Ask an MBA Admissions Expert Linda Abraham

Ask an MBA Admissions Expert Linda Abraham Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Linda Abraham is the president and founder of Accepted.com, an admissions advising and editing service for MBA applicants. She is also the co-founder and former president of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants as well as the co-author of MBA Admissions for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools. Linda has been featured in many prestigious media outlets such as The New York Times, U.S. News World Report, and more. VT:How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete the application for an MBA program? Linda: I recommend applicants start their preparation one year before they intend to submit their application. This allows time to study for and take the GMAT (and even retake it), clarify goals, research schools, strengthen areas of weakness, and then of course draft compelling, articulate, revealing essays. If an applicant is confident that they dont have to take all these steps, they can start the process later. VT: What would you say is the single most important thing to focus on for this kind of application? Linda: That will vary from person to person, but the foundation of an effective application effort is a clear goal and competitive qualifications. A post-MBA goal including function and industry and hopefully also a greater vision or purpose serves so many functions in the application process! It guides applicants in school choice, animates the response to any kind of Why MBA question, makes it easy for applicant to show fit with the program, and allows them to hit the ground running when they are thrown into the internship-recruiting vortex soon after arriving on campus. However, it makes little sense for applicants to apply exclusively to programs where the likelihood of acceptance is poor. Applicants must assess their qualifications and compare their profile to the profiles of typical accepted applicants. They dont have to be above average for every metric or criterion, but they shouldnt be below average across the board. Applicants also need to realize that there is a qualitative aspect to admissions. It isnt just about stats. Schools are going to seek students with leadership, impact, and above average progression at work as well as a host of personal qualities that they value. Finally, since schools value diversity, it is very possible to be qualified, competitive, submit a good application, and still be rejected. This happens, especially for applicants coming from over-represented groups in the applicant pool and applying to the most intensely competitive programs. VT: What do MBA admissions officers look for most in the essay questions? Linda: They look most for the answer to their questions written in an individual and authentic way. That may sound elementary, but I read so many essays where applicants dont answer the question. Or they write on such a general and superficial plane, that the essay essentially hides them instead of introducing them. Applicants need to make sure they answer the specific question in a way that also reveals something specific to them, both in terms of their experience and thought processes. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on this application? Linda: Write what they think the reader wants to read. They dont know. However, they do know the real answers, and those answers can be far more compelling than something contrived. Not answering the question. Write in generalities and clichs so that they sound like many other applicants who are superficially very similar. Fail to proof. VT: What aspects of the MBA admissions process make it most different from undergraduate admissions process? Linda: Undergrads are not expected to know what they want to do in the future. Most MBA programs do expect their applicants to have a clear reason for wanting to go to business school. College applicants are not expected to have any work experience. Full-time work experience is a requirement at many if not most MBA programs. And even where not required, there are very few MBA students without work experience. And naturally, MBA programs expect more maturity from MBA applicants than colleges expect from their applicants. MBA admissions offices also are used to little or no direct parental involvement in the application process. VT: Is there anything that automatically disqualifies an applicant from being considered for an MBA program (i.e. low GPA, lack of particular work experience, etc.)? Linda: Automatic disqualification is probably too strong, but here are major red flags: Legal lapses like convictions for insider training, fraud, or breaches of fiduciary duty would fall into that category. For most MBA programs, zero full-time work experience is a significant hurdle. A GMAT or GRE score below the 20% for that school is a big hurdle. Same with the GPA. VT: What kind of work experiences should be highlighted in the MBA application? Linda: Applicants should highlight any experiences that demonstrate leadership, organizational ability, initiative, and innovation. Applicants can reveal these qualities through their resume, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. The best way to reveal those qualities is to tell stories and give examples that reveal those characteristics while answering the question. Another way is to provide stats in the resume that show impact. Finally, recommenders who tell specific stories of a candidates initiative, innovation, contribution, and ability to motivate others are worth their weight in MBA application gold. VT: What advice do you have regarding GMAT test prep? Linda: Im in favor! However I know that candidates needs vary widely. Some, usually those with strong quantitative and communications ability who have previously done well on standardized tests, do fine independently going through a prep