If you’re looking to apply for an MBA program, you may need a reference letter from a former boss, professor, or colleague. A well-written reference letter can help highlight your skills and qualifications to the school’s admissions committee. In this article, we’ll provide tips for writing a great MBA reference letter and offer several examples that you can edit and customize as needed.
Tips for Writing an MBA Reference Letter
If you’re writing an MBA reference letter, these tips can help ensure that your letter is effective and impactful:
1. Start with a clear and specific title
Before you begin writing your letter, start with a clear and specific title that indicates the purpose of the letter. For example, “Reference Letter for MBA Program” or “Recommendation for Business School Application.”
2. Be specific about the applicant’s qualifications
In your letter, be sure to provide specific examples of the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and achievements. Use concrete examples whenever possible to demonstrate the applicant’s strengths and potential for success in an MBA program.
3. Customize the letter for the specific program
When possible, customize your letter to the specific MBA program that the applicant is applying to. Research the program and its requirements, and tailor your letter to highlight the applicant’s fit for that particular program.
4. Use a formal tone and professional language
Since this is a formal letter, it’s important to use professional language and a formal tone throughout. Avoid informal language or overly personal anecdotes that may detract from the applicant’s qualifications.
5. Offer to provide additional information
In your letter, offer to provide additional information or answer any questions that the admissions committee may have about the applicant. This can demonstrate your commitment to the applicant’s success and help strengthen the letter’s impact.
Examples of MBA Reference Letters
Example 1: Recommendation for MBA Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Jane Smith’s application to your MBA program. As Jane’s former supervisor at XYZ Corporation, I have had the opportunity to work closely with her on several projects and can attest to her exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills.
During her time at XYZ, Jane was instrumental in leading a team of engineers to develop a new product that exceeded our revenue targets by 15%. Her ability to motivate and inspire her team was unparalleled, and she consistently demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure project success.
I am confident that Jane’s skills and experience make her an excellent fit for your MBA program. She has a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a passion for learning that will serve her well in her future endeavors.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.
Best regards,
John Doe
VP of Engineering
XYZ Corporation
Example 2: Letter of Recommendation for Business School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am honored to provide this letter of recommendation for Michael Lee’s application to your business school. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for the past two years at ABC Consulting, where he has demonstrated a unique combination of analytical skills and creativity.
During his time at ABC, Michael was responsible for leading several complex projects that required him to work across different departments and with clients from diverse backgrounds. He consistently demonstrated an ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
I have no doubt that Michael’s skills and experience make him an excellent candidate for your business school. He is highly motivated, a quick learner, and has a passion for pursuing new challenges.
Thank you for your consideration of Michael’s application. Please let me know if you require any additional information or have any questions.
Best regards,
Jane Smith
Director of Strategy
ABC Consulting
Example 3: Academic Reference Letter for MBA Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for Rachel Chen’s application to your MBA program. As Rachel’s former professor in the Economics department at XYZ University, I have had the opportunity to observe her academic performance and personal qualities.
Rachel was an exceptional student in my classes, consistently earning top marks and demonstrating a deep understanding of economic theory and its applications. She was also an active participant in class discussions and demonstrated excellent communication skills and collaboration abilities.
I have no doubt that Rachel’s academic background and personal qualities make her an excellent fit for your MBA program. She is highly motivated, intellectually curious, and has a passion for making a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or have any questions.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Associate Professor of Economics
XYZ University
Example 4: Recommendation for Executive MBA Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for your Executive MBA program. As David’s former colleague at ABC Corporation, I had the pleasure of working closely with him on several high-profile projects and can attest to his exceptional leadership and management skills.
David consistently demonstrated an ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, and motivate his team to achieve exceptional results. His ability to manage complex projects and navigate challenging situations was truly remarkable, and he consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all that he did.
David’s skills and experience make him an ideal candidate for your Executive MBA program. He is highly motivated, has strong leadership skills, and is committed to expanding his knowledge and skills in order to make a greater impact in his organization and his community.
Thank you for your consideration of David’s application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or have any questions.
Best regards,
Samantha Lee
Director of Marketing
ABC Corporation
Example 5: Recommendation for MBA Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to endorse Maria Rodriguez’s application for your MBA scholarship program. As Maria’s former professor in the Finance department at XYZ University, I had the pleasure of teaching her in several courses and can attest to her exceptional academic performance and potential for success in an MBA program.
Maria consistently demonstrated an ability to think critically, analyze complex financial data, and communicate her findings with clarity and precision. Her grades and test scores were consistently among the highest in the class, and she demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence.
I believe that Maria’s skills, experience, and potential make her an excellent candidate for your MBA scholarship program. She has a passion for learning and a commitment to making a positive impact in her community that will serve her well in her future endeavors.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or have any questions.
Best regards,
David Kim
Professor of Finance
XYZ University
Example 6: Recommendation for MBA Program from Former Supervisor
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for John Smith’s application to your MBA program. As John’s former supervisor at XYZ Corporation, I had the opportunity to work closely with him on several important projects and can attest to his exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills.
John was responsible for leading a team of sales professionals at XYZ, and he consistently exceeded his revenue targets and demonstrated an ability to motivate and inspire his team to achieve exceptional results. He also demonstrated a deep understanding of the business landscape and an ability to navigate complex challenges with ease.
I have no doubt that John’s skills and experience make him an excellent fit for your MBA program. He is highly motivated, intellectually curious, and has a passion for pursuing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Lee
Director of Sales
XYZ Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in an MBA reference letter?
In an MBA reference letter, you should include specific examples of the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and achievements. Use concrete examples whenever possible to demonstrate the applicant’s strengths and potential for success in an MBA program. Be sure to customize the letter to the specific program that the applicant is applying to, and use a formal tone and professional language throughout.
Who can write an MBA reference letter?
An MBA reference letter can be written by a former boss, professor, colleague, or mentor who is familiar with the applicant’s skills, experience, and potential. Ideally, the person writing the letter should have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s work and be able to provide specific examples and insights into their qualifications.
How long should an MBA reference letter be?
An MBA reference letter should typically be one page in length, or between 300-500 words. It should be well-organized and easy to read, with clear paragraphs and headings to highlight key points.
Can I provide additional information or materials with my MBA reference letter?
Yes, you can certainly provide additional information or materials with your MBA reference letter if you think it will help strengthen the applicant’s case. This could include a resume, transcript, or other supporting documents that demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications and potential.
How should I address the recipient of the MBA reference letter?
You should address the recipient of the MBA reference letter in a formal and respectful manner, using their full name and appropriate title (e.g. “Dear Admissions Committee” or “Dear Scholarship Committee”).
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing an MBA reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing an MBA reference letter, it’s best to be honest with the applicant and decline the request. This can help ensure that the applicant receives the strongest possible letters of recommendation from individuals who are genuinely supportive of their goals and qualifications.
Conclusion
A well-written MBA reference letter can be a valuable asset in your application to business school. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can help ensure that your reference letters are effective, impactful, and tailored to the specific program and requirements of your chosen MBA program.