McGill Letter of Recommendation Questions: 2023-2024
- How long have you known the applicant and in what connection?
- What special qualities does the applicant possess which leads you to support his/her application?
McGill Letter of Recommendation Example – 1
1. How long have you known the applicant and in what connection?
I have known the applicant for over five years in a professional capacity. We began working together when he joined MEC Intelligence (MEC+), a boutique strategic advisory firm, as an Analyst. Over time, I observed his steady rise through the ranks to his current role as a Consultant. In my position as a senior member of the firm, I’ve had the opportunity to closely collaborate with him on numerous client projects across the renewable energy and clean technology sectors. These projects have ranged from market entry strategies and investment analysis to cross-border collaboration initiatives involving stakeholders from both government and industry. My connection with him spans direct supervision, joint project execution, and mentoring, giving me deep insight into his work ethic, problem-solving ability, and interpersonal skills.
2. What special qualities does the applicant possess which leads you to support his/her application?
The applicant combines intellectual depth with practical problem-solving ability, making him exceptionally well-suited for a rigorous academic program. His most distinctive quality is his initiative—he frequently steps up to lead, even under ambiguous or high-pressure circumstances. For example, when a manager had to step away unexpectedly during a due diligence assignment for a USD 30 million offshore wind component manufacturer, he independently assumed ownership of the engagement, ensuring its successful and timely delivery.
In addition, he is highly collaborative and excels in stakeholder management, having represented our firm in client meetings with global energy companies and governmental bodies. He also brings creativity and vision to his work—whether it’s developing a public report for UK-India R&D collaboration or launching internal cultural initiatives at MEC+. His capacity to lead projects, synthesize complex information, and foster teamwork reflects both his strong professional foundation and leadership potential. These qualities make me confident that he will not only thrive in an academically challenging environment but also enrich the peer group he joins.
Exceptional abilities:
The applicant possesses strong analytical and intellectual capabilities. He has led several projects that required the application of systems thinking and market modeling—most notably, a detailed strategy on sustainable procurement for a major solar company and a national-level offshore wind readiness study commissioned by a UK research body.
His ability to absorb new technical concepts rapidly and apply them in a business context stands out. For instance, when leading a project for a prototype 3D avionics system, he quickly came up to speed on the product’s engineering aspects and market potential. He consistently brings original insights to client deliverables and internal discussions, backed by thorough research and logical structuring.
He exhibits exceptional organizational and time-management skills, even when handling overlapping high-stakes assignments. On one occasion, he took over a complex financial due diligence project at short notice due to the early maternity leave of a manager. Despite the sudden handover, he led the engagement independently, coordinated with the client, and delivered the required Information Memorandum on time and to a high standard.
Moreover, his role in MEC’s Supply Chain Division and recruitment team—both high-pressure functions—highlights his ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and maintain high-quality output across deliverables.
McGill Letter of Recommendation Example – 2
1) How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate?
I am a manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP. I have worked with Akanksha for a little more than a year as her direct supervisor.
2) If this is a work-related reference, in what position is/was the candidate employed and for how long?
Akanksha has been working with Deloitte Consulting LLP for the past 4 years. Last year, she was promoted to a Consultant’s role.
3) What do you consider to be the candidate’s principal strengths/talents?
Since last year, after being promoted as a consultant, Akanksha has been mostly involved in client-facing roles. I think one of her principal strengths is collaborating with cross-functional teams involving clients and other stakeholders in the project.
I observed this strength of Akanksha when she was working as a tech lead on the CDM Smith project. The requirements of the project were little unclear. Akanksha put in commendable efforts in collaborating and coordinating with the client and our teams in USA, Delhi and Bengaluru to get the requirements clarified. Her apt handling of conflicts between client and our on-site and local teams ensured that everyone was on the same page throughout the project. She acted as a single point of contact and stretched her working hours to manage project work between globally dispersed teams in different time zones. With Akanksha’s commitment and efficient collaboration, the team managed to deliver the entire project ahead of time schedule. This project showcased her potential to lead future projects and fill in the shoes of a senior consultant.
Another key strength of Akanksha, I really appreciate, is her diversified interest in Deloitte’s extracurricular activities. She has been leading Deloitte’s education-focused CSR team for 3 years in partnership with an NGO named Literacy India. She leads a team of 20 volunteers for all projects related to child education which includes fundraising, organizing volunteer visits, and other events. To me, this displays her versatile nature and self-motivation. It’s always a pleasure to have such a team member who keeps the entire team motivated towards benevolent causes.
Overall, I think it’s her social work experience that has really helped her hone her collaboration and project management skills, which reflects in her professional work as well and this makes her stand out among her peers in the organization.
4) What do you consider to be the candidate’s weaknesses or areas that need improvement?
Until now, Akanksha has had a purely technical background with limited exposure to the business aspect of projects. One significant area where I feel she needs to improve is her overall understanding of the business structures and workflow processes.