book. Others need a course and hours of practice, practice, practice. Some feel a private tutor makes the difference. Each applicant needs to evaluate which approach will work best for him or her. VT: Is it absolutely necessary to have work experience prior to starting an MBA degree? Linda: There are a few schools that accept a handful of students straight from undergrad, but those applicants have to be stellar and usually have had impressive internships in college. Most full-time MBA programs want to see at least two years of full-time work experience before the MBA and three is preferred. The reason is simple: recruiters want it. Furthermore, many in graduate management education believe that experience enables the student to gain more from and contribute more to the MBA experience. VT: What are the characteristics of a great MBA program? Linda: A Career Management Center that has a track record of launching MBA students on the trajectory you want to pursue. A curriculum that you would be excited to study taught in the way you want to learn it. Extra-curricular activities that support your goals and that you would be thrilled to throw yourself into. A community and environment where you will feel comfortable. If youre thinking these characteristics imply that great MBA programs will be different for different people, youre right! Visit Accepted.com for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Safety 101 4 Ways College Students Can Stay Safe on Campus

Safety 101 4 Ways College Students Can Stay Safe on Campus Colleges want to make sure their students are kept safe. In fact, federal law requires all colleges to create a campus safety plan. Unfortunately, no matter how many safety precautions a college puts in place, there is always potential for on-campus crime to occur. While these crimes cant always be prevented in every situation, there are some important things you can do to minimize your risks of becoming a victim. The key to staying safe on campus is to be prepared. Here are several actionable tasks students can take to maximize campus safety during their college experience: 1. Download safety apps If your college offers an emergency alert app, take the time to download it to your phone. These apps work by sending real-time text notifications from campus safety or police officers to your phone as a crime unfolds. By using the information about what kind of crime is occurring and where, you can avoid the situation and stay safe. There are also many third-party safety apps tailored to college students. One popular app is Circle of 6, a free app that college students can use to create a group of six emergency contacts. If you feel you might be in a dangerous situation, you can use the app to alert your circle of your location. Other commonly used safety apps for college students include Guardly, bsafe, Pan!cGuard, and OnWatchOnCampus. Make sure you keep your phone properly charged at all times so you can use these apps if you need to. 2. Add emergency numbers to your phone Before you head to campus for your move-in date at the end of the summer, go online to your colleges website and look for its page on campus safety. This page should list all of the key emergency numbers you can use if you find yourself in an unsafe situation on campus. Add these numbers to your phone, and consider placing the number for campus police on speed-dial. Also consider writing down these numbers on a piece of paper and putting it in a prominent place in your dorm roomit can never hurt to have extra copies of these numbers! 3. Use the buddy system Its true that there is power in numbers: Statistically, youre much less likely to fall victim to a crime if you travel in groups rather than going solo. Whether youre going for a run early in the morning or a campus event late at night, buddying up can help you avoid unsafe situations. 4. Know where your campus emergency stations are Many college campuses have emergency phone stations placed at various locations across campus. You can walk up to these stations 24 hours a day and get connected with the campus safety office, which will dispatch a campus police or safety officer to your location. Before you arrive for your move-in day, familiarize yourself with your campus by looking at a map and take a mental note of where these emergency stations are located. Consider even highlighting where these stations are and keeping a copy of the map with you in your backpack, purse, shoulder bag, etc. The college experience is an invaluable opportunity for academic breakthroughs, personal growth, and so much more. Ensure you are able to enjoy it to the fullest by practicing these smart measures to maximize campus safety. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Pricey Bangers and Mash, Lads Speaking English and Surviving in London

Pricey Bangers and Mash, Lads Speaking English and Surviving in London So, you’ve been learning English a while but when you went to London you could hardly understand a word or you have an English friend who seems to be speaking a different language. Does this sound familiar? Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw famously said that “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.”English spoken in London contains many informal words and slang expressions that need to be explained to students. Here is a brief guide on what you need to know to communicate. The list is endless but if you can understand the following examples you are making a good start:1. Food   In London you will here many words to refer to something as simple as food. Among these are grub and nosh.   A quality meal generally eaten in a restaurant is called A slap up meal.   A sausage and mashed potato dish is called Bangers and mash.   