When most applicants think about their MBA application, they spend weeks perfecting their essays and polishing their resume. The Letter of Recommendation (LOR)? That often gets pushed to the side.
But here's the thing: your LOR isn't just another document. It's someone else vouching for you. And admissions committees can usually tell the difference between a recommendation that's genuine and one that's simply... there.
So, what makes a good LOR?
A good LOR is specific, authentic, and backed by examples. Instead of simply stating that an applicant is "hardworking" or "a great leader," it explains how they demonstrated those qualities.
For example, rather than saying, "Sarah is an excellent team player," a strong recommender might describe how Sarah led a cross-functional project, resolved conflicts within the team, and delivered results ahead of schedule. Concrete examples make your strengths credible and memorable.
A good recommendation also provides a balanced perspective. It highlights your strengths while acknowledging areas where you've grown, making the letter feel genuine rather than exaggerated.
And what makes a bad LOR?
Ironically, most bad LORs aren't bad because they criticize the applicant. They're bad because they're forgettable.
A weak LOR is often generic, vague, and interchangeable. If the same letter could be used for ten different applicants with only the name changed, it isn't doing its job.
Common signs of a poor LOR include:
- Overuse of clichés without evidence.
- Repeating information already present in the resume.
- Praise that lacks specific examples or measurable impact.
- Recommendations written by someone who barely knows the applicant.
Another common mistake?
Choosing the recommender based on their designation rather than their relationship with you. A detailed recommendation from a manager who's worked with you every day is almost always stronger than a generic letter from a senior executive who barely knows you.
The takeaway
A great LOR doesn't try to convince the admissions committee that you're extraordinary. It helps them understand who you are through someone else's experience of working with you.
That's what makes it believable.
So when it comes time to choose a recommender, don't ask yourself,
"Who's the most senior person I know?" Ask, "Who can genuinely tell my story?"
Because at the end of the day, a recommendation isn't about impressive words, it's about authentic ones. And that's exactly what admissions committees remember.