A strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can make a significant impact on your ISB PGP application. It provides the admissions committee with a third-party perspective on your professional abilities, leadership skills, and potential for success in a rigorous MBA program.
But how do you ensure your recommendation stands out? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right recommender to structuring a compelling LOR.
Why is the ISB Letter of Recommendation Important?
The LOR serves as a validation of your achievements and qualities, reinforcing the claims you make in your essays and resume. A well-written recommendation can:
- Provide credible insights about your work ethic, leadership, and impact.
- Highlight specific instances where you demonstrated excellence.
- Strengthen your application by offering an objective assessment of your potential.
ISB requires one professional recommendation, ideally from someone who has closely worked with you in a supervisory capacity.
Who Should Write Your ISB LOR?
Selecting the right recommender is crucial. Consider the following options:
Ideal Recommenders
✔ Direct Supervisor – Best choice if they know your work well and can provide strong insights.
✔ Senior Manager – If your direct supervisor is unavailable, a senior manager who has overseen your work can be a good alternative.
✔ Client or Mentor – In cases where you are an entrepreneur or work in a flat hierarchy, a client or mentor can provide valuable input.
Who to Avoid?
✖ Family Members or Friends – Lacks credibility and professionalism.
✖ High-Ranking Executives with No Direct Interaction – A recommendation from a CEO or VP who barely knows you won’t add value.
✖ Peers or Colleagues – Unless they were in a mentoring role, their recommendation might not carry enough weight.
How to Structure an Effective ISB LOR
A strong LOR should be structured, specific, and aligned with ISB’s values. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal format:
1. Introduction
- How does the recommender know you?
- What is their professional relationship with you?
- How long have they known you?
2. Key Strengths & Achievements
- Highlight 2-3 key attributes (leadership, problem-solving, teamwork).
- Provide specific examples of when you demonstrated these traits.
3. Areas of Improvement
- ISB values honesty. A genuine area of improvement with demonstrated progress strengthens credibility.
- Example: “While initially hesitant in high-pressure situations, [Candidate] has developed a structured approach to problem-solving, ensuring clarity in decision-making.”
4. Conclusion
- Summarize why the candidate is a strong fit for ISB.
- Express confidence in their ability to succeed.
(BONUS) ISB Letter of Recommendation Sample
To the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter in support of [Candidate’s Name] for admission to the ISB Post Graduate Programme in Management. As [Candidate’s] direct supervisor at [Company Name] for the past [X] years, I have had the privilege of witnessing their professional growth and leadership skills firsthand.
One of [Candidate’s] standout qualities is their ability to take ownership of challenging projects. In [specific project], they led a cross-functional team to streamline our [process], reducing costs by X% and improving efficiency. Their structured approach and problem-solving skills played a key role in achieving this outcome.
Additionally, [Candidate] excels in collaboration and people management. In a high-stakes client engagement, they successfully managed a critical negotiation, ensuring both client satisfaction and business profitability. Their ability to balance strategic thinking with execution sets them apart.
An area where [Candidate] has shown remarkable improvement is decision-making under uncertainty. Initially cautious, they have developed the confidence to take calculated risks and drive impactful solutions. This growth reflects their adaptability and willingness to learn.
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s] analytical mindset, leadership potential, and drive for excellence make them a great fit for ISB. I am confident they will contribute significantly to the program and beyond.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]
Final Tips for a Winning ISB LOR
✔ Choose a recommender who knows you well.
✔ Provide them with key points about your achievements.
✔ Ensure the recommendation is specific and not generic.
✔ Highlight both strengths and areas of improvement.
✔ Make it structured and aligned with ISB’s expectations.
A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation can reinforce your profile and increase your chances of securing an ISB admit. Take the time to choose the right recommender and guide them through the process.
Need help refining your ISB application? Start preparing today!