Whole potatoes are called spuds. French fries are called chips. Potato chips are called French fries. A thinly sliced meat san dwich is called a bacon sarnie. Dessert is called, afters. The fruit conserve called jelly in the US in London is called jam. Sugary gelatine is called jelly.2. ClothesClothes also have a vocabulary of their own in London: A sweater is called a jumper. Trousers are called pants. Athletic or running shoes are called trainers. Lingerie for women are knickers. A small purse worn around the waste to carry money is called a bum bag.   A plastic pin to hang clothes to dry is called a clothes peg.3. Social Situations Working class Londoners from the east side of the city can sometimes be referred to as cockneys. How are you? is often said as Alright?Thank you can be said as ta. Friend can be referred to as mate or pal. A man can be called a bloke or lad. You might here someone’s surprise expressed as blimey! An argument is called a row. If someone is a good person he/she might be called sound. If something is really great, it might be called wicked or massive. If a girl is attractive she is called fit.If a person is unattractive (either male or female) they are called minging. When a person is telling their friends they are leaving, they say, right lads, I’m off. Bye can be said as cheerio or cheers.   Bathroom is loo.4. Money Money can be called dosh or doe. A British Pound can be called a quid. If something is expensive, people say it’s a bit pricey.5. Some phrases If you are very tired, I’m knackered. When someone is very surprised, You could have knocked me down with a feather (meaning, I was so shocked, even a small bird’s feather could have made me fall to the ground). If someone orders more food than they can eat they say, their eyes are bigger than their belly (or stomach). Sleep well can be said as sleep tight. Do you want a cup of tea? can be asked as, do you want a brew?Let’s enjoy some London English at its finest with this video of cockney boys, The Clash, with their classic, London Calling: Sign up for: Online English Classes | Aulas de Ingl ês | Cursos de Inglés

Introducing Yourself Online and in Person

Introducing Yourself Online and in Person First impressions have a lasting impact. It is critical therefore to be equipped with the know-how to create the right impression on people you meet online or in person for the first time. This article focuses on how to achieve this when introducing yourself to a room full of people or to a pen pal online. Step 1: Plan The first step of introducing yourself is to come up with a plan. List the main information you wish to share, such as your name, where you live, your school, your program, your goals, your job, and other interests. To create an informal tone, mention your hobbies and pastimes. You may want to emphasize what makes you different from your peers. Plan to end with a question. Questions help to continue the conversation and make you seem less self-centered. An example of an appropriate question after introducing yourself to a small group could be something like this: Now that I have told you a little about myself, could you tell me a little about yourself, too? Step 2: Understand your audience While planning your message, be aware of your audience’s interests. If they are students like you at a different college, they will be particularly interested in your school and program. Some will be interested in your career goals while others will want to delve into the details of your social life. Older readers might be interested in your family life. Readers in another country will want to know about your city and neighbourhood. If your audience is pressed for time, they won’t want to read or listen to a long treatise about your lifeso it is best to keep it short. Once you have understood your audience, you will get a sense of what to emphasize. Keep your tone friendly and informal to make you seem approachable. Avoid slang and aggressive language. You want to put your audience at ease. Step 2: Revise written introductions Write a draft, and then check it for embarrassing errorsespecially if you intend to post it online or send it in an email. Make sure to capitalize the first word of each sentence, your name and the pronoun “I.” NEVER USE ALL-CAPS. It makes you look like you are shouting. Remember to put a period (.) at the end of your sentences and a question mark (?) at the end of questions. Important! Use exclamation points (!) sparinglyyou don’t want to seem crazy. Finally, check your spelling and grammar with the VirtualWritingTutor.com grammar checker, and eliminate your errors before sending your message. Step 3: Practice oral introductions Practice your pronunciation for those occasions when you have to introduce record yourself or speak to a live audience. To make sure that you pronounce words correctly, enter your text into the VirtualWritingTutor.com and click on the speaker icon or download the MP3. Once you are sure of your pronunciation, practice reading your speech aloud to a classmate to determine the reaction of the audience in advance. Encourage him or her to ask questions and be honest about the weak parts of your introduction. Memorize your introduction. It will help you to create an impression of self-confidence. If you have to refer to your notes, read a sentence, look up, and say it. Step 5: Reduce your anxiety While delivering the speech to a room full of people, try to relax. Find a quiet place to breathe slowly and deeply. Instead of telling yourself that you are nervous, tell yourself that you are excited. Stand up straight to portray a sense of confidence and strength. Make eye contact with the people in different parts of the room. Use humor instead of apologizing for mistakes. It will indicate that you are comfortable and likable. Undoubtedly, you can introduce yourself in a speech or in a written message to create the right impression with just a little forethought and effort. The elements of proper planning,  simplicity, feedback from classmates, confidence, and humour will guide you through the process to a result you will be proud of. By Ekta Parishad (Ekta Parishad) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons Please follow and like us:

