often helping new employees settle in and ensuring smooth communication within the team.”
• Adaptability and Learning: Highlight how the candidate adjusts to changes and learns quickly.
  Example: “When our team shifted to a new software, [Name] quickly mastered it and trained others, ensuring zero delays.”

3. Use Specific Examples to Prove Skills

Adding examples makes the letter more believable and impactful. Instead of saying the candidate is hardworking, explain a situation where their hard work stood out.

• Achievement Example: “During a marketing campaign, [Name] exceeded the sales target by 30%, bringing in additional revenue of $50,000.”
• Leadership Example: “[Name] led a cross-functional team across 3 departments, improving process efficiency by 20%.”

Note: Use numbers or results when possible. It shows measurable success.

4. Show Growth and Potential

Admissions officers also want to know how the candidate has grown and what they can achieve in the future.

• Highlight career progression, promotions, or added responsibilities.
  Example: “[Name] was promoted within just 1 year due to outstanding performance and leadership skills.”

• Discuss future goals—how an MBA will help them grow.
  Example: “Given [Name]’s potential, I believe an MBA will help him further develop his strategic thinking and prepare him for senior management roles.”

5. End with a Strong Conclusion

Wrap up the letter by recommending the candidate confidently. Add a closing statement and offer to answer questions if required.

Example:
“In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Name] for admission to your MBA program. I am confident that [Name]’s skills, dedication, and leadership abilities make him an excellent candidate. Please feel free to contact me at [email address] for any additional details.”

What is the Format of Letter of Recommendation for MBA?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for an MBA program follows a structured format that highlights the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and achievements. It is usually about 400–500 words and divided into 3–4 paragraphs to make it easy to read and professional. Here’s what each section includes:

1. Introduction

The introduction starts by explaining who the recommender is, their job title, and the relationship with the candidate. It also mentions how long they have known the candidate and in what capacity, such as a manager, supervisor, or professor.

2. Strengths and Skills

This section highlights the candidate’s key strengths that make them suitable for an MBA. It talks about leadership qualities, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Specific examples are often added to show how these skills were applied in real situations, such as leading a project, solving business challenges, or achieving goals.

3. Growth and Achievements

This part focuses on the candidate’s career growth and achievements during their time with the recommender. It mentions promotions, awards, or projects that showcase the candidate’s progress and potential. It also explains why pursuing an MBA is the next logical step in their career and how the degree will help them build on their existing skills.

4. Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up the letter by reaffirming the recommender’s support for the candidate’s application. It summarizes their confidence in the candidate’s abilities and potential to excel in the MBA program.

5. Sign-Off

The letter ends with the recommender’s full name, designation, and contact information, including email address and phone number.

LOR Guidelines for Applying to Various MBA Specializations

When applying for an MBA program, the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) needs to match the specialisation you are choosing. Each field focuses on different skills, so the LOR should highlight qualities that fit that area. 

Below are simple guidelines for some popular MBA specialisations to help you understand what to include.

LOR for MBA in Marketing

A Marketing MBA focuses on strategy, creativity, and communication. The LOR should highlight:

1. Communication Skills – Mention how the candidate can explain ideas clearly and persuade others.
2. Creativity and Innovation – Share examples where the candidate introduced new ideas or marketing strategies.
3. Analytical Thinking – Talk about their ability to study trends and data to create successful marketing plans.
4. Leadership in Campaigns – Highlight any role they played in managing marketing projects or campaigns.

LOR for MBA in Finance

An MBA in Finance requires strong analytical and numerical skills. The LOR should focus on:

1. Financial Knowledge – Mention the candidate’s ability to handle numbers, budgets, or investments.
2. Problem-Solving Skills – Explain how they tackled financial challenges or made smart financial decisions.
3. Attention to Detail – Highlight their accuracy when working with data and financial reports.
4. Teamwork in Financial Planning – Show how they collaborated with teams to improve processes or profits.

LOR for MBA in Human Resources (HR)

An HR MBA focuses on people management and communication. The LOR should highlight:

1. Interpersonal Skills – Talk about the candidate’s ability to build relationships and resolve conflicts.
2. Leadership in Teams – Mention examples where they managed hiring, training, or team-building programs.
3. Organisational Abilities – Explain their role in handling HR processes, records, or events.
4. Problem-Solving in HR Challenges – Show how they solved issues related to employees or performance management.

