MBA recommendation letter, also known as an MBA letter of reference, is a document that gives a positive review of an applicant's work performance, leadership and other achievements. It adds weight to a student's application and builds trust in their record. Learn more about recommendation letters in our comprehensive guide: https://formspal.com/recommendation-letter-template/.
Last Updated: October 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
MBA letter of recommendation is a 99,9% compulsory component of your MBA program application. Business school recommendation letters are mainly submitted from the workplace and are written and signed by the applicant’s current or past employer or direct supervisor. The first thing to rely on before writing such a letter is the fact that business schools are aimed at more factual, concrete anecdotes that reveal the following qualities and abilities of the applicant:
Before you start writing, read the school's own instructions. An applicant needs to browse through the details and requirements of the chosen university’s application process to find the proper recommendations and compulsory regulations on its format and layout.
Choosing the best referee comes first. Most business schools would prefer the review given by a current or past employer or supervisor rather than academic advisors and professors. However, a professor or peer may be selected to provide such a letter, especially if the candidate does not have any consistent previous work experience.
The bottom line is, the referee should know the applicant professionally and personally through effective and direct collaboration, be it during several years of work or study experience. The more detailed information (including examples, stories, and anecdotes) is given about the applicant’s capabilities, assets, and the necessary qualifications for a particular business school, the better the letter becomes.
If the applicant is self-employed or has only recently been hired for a certain position, consider contacting their previous employer instead of asking the new supervisor for a reference. These people can also write a strong letter:
This quick comparison shows what each type of referee can add to the letter:
| Referee | What they can speak to | Works well when |
|---|---|---|
| Current supervisor | Day-to-day results and growth | The applicant has worked together with them for a while |
| Previous employer | Past achievements and skills | The applicant recently changed jobs |
| Client | Service quality and teamwork with outside partners | The applicant works closely with customers |
| Board member | Leadership and business impact | The applicant has presented to senior leaders |
The referees must know what schools or universities the candidate is applying for and why. The supervisors and referees should also be provided with a copy of the student’s CV, personal statement, and other documents as a basis for reference.
After the letter of recommendation is guaranteed or provided, the applicant will usually have to get at least one more confirmation letter of recommendation. The candidate can select another professor, supervisor, or employer from their circle to provide a supporting letter of recommendation. It is not the title of the writer’s job that should sound impressive but rather their opinion about the candidate’s abilities and strengths.
So when selecting a suitable writer for an MBA letter of recommendation, consider a person who is not only a professional in his field but knows you well and can give just and comprehensive feedback on your behalf. The person should devote themselves to writing a well-thought and detailed letter.
Most of all, focus on convincing practical examples when the candidate revealed their skills and qualities most compellingly and profitably during the previous work or study period. Keep every point tied to something the referee has seen first hand.
The next thing to consider is the size of the letter. An MBA letter of recommendation should be one page long and consist of an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. That usually adds up to 300 to 500 words.
Today, most MBA recommendation letters are submitted directly through the university or college website or by the supervisor’s or professor’s official email. However, this does not imply that following the standard and rigid business letter format is compulsory. If the reference letter is being sent by mail or fax, include the standard business letterhead. Never hesitate to enquire about the submission requirements for a particular university/school before requesting such a letter.
If the name of the recipient is known, specify it in your salutation. If it is not, the phrase “to whom it may concern” will suffice.
Below are several steps on developing a good MBA reference letter, along with two basic templates to rely on.
We have highlighted the required steps to follow when writing an MBA reference letter. Mind the following aspects or switch over to the samples below. A clear letter has three parts: an introduction, a main part and a closing.
Begin your reference letter with a proper heading—better write it in bold so that the recipient has a better notion of the document’s purpose. Do not forget to address the recipient properly. If you do not know their name, add “To whom it may concern” to sound polite.
Briefly introduce yourself, add your job position or university status (if applicable) and mention the candidates’ name and your relations. Mention how long you have known them and proceed to the main body of your reference letter.
Strict requirements do not regulate this part of the letter—you may start with the applicant’s background, previous study, or work experience. If you have known the person for a long time, outline how the individual has developed and evolved at his position, providing examples of his problem-solving approach, hard work, and conflict-regulating skills.
Do not omit the applicant’s academic achievements and other related interests if you know any. The bottom line is to give comprehensive and detailed feedback on the person’s accomplishments and qualities so that their image is wholesome, versatile, and convincing for the particular MBA program.
