Recommendation problem

[terlium101]

Hello, I am looking to apply in the first or second round this year. The problem is that I am not in good terms with my direct supervisor. Although I have performed well, I believe that when I ask my direct supervisor for recommendation he will only write 75% good for me.

However, I am in good terms with the manager of my direct supervisor. Although this manager is not involved in day-to-day observation of my work, my direct supervisor does communicate some reports about me to the manager.

Will it be possible me to substitute my first recommender from my current direct supervisor with this manager (who is at a much senior post and with whom I am in good terms!)?

Also, for the second recommendation (which I believe will be from a previous boss) I am in a very similar situation. Even though I am in good terms with my previous direct supervisor, I am in even better terms with his manager! Should I again ask from the manager (who is again at a much senior post and with whom I have fantastic relations!)

Please guide me, I am extremely confused with this matter!

[mbamission]

Hi, thanks for your question. That's a tough situation to be in. Depending on how well the two supervisors (not yours, your managers' supervisors) know you, you may be fine. But the recommendation questions are quite detailed, so if they don't know you really well, it may be trickier. Are they both able to answer, with examples, questions about your leadership, strengths, weaknesses, teamwork? If not, will they ask your direct supervisors, and could that pose any problems?

From the schools' perspective, it doesn't matter if your recommender is your direct supervisor or that person's supervisor. Title isn't as important (as long as they're senior to you) as how well the recommender knows you and how well they can communicate your strengths and personality. So it comes down to how confident you are that they can answer those questions in detail.

It may help you to look at the recommendation questions from some of your top choice schools and ask yourself whether your managers' supervisors could answer them. You may find doing that really helps clarify your decision one way or the other.

Best,

Jessica Shklar
mbaMission