In one instance, on the CDM Smith project, because of her inexperience and lack of understanding regarding business flow processes, she was not able to correctly map client’s project division rules to its accounting structure. The mapping process required a deeper understanding of the client’s overall business flow and hierarchy. She missed certain scenarios related to client’s intracompany projects in her solution design and this resulted in the failure of 2 other connected applications. She should have asked me or her functional peers in the team for an initial walkthrough to help her get acquainted with the client’s business structure.
In our first annual performance review, we discussed her need to start working on her business knowledge as it is crucial to moving ahead into a senior consultant’s role, where she will be expected to handle overall project delivery and guide her team. I also explained to her that she should not hesitate and be more open to reaching out to experts in order to expand her knowledge base.
She took the feedback positively. I have observed a significant change in her work methodology and she now freely reaches out to her peers to seek help where needed. Over time she has shown great improvement in her understanding of workflow processes in different business modules. Akanksha is a talented and hardworking girl, highly capable of achieving her career goals. I feel her decision to pursue an MBA at this point makes perfect sense as it will help her take her expertise to the next level.
McGill Letter of Recommendation Example – 3
1. How long have you known the applicant and in what connection?
I have known Ajay Sood for over eight years. Our professional relationship started through the ongoing partnership between my company, NYC Enterprises, and Aman Apparels, where Ajay took on a key role after joining the family business in 2016. Since then, Ajay has been my main point of contact for all procurement and operational matters concerning the supply of zippers for garments manufactured by Aman Apparels.
Over these years, I have met Ajay regularly to discuss order details, negotiate prices, ensure quality control, and manage delivery schedules. This frequent interaction has allowed me to understand Ajay’s professionalism, work ethic, and leadership qualities in depth.
2. What special qualities does the applicant possess which lead you to support his application?
Ajay possesses a unique combination of dedication, integrity, and a proactive approach that makes him a strong candidate for any rigorous MBA program. His commitment to quality and reliability stands out, as does his ability to manage complex challenges with calm and determination.
For example, when a shipment delay threatened to disrupt Ajay’s supply chain, he personally took charge, coordinating his team to work late into the night to ensure the orders were fulfilled on time. This showed his exceptional leadership and dedication to meeting commitments, even under pressure.
Ajay also has a thirst for knowledge and innovation. He is always curious about new trends and technologies in his industry. On one occasion, he introduced me to an innovative zipper design with a laser washing pattern that was new to the market. His willingness to explore such innovations helped both his company and mine improve our offerings and stay competitive.
His interpersonal skills are exemplary. Ajay communicates clearly and respectfully with clients, vendors, and employees alike. His genuine concern for his team fosters loyalty and a positive work environment, which is essential for business success.
3. Exceptional Abilities
Ajay demonstrates several exceptional abilities that mark him as a future leader with significant potential.
First, he has a strategic mindset, able to analyze market conditions and identify opportunities for growth. He combines this vision with practical decision-making and risk management.
Second, Ajay excels in leadership and team building. He inspires trust and loyalty among his employees by leading with transparency and empathy. His approachable nature and open communication style create a supportive and motivated workplace.
Third, he is highly skilled in operational execution. Ajay is organized and efficient, managing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards. His ability to coordinate with diverse teams and vendors ensures smooth operations and client satisfaction.
Fourth, Ajay’s curiosity and innovative thinking drive him to continuously seek better solutions and adopt new technologies. This attitude keeps his business dynamic and forward-looking.
Fifth, his communication skills are strong both in writing and speaking. He expresses his ideas clearly and listens well, which helps him negotiate effectively and maintain strong professional relationships. His emotional intelligence allows him to handle difficult situations with patience and tact.
Finally, Ajay shows great resilience and adaptability. He stays calm under pressure, learns from setbacks, and adjusts his strategies as needed. This flexibility will serve him well in an MBA program and in his future career.
McGill Letter of Recommendation Example – 4
1) How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate?
I am a manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP. I have worked with Akanksha for a little more than a year as her direct supervisor.
2) If this is a work-related reference, in what position is/was the candidate employed and for how long?
Akanksha has been working with Deloitte Consulting LLP for the past 4 years. Last year, she was promoted to a Consultant’s role.
3) What do you consider to be the candidate’s principal strengths/talents?
Since last year, after being promoted as a consultant, Akanksha has been mostly involved in client-facing roles. I think one of her principal strengths is collaborating with cross-functional teams involving clients and other stakeholders in the project.
I observed this strength of Akanksha when she was working as a tech lead on the CDM Smith project. The requirements of the project were little unclear. Akanksha put in commendable efforts in collaborating and coordinating with the client and our teams in USA, Delhi and Bengaluru to get the requirements clarified. Her apt handling of conflicts between client and our on-site and local teams ensured that everyone was on the same page throughout the project. She acted as a single point of contact and stretched her working hours to manage project work between globally dispersed teams in different time zones. With Akanksha’s commitment and efficient collaboration, the team managed to deliver the entire project ahead of time schedule. This project showcased her potential to lead future projects and fill in the shoes of a senior consultant.
Another key strength of Akanksha, I really appreciate, is her diversified interest in Deloitte’s extracurricular activities. She has been leading Deloitte