This is a Test! 6 Challenging Websites to Test Your Language Skills

This is a Test! 6 Challenging Websites to Test Your Language Skills 6 Challenging Websites to Test Your Language Skills Okay, class. Today, we have a test.Those classic words probably send shivers down your spine as you flashback to bad high school memories and torturous study sessions.But get the visions of acne, frenemies and lifelong trauma out of your head.This isnt high school anymore. Now, in spite of their bad reputation, tests can actually be incredibly helpful and even enjoyable.When youre learning a language,  language proficiency tests  may become your unexpected (but much beloved) sidekick in the buddy comedy that is language learning.Testing your skills is an important way to reflect on the learning process and improve your skills, but not just any test will do. Youll need a challenging test to prove your skills.So check out these six challenging websites to test your language skills! Why Test Your Language Skills?One popular reason to test your language skills is to see how much youve already learned. Seeing how far youve come can be very motivating. Who knows what the results might be ? You may even know more than you think, which is super exciting.Additionally, you might also want to test your language skills in order to see what you still need to work on. Many language tests are broken down into specific skills, like reading and writing. Seeing how youre doing in these skills can help pinpoint your weakest area, allowing you to bring it up to the level of the rest of your skills.Finally, testing yourself is a valuable way to get a realistic estimate of your skills. Knowing your skill level will be useful if you ever want to select the right textbook, choose a language immersion software, find the best language learning app  or include your language skills on a résumé. Since a lot of cool jobs require you to know an additional language, its important to be able to clarify your skill level.6 Challenging Websites to Test Your Language SkillsTransparent LanguageIf youre looking for a proficiency test thats thorough, challenging and free, look no further than Tran sparent Language!Transparent Language is mostly known for its language learning programs. However, it also offers a number of free resources for learners. One of Transparent Languages free resources  is its proficiency tests. These tests are offered for a total of 14 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin, Irish, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Brazilian Portuguese.Each proficiency test has two sections on grammar, a section on vocabulary and a section on reading comprehension. The test will automatically give you your overall percentage of correct answers. However, if you sign up for the site, you can also see a detailed breakdown of how you did in each section along with which answers were correct.2. Cactus LanguageIt may sound prickly, but Cactus Languages language level tests are not at all painful.Cactus Language is a company that offers language courses all over the world, but these free online language level tests are some thing that any learner can benefit from. Each test contains 40 questions, and you should be able to complete the whole test in about 10 minutes.If you dont know an answer, you dont even have to guess. Since the test is meant to reflect your skill level, its fine to just answer that you dont know. And, at the very least, by the end of the test youll be well versed in your target languages phrase for I dont know.Once the test is complete, youll have your results. Rankings include beginner, elementary, intermediate, upper intermediate, advanced and proficient. There is a also a detailed breakdown of the skills youre likely to possess at your level.Cactus offers tests for 22 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, Dutch, Czech, Polish, Russian, Croatian, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Thai, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese.3. Language TrainersWant to make sure your language skills will be taken seriously anywhere in the world? While Language Trainers usually focuses on providing language courses, it also offers free testing to assess your skill level.Testing from Language Trainers corresponds to internationally recognized standards so that your skills will be clear wherever you may go.Language Trainers asks that you only answer when youre sure its correct since guessing could lead to inaccurate scores. Beyond that, the tests are fairly flexible. To get results, you need to go through at least 10 questions, but you can take up to 70. To receive your results, however, you must provide your email address.Language Trainers offers tests for 18 languages,  including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Russian, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Mandarin Chinese, Korean and Japanese.4. SprachcaffeThe name might not roll off your tongue, but that doesnt mean you cant use it to improve your skills!Sprachcaffe, known for its international network of language school s, offers quick, free online proficiency tests. To take the tests, you must complete a brief signup for the site, but then youre immediately free to take the tests.Each test contains about 70 questions. Once youve completed the test, youll receive your approximate level. Youll also be able to look over the correct answers to the test to see what you got right and what you got wrong, which will provide you with some additional insight into your skills.Sprachcaffe offers tests for seven languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Chinese.5. BerlitzWritten tests are great, but sometimes you really need to test your listening ability, too. Berlitz is the solution!Berlitz, a language education company, offers