Business Recommendation Letter – Guidelines & Best Practices
A business recommendation letter is a critical part of an applicant’s MBA or business school application. Admissions committees value letters that provide a detailed, objective, and well-rounded evaluation of the applicant’s abilities, achievements, and leadership potential.
For business schools that require professional work experience, recommendations from employers and supervisors carry significant weight. However, academic recommendations from professors who are familiar with the applicant’s intellectual and analytical skills are equally important.
To write an effective business school recommendation letter, consider the following key points:
Key Elements of a Business Recommendation Letter
1. Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
✔ How effectively does the candidate build and maintain relationships?
✔ Can the applicant work well with supervisors, peers, and subordinates?
✔ Does the candidate demonstrate leadership, delegation skills, and teamwork?
✔ Is the applicant empathetic and capable of leading diverse teams?
2. Personal Achievements & Career Growth
✔ Has the applicant proactively sought opportunities to showcase their abilities?
✔ How do their achievements compare to peers in similar roles?
✔ Has the candidate contributed to innovation, strategic growth, or efficiency improvements?
3. Self-Awareness & Adaptability
✔ Can the candidate accept constructive criticism and learn from feedback?
✔ Does the applicant handle challenges with self-confidence?
✔ Are they willing to admit mistakes and seek guidance when needed?
4. Intellectual & Analytical Abilities
✔ How strong are the applicant’s analytical and problem-solving skills?
✔ Can they grasp and apply new business concepts effectively?
✔ Have any special circumstances (work, personal, or academic) influenced their academic record?
5. Communication Skills (Written & Verbal)
✔ Is the applicant a clear and persuasive writer?
✔ Does their written work demonstrate strong organization, clarity, and fluency in English?
✔ Is the applicant articulate and confident in oral presentations and discussions?
6. Work Ethic & Motivation
✔ Does the candidate exhibit persistence, efficiency, and self-discipline?
✔ Is there any reason to question their commitment to academic and professional goals?
7. Potential for Success in Business Studies
✔ How well-prepared is the candidate for graduate business studies?
✔ Have they thought through their career goals and MBA aspirations carefully?
✔ Among other business school applicants you have evaluated, how does this candidate rank?
8. Additional Information
✔ Is there any other relevant information about the applicant that the admissions committee should consider?
How to Write an Effective Business School Recommendation Letter
✅ Start with a Strong Introduction – Clearly state your relationship with the applicant and how long you have known them.
✅ Provide Specific Examples – Use real-life scenarios to highlight the applicant’s strengths, achievements, and skills.
✅ Keep it Professional & Concise – Use a formal tone, maintain clarity, and avoid vague statements.
✅ End with a Strong Endorsement – Clearly express your recommendation and confidence in the applicant’s potential for success.
