Introduction:
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the IESE MBA Letter of Recommendation (LOR) process! If you’re preparing to apply to the prestigious IESE Business School for your MBA or if you’ve been requested to write a recommendation, you’re in the right place. This guide provides essential insights and detailed instructions to ensure a compelling and effective LOR for IESE’s Master in Business Administration program.
Why the IESE MBA Letter of Recommendation Matters:
The LOR is a crucial component of the IESE MBA application. It offers the admissions committee a third-party perspective on your professional abilities, leadership qualities, and potential as a business leader. As IESE Business School strives to admit candidates of high caliber and potential, your recommender’s insights play a vital role in highlighting your strengths and differentiating you from other applicants.
Choosing the Right Recommender: Selecting the right person to recommend you is critical. Ideally, this should be someone who has closely observed your professional journey – a supervisor, a mentor, or a colleague who can provide detailed examples of your skills, achievements, and personal qualities. Remember, a well-written recommendation from someone who knows you well is far more valuable than a generic one from a high-ranking individual with whom you’ve had limited interaction.
IESE Official LOR Instructions:
Applicant Information
First (given) Name:
Last Name
The person whose name appears above is applying for admission to a program leading to the degree of Master in Business Administration at IESE Business School. The purpose of this Program is to provide an opportunity for students to develop knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and understanding which will constitute a foundation for their development into competent and responsible business administrators. It would be of assistance to the Admissions Committee if you would give us your assessment of the applicant. We are aware that we are asking for considerable time and effort on your part in completing this form. Therefore, we want to assure you that your appraisal will play an important part in our decision on the candidate’s application, and that your help will therefore be greatly appreciated.
Recommendations are strictly confidential and never released to the applicant, unless you specifically authorize us to do so. Thank you for your assistance.
Recommender Information
Please note: Your responses will be saved when navigating from one section of the Application to another.
First Name
Last Name
Position or Title
School, Institution or Company
Please elaborate on your professional relationship with the candidate providing details on such – the duration of your relationship, nature of projects you worked on, and so on, etc)
0 / 100 (Words)
1. How do the candidate’s performance, potential, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
2. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
Tips for Recommenders:
- Be Specific: Provide concrete examples of the candidate’s achievements and skills. Vague statements don’t resonate as well as detailed anecdotes and examples.
- Highlight Leadership and Potential: IESE values leadership and the potential for growth. Discuss instances where the candidate demonstrated these qualities.
- Provide Honest Feedback: Constructive criticism shows that the candidate can receive feedback and grow, a quality important for MBA students.
Conclusion: The IESE MBA Letter of Recommendation is more than just a formality; it’s a pivotal part of your application. It provides invaluable insights into your character, work ethic, and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. Recommenders, your honest and thorough appraisal will significantly impact the candidate’s opportunity to join IESE Business School.
Jesse on January 15, 2024