free online aptitude tests to assess your language knowledge. All you have to do is register and get to work!Each test contains nearly 70 questions and should take about 30 minutes. Some questions are written, while others contain audio examples to giv e you a nice balance between testing reading and listening skills.Berlitz offers tests for English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.6. Language Testing International  Want to include your impressive language skills on your  résumé? Language Testing International can certainly help add weight to the skills you list.Language Testing International focuses on certifying language skills through testing. International companies like Coca-Cola, Samsung, Verizon and many more use Language Testing International themselves.Taking a test through Language Testing International can provide you with language certification from the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), which will certainly be a bright spot on any  résumé. Plus, language certification can make your  résumé stand apart from other candidates who may also speak the same language.While this is a more formal test than others, you do still take the test online and are allowed to take it whenever and whereve r you want. No need to go to a stuffy testing center!Once youve selected the language you want to be certified in, youll have several options. You might choose a speaking test, writing test, listening test or reading test. Each test takes between 30 and 80 minutes and costs between $50 and $159.Language Testing International offers certifications in over 100 languages, including popular languages like Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Japanese, along with less common languages like Kazakh, Lao, Somali and countless others.Dont let the bad reputation of tests scare you off. They may just become the best thing you never asked for!

Cultural Adjustments When Teaching Abroad

Cultural Adjustments When Teaching Abroad Today’s Guest Blog is written by Erika Phyall, who currently works in community relations for University of Southern California Rossier School of Education’s online master’s programs. USC Rossier Online provides individuals the opportunity to  become a teacher  and individuals can also earn a  MAT online  degree. Outside of work Erika enjoys networking, DIY projects, and spending time with her two dogs.Teaching abroad is an adventure. The first step off the plane is filled with excitement, a little apprehension and, sometimes, a lot of jet lag. Some teachers experience culture shock in different forms, ranging from mild irritability to longing homesickness. But wherever you find yourself teaching, there are ways that you can ensure your experience is rich and rewarding. Here are a few tips:Be Open Minded:One of the greatest benefits of teaching abroad is being exposed to different ideas and ways of life. Living and teaching in a foreign country involves new food, languages, tra nsportation and social norms. At first, all of these changes can be overwhelming, but remember that it’s normal to feel that way at the start. As you begin to learn more about the new culture, your perspective will change and expand. In time, you will grow to embrace the changes you encounter. Being open to your surroundings will allow you to see the beauty there and the beauty in change.Be AdventurousTeaching abroad offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and soak up your time abroad. This might mean trying a new delicacy or planning a trip to tour the countryside or a nearby city. Stepping into a new classroom where the students may not speak English will definitely be an adventure in teaching! Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; you will learn from them and become a stronger, more diverse teacher. It may seem difficult or frightening at first, but seeking out new adventures will help you enjoy and embrace your time a broad and reduce the symptoms of culture shock.IntegrateOne way to make the most of your time abroad is to integrate with your new surroundings. Often, learning the language is a great way to make friends and become more aware of your environment. Language exchange classes can allow you to absorb a new culture with others in similar circumstances. Enjoying your hobbies or finding new ones is a way to incorporate your new life with your past experiences. Seek out people or organizations that are involved in areas you want to explore. Your teaching agency, fellow teachers and community members are all great resources to finding out how you can get more involved and stop feeling like a tourist!Create a Support NetworkBuilding a support network helps teachers to be successful while working abroad. It is important to have people that you can rely when you are lonely or having trouble adjusting. Finding regularly scheduled times during the week when you can communicate with friends and fa mily back home is helpful, especially if there are many time zones between you. Skype, instant messenger and other social media tools are great, affordable means for staying in touch. Building a support network where you are working is also important. Many expat forums and websites can be found online and offer opportunities to meet with other teachers working abroad and share experiences, tips and fun times.Stay PositiveTeaching abroad will always present new challenges, so remember to stay positive. It can be easy to misread situations or people when you are teaching in a foreign country. By staying positive, you can minimize frustration and be open to learning the most you can. In the end, this is an adventure of a lifetime that you will carry with you the rest of your life. Positivity will help you define that adventure and prepare you for even bigger journeys ahead.Interested in earning an Online Master's degree with the USC Rossier School of Education? Click here to request mo re information.

