推荐信 questions and key points

Find this online, it probably will benefit some people, see one presentation given in McKinsey & Company： link
 Enjoy.

Questions for your recommender:

1. How long have you known the applicant and in what connection? Describe the applicant’s role in your organization. Comment on the frequency and context of your interaction.

2. What do you consider the applicant’s talents and strengths?

3. What do you consider the applicant’s weaknesses or developmental needs?

4. What industry/function might best suit this individual, and what do you see this person doing in ten years? Why?

5. The predominant method of instruction at Harvard Business School is case-based learning.  It is a highly interactive experience requiring the proficient use of English-reading, speaking, listening, writing and integrating real time. Please comment on the applicant’s ability to contribute to this learning model. 

6. The Harvard Business School is committed to developing outstanding leaders who can inspire trust and confidence in others. Please comment on the applicant’s behavior (e.g., respect for others, honesty, integrity, accountability for personal behavior) within your organization and in the community. 

7. What are the three areas of the candidate’s professional performance that have improved the most in the time you have known him or her?

8.  Please address the following components of the candidate. Cite specific examples where possible

9. Career focus (e.g. clarity of post-degree plans, active participation in his or her own career development)

8. Leadership experience and potential (e.g. ability to influence others, initiative, contribution beyond expected

9. lease provide an example where the applicant has functioned as a catalyst for a group to generate a new idea or innovative process. What were the results?

10. lease provide an example where the applicant reached beyond her/his own sphere of influence to consider, include or leverage others in the attainment of a more comprehensive solution.

11. lease provide an example of the applicant’s impact on a person, group or organization.

12. lease provide a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.

13. lease describe the peer group to which you are comparing the candidate. How does the candidate distinguish himself or herself from peers in terms of leadership potential? What do you think will be his or her biggest challenge in leading an organization?

14. lease provide the most constructive piece of feedback you have given the candidate. In doing so, please detail the circumstances that caused you to give the feedback, and describe the candidate’s reaction both immediately and subsequently.

15. What are the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses when interacting with people at jobs/positions lower than the candidate in the organization? Please provide specific examples.

16.  How would you describe the applicant’s sense of humor (seriously)?

All info found on MBA advice: http://mbaadvice.iqexchange.com/