LOR for MBA in Operations Management

An Operations MBA focuses on efficiency and processes. The LOR should highlight:

1. Process Management Skills – Mention their ability to streamline operations or improve workflows.
2. Problem-Solving Abilities – Give examples of solving issues in supply chains, logistics, or inventory.
3. Leadership in Operations – Highlight their role in leading teams and managing resources.
4. Analytical and Technical Skills – Show how they used tools or data to make better decisions.

LOR for MBA in Entrepreneurship

An Entrepreneurship MBA is about innovation, risk-taking, and leadership. The LOR for MBA in Entrepreneurship should focus on:

1. Creative Thinking – Highlight their ability to develop new ideas and strategies.
2. Risk Management – Mention how they handled uncertainties and made bold decisions.
3. Leadership and Vision – Explain how they motivated others and led teams toward success.
4. Problem-Solving and Flexibility – Provide examples of adapting to challenges and finding quick solutions.

LOR for MBA in Business Analytics

A Business Analytics MBA focuses on data, trends, and insights. The LOR for MBA in Business Analytics should highlight:

1. Analytical Skills – Show how the candidate uses data to identify patterns and solutions.
2. Technical Knowledge – Mention experience with tools like Excel, SQL, or data analysis software.
3. Problem-Solving with Data – Highlight examples where data was used to fix issues or improve outcomes.
4. Team Collaboration – Share how they worked with teams to create reports or presentations.

LOR for MBA in International Business

An International Business MBA focuses on global markets and cultural understanding. The LOR should highlight:

1. Global Awareness – Mention any international projects or exposure to global markets.
2. Cultural Sensitivity – Explain how they worked with diverse teams or clients from different backgrounds.
3. Negotiation and Communication – Highlight their skills in managing deals or partnerships.
4. Leadership in Global Teams – Talk about their ability to lead cross-border teams or projects.

LOR for MBA in Supply Chain Management

An MBA in Supply Chain Management focuses on logistics and process optimization. The LOR for MBA in Supply Chain Management should focus on:

1. Organisational Skills – Highlight the candidate’s ability to manage resources and timelines.
2. Problem-Solving in Logistics – Share examples where they fixed supply chain issues or improved processes.
3. Team Leadership – Talk about their experience managing teams and coordinating with vendors.
4. Data-Driven Decisions – Show how they used reports and tools to improve efficiency.

Sample LOR for MBA

[Recommender’s Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Email Address]
[Date]

To,
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[University Address]

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Name]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Name], who has worked with me as a [Job Title] at [Company Name] for the past [Duration, e.g., 3 years]. During this time, I have closely observed their skills, professionalism, and leadership qualities, and I firmly believe they are an excellent candidate for your MBA program.

[Applicant’s Name] has shown outstanding problem-solving abilities and team leadership. For instance, during [specific project or situation], they successfully managed [specific number] team members and helped achieve a [specific result, e.g., 20% revenue growth or 30% cost reduction]. Their ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines has been truly remarkable.

In addition to their technical expertise, [Applicant’s Name] has displayed strong communication skills and the ability to motivate others. A notable example is when they led the [specific project or campaign] and collaborated with multiple departments to deliver results [ahead of schedule/with impressive outcomes]. This demonstrated their ability to think critically and work effectively in teams.

[Applicant’s Name] has also shown a strong commitment to personal growth and learning. They have attended training programs and earned certifications in [mention relevant area], proving their dedication to improving their skills. Their decision to pursue an MBA highlights their eagerness to grow further and take on bigger responsibilities in the future.

I strongly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your MBA program. Their leadership potential, analytical thinking, and work ethic make them an ideal candidate. Please feel free to contact me at [Email Address] if you need any additional information.

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

Which B-Schools Use the Common LOR Form?

Many top business schools use the Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR) form to make the application process easier for applicants and recommenders. Using the Common LOR form also saves time for recommenders, as they don’t need to draft entirely new letters for each application. 

Here’s a list of some top business schools that use the Common LOR form and their specific requirements:

London Business School (LBS)

London Business School (LBS) uses the Common LOR form and requires one recommendation letter for MBA applicants. The recommender can be a current or past employer, a client, or a professional colleague who knows the applicant’s skills well.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

National University of Singapore (NUS) asks for two recommendation letters submitted through the Common LOR form. One letter should ideally come from a current employer, and the second can be from a previous employer or client. NUS expects both recommendations to be submitted within two weeks from the date of initiation.

Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania requires two letters of recommendation submitted online via the Common LOR form. Recommenders can be supervisors, senior colleagues, or clients familiar with the candidate’s work. Wharton encourages recommenders to focus on specific examples rather than general praise.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford Graduate School of Business accepts two recommendation letters using the Common LOR form. At least one should come from a direct supervisor, while the second can be from a senior manager, client, or mentor. Recommenders are encouraged to include examples of problem-solving and innovative thinking.

Harvard Business School (HBS)

Harvard Business School (HBS) requires two recommendation letters submitted through the Common LOR format. Recommenders should ideally be managers or supervisors who can discuss the candidate’s leadership style and professional achievements. Specific examples are highly encouraged to make the letter more impactful.

Columbia Business School

Columbia Business School accepts one recommendation letter via the Common LOR form. The recommender can be a supervisor, senior colleague, or client familiar with the applicant’s work ethic and accomplishments. The school encourages recommenders to highlight measurable outcomes and the candidate’s contributions to projects.

INSEAD Business School

INSEAD Business School uses the Common LOR form and asks for two recommendations. At least one should come from a supervisor, and the second can be from a colleague or client.

MIT Sloan School of Management

MIT Sloan School of Management requires one recommendation letter through the Common LOR format. The recommender should ideally be someone familiar with the applicant’s professional contributions, such as a manager or senior colleague.

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter of Recommendation for MBA

To make a strong impression, the LOR should be clear, honest, and specific. It should explain why you are a good fit for the MBA program and how your experience and qualities make you a strong candidate. 

Below are some important tips to help create a powerful LOR for MBA applications.

• Pick the Right Recommender: The person writing your LOR should know you well. Choose someone who has supervised your work, like a manager, team leader, or senior colleague.
• Be Clear About Their Relationship with You: The LOR should explain how the recommender knows you and how long they have worked with you.
• Focus on Specific Achievements: Instead of using general phrases like “hardworking” or “dedicated,” the letter should give specific examples of your achievements.
• Highlight Leadership and Teamwork: MBA programs look for candidates with leadership skills and the ability to work well in teams.
• Show Growth and Improvement: The letter should highlight how you have grown professionally over time.
• Keep It Honest and Balanced: An LOR should be honest and not overly flattering. Admissions officers can spot exaggerated claims easily.
• Use Simple and Professional Language: The letter should be easy to read and professional.
• Match It with the MBA Program: The LOR should connect your skills and goals with what the MBA program offers.
• Proofread for Errors: Before submitting, the LOR should be checked for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Benefits of LOR in MBA Applications

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is an important part of your MBA application. It gives the admissions committee a third-party perspective about your skills, achievements, and personality. They highlight qualities that make you a strong candidate for an MBA program. 

Let’s look at some key benefits of having a good LOR for MBA admissions.

Adds Credibility to Your Application

A LOR supports your academic and professional achievements with examples from someone who knows you well. Since it is written by a manager, professor, or senior colleague, it adds trustworthiness to your profile.

Highlights Your Strengths and Skills

A good LOR focuses on specific strengths like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. It provides examples of how you used these skills in your job or academic projects.

Shows Your Leadership Potential

MBA programs focus heavily on leadership development. A strong LOR can highlight your ability to lead teams, handle responsibilities, and make decisions under pressure.

Proves Your Professional Growth

Your LOR can explain how you have grown in your career or academics. It can talk about your progress, from learning new skills to taking bigger roles in projects or teams.

Provides Proof of Achievements

Your resume might list achievements, but a LOR explains the story behind them. For example, if you achieved a 30% increase in sales, your LOR can explain the strategies you used and the challenges you overcame to achieve that result.

Helps You Stand Out in a Competitive Pool

Top MBA programs receive thousands of applications, and many applicants have similar scores and grades. A well-written LOR can differentiate you by highlighting what makes you unique.

Validates Your Career Goals

An MBA is a career-driven program, so schools want to know that you are focused and have clear goals. A LOR can connect your past work experience with your future aspirations, showing that you are making a thoughtful decision to pursue an MBA.

From the Desk of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is one of the most important parts of your MBA application. Whether it’s a manager, professor, or team lead, their feedback can highlight your strengths and show why you are a great fit for the MBA program. It also helps the university understand your leadership qualities, teamwork, and how well you have handled responsibilities in the past.

At ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Premium, we help students make their MBA applications stronger by providing expert guidance on LORs, essays, and resumes. Our counsellors have helped thousands of students choose the right recommenders and create impactful LORs for top business schools. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about the process, we’re here to guide you step-by-step.