Who to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Who to Ask for a Recommendation Letter Image via Isorepublic.com Former supervisors The best person to ask for a letter of recommendation is a former supervisor. Even an internship supervisor will be a good choice. Your former supervisors will be able to attest to your work ethic and your ability to work as a member of a team. They know you very well in a professional sense, and they can vouch that you are a good worker. A letter of recommendation from a former supervisor will carry a lot of weight because your future supervisor will probably read it and be convinced that they should hire you. Co-workers You can also ask a co-worker, especially a more experienced (or an upper level) one, to write you a letter of recommendation. A letter from a co-worker might not carry the same weight as a letter from your supervisor, but they can still write you a letter because they likely know you well in a professional sense. They can provide specific examples that demonstrate your strong work ethic, since they work alongside you every day. A letter from a co-worker can be very powerful. For this reason, it’s a good idea to ask a co-worker for a letter of recommendation. Someone you know who is connected to the company If you know someone who is connected to the company you are applying to, you should ask them for a recommendation letter. Use the connections you have! Because the company already trusts this person, they will take this recommendation letter very seriously. Of course, this person might not know you well in a professional sense, so their letter might not carry as much weight as your former supervisor’s letter. This person’s letter could be a secondary or supplementary letter. Still, if you can, you can ask someone you know who is connected to the company for a recommendation letter. Someone you volunteered with If you have done some volunteering, you can reach out to the supervisor of your volunteer program an ask for a letter of recommendation. Even though your volunteer program supervisor was not technically your boss, they will still be able to comment on your work ethic and your ability to work with a team. Including a letter from someone you volunteered with will show your future employer that you care about giving back to the community. Volunteering a great way to prove you are a well-rounded person. Your volunteer program supervisor can be a helpful resource, even if your volunteer experience was not in the field you want to pursue a career in. Professors If you are a recent college graduate, it is acceptable to ask your professor for a letter of recommendation. (Bonus points if the professor is somehow affiliated with the school or company you’re applying to, or if you have done research/a project under their direction.) You should try to ask a professor who knows you well, so it’s best to ask someone who has taught more than one of your classes. It’s even better if you can ask a professor that you have worked with (for example, if you have worked in their lab). These professors will be better prepared to write about your work ethic. Professors are great people to ask for recommendation letters. Do NOT ask family members for a letter It’s an important rule that you cannot ask family members (including spouses) for recommendation letters, whether it is for a job or for school. Because they are family members, hiring managers will believe their views of you will be biased. In other words, it’s a conflict of interest. It’s also likely that your family members do not know you in a professional environment, so their input might not be so relevant to the job you applied for. For those reasons, you should not ask family members to write you a letter of recommendation for a job. Be careful when asking personal friends Unlike asking family members, asking personal friends for a recommendation is not a definite no-no. It’s not automatically a conflict of interest. However, you should have a good reason for asking your friend. For example, is your friend an alumnus (or alumna) of the school you are applying to? Do they have an affiliation with the company you’re applying to? Did they volunteer with you? If so, it would be acceptable to ask them for a letter of recommendation. If not, your friend might not be the best person to ask for a recommendation letter. If you need a letter of recommendation, there are many people in your life you can ask.