Nowadays most of the top business schools in the UK require at least one or two recommendation letters. These letters are meant to provide third-party validation of your abilities and achievements, as well as compelling insights that can strengthen your application.

Because of how important recommendations are, you need to carefully choose the right referees to approach. A strong recommendation can set you apart from other candidates and help you get accepted, but a weak one can set you back and hinder your chances.

If you want to make sure that you’re approaching the right referees to write your letters – here are 5 key factors you need to consider:

1.  Relevance

Ideally the referees you choose should be able to provide insights into your skills and experiences that are relevant to the course you’re applying to. For early-career courses that typically means one academic referee such as a lecturer or mentor, and one professional referee such as a direct supervisor.

On the other hand, if you’re applying to post-experience courses it’d probably be best to focus solely on professional referees if you can find them.

Ultimately you want to choose referees who can directly connect your academic or professional performance with the course that you want to pursue.

2.  Depth of Relationship

The referees you choose need to know you well enough to provide detailed and specific insights. Because of that it should be someone who interacted with you over a sustained period of time, such as a mentor who oversaw your progress at university, or a supervisor who was in charge of overseeing your work while on the job.

Don’t make the mistake of prioritizing seniority when looking for referees. It is better to get a recommendation from someone who worked closely with you and can provide concrete examples of your accomplishments, than a CEO or senior executive who can only provide generic and vague praise.

3.  Credibility

Admission officers from top business schools in UK will give recommendations more weight if they come referees that are seen as credibility. Because of that you should avoid using referees who are family members, friends, or people you have any type of personal relationship with – as they will be considered biased and their credibility called into question.

Instead, look for referees who are in a position to provide a fair and informed opinion about your skills and accomplishments – and will do so without fear or favor.

4.  Balanced Perspective

Recommendation letters that are written with a balanced perspective tend to be viewed as more credible. The referees you choose should be able to discuss your strengths as well as weaknesses – though preferably framing the latter as opportunities for improvement.

For example, the recommendation may remark that you are weak in certain areas but want to address that by enhancing your skills – which is why you’re interested in pursuing the course.

In most cases, this is something you should discuss when you approach potential referees. Share your key achievements as well as any weaknesses you’ve identified so they can come up with a recommendation that aligns with your narrative.

5.  Reliability

Always make sure the referees you choose are people you can rely on to meet deadlines and submit the letter on time. After all, missing a deadline can seriously affect your chances of successfully applying to business schools.

Generally it helps if your referees are enthusiastic and more than willing to write the letter. If they’re hesitant or unsure – you may want to think about finding someone else.

Just remember to contact potential referees well in advance so they have enough time to write a good recommendation letter. Also be sure to provide them with context and clear instructions – especially regarding when you need it done by.

Conclusion

Choosing the right referees when applying to UK business schools is a decision you don’t want to take lightly. Be sure to give yourself enough time to weigh all your options, prepare, and carefully approach prospective referees.

With the right referees, you will be able to enhance your application and make a stronger impression on the school you’re applying to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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