It is important to make the recipient see that you wrote the letter willingly and with great pleasure. So, mention your readiness to provide further feedback or answer any questions about the candidate. This way, you demonstrate the overall positive relations with your applicant.
Besides, make sure you note down contact details under the main body of the letter. Good details to include:
Giving this extra information shows your openness to feedback and adds to the overall positive opinion of the candidate.
If you are a referee or an MBA applicant and want to make sure once again you’re doing it right, browse through the following tips and hints when creating your MBA reference letter.
There are two examples of an MBA recommendation letter required when applying for MBA university programs. Since there are no specific prerequisites concerning the whole structure of MBA letters of recommendation, both are subject to changes and variations. You can adapt them according to your university’s requirements or personal preferences.
We hope these samples will ease the overall writing process and provide at least some peace of mind for the referee and the applicant.
Before you send a sample letter:
Sample 1. MBA Reference Letter From Manager
From ________________
_____________________
_____________________
(Write your name and address here)
Date: ___________________, 20___
(Write the current date here)
To,
Mr./Ms._______________
Reference Letter For
Dear [_______________] / To whom this may concern,
My name is _____ and I am a Senior Manager at _______ [specify your position and company’s title]. It is with great pride and pleasure to write this letter of recommendation in favor of ____ [insert the applicant’s full name] for his/her due application in your MBA degree program.
I will gladly answer all further questions about _________________ (the candidate’s name here). Use my contact info below to _____________.
I hope that you will consider this recommendation letter and think through the candidacy of ______________for the upcoming MBA program.
Thank you for your time.
Yours Sincerely,
_______________ (your signature or full name)
E-mail: _______________
Phone number: _____________.
Other contact details (optional)________.
Sample 2. MBA Reference Letter From An Employer
From ________________
_____________________
_____________________
(Write your name and address here)
Date: ___________________, 20___
(Write the current date here)
To,
Mr./Ms._______________
Reference Letter For
Dear [_______________] / To whom this may concern,
My name is ______________________ [Your Name] and proud to offer my recommendation of ______________________ [Individual’s Name], whom I have personally known for ___ years as my ______________________ [enter the candidate’s position] at ______________________ [Where you’ve known the individual – the company, organization, and so on].
During my relationship with ______________________ [Individual’s Name], I have experienced an individual who shows up earlier than asked, works hard and carries himself/herself in a polite, respectable manner. This person demonstrates a number of precious skills and abilities _______[describe the applicants’ skills and capacities. Provide several examples of anecdotes]. In addition, ______________________ [Individual’s Name] is exceptionally gifted at learning new concepts and without reservation, I recommend a place for him/her in your upcoming MBA program.
If you have any requests or questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I leave my contacts below.
Yours Sincerely,
_______________ [your signature or full name]
E-mail: _______________
Phone number: _____________.
Other contact details (optional)________.
If you have maintained warm relations with your manager, employer, or peer, do not hesitate to request a reference letter. In most cases, the employer would be glad to give you a decent recommendation. Here are some briefly outlined takeaways and tips to think about before requesting an MBA reference letter.
Write down a list of all the potential referees and choose one with the most positive relationships. The amount of years spent working at the particular company does matter as well. For an additional (supporting) reference letter, make up a list of your colleagues and clients.
Calling your employer directly is only applicable if you’re in touch with them and have close relationships. In most cases, neither direct calls nor messages on social networks are the best option. Instead, write down a concise and polite letter to their email. Be prepared to wait for several workdays up to 1,5 weeks before getting the response.
It is always wise to send a letter request at least a week before the deadline. This way, you make an impression that you value the employer’s occupation and timetable.
We understand how important the letter is for your future career but mind the upper statement. Keep in mind that your peer or employer does not have to provide the letter for you, so avoid a pushy tone. Being friendly, tactful, and polite will play into your hands anyway.
Even if you cannot get a reply for several weeks or get a letter of refusal from your intended referee, do not worry. Instead, consider contacting another referee.
About one page works well, which is roughly 300 to 500 words. A little over a page is fine when each example adds something new. A very short letter can look thin, so include a few specific stories about the applicant.
Ask someone who has worked with you closely, such as a current or past supervisor. How well the person knows your work matters more than a grand job title.
Share your resume, your application essays and the names of the schools you are applying to. A short list of results you are proud of helps your recommenders pick examples that fit your application.
Applicants often apply to 10 or more schools, so a general letter works well as a base. Ask the writer to adjust a few lines so it fits each school.
A few quick steps keep the letter ready to use:
General information, not legal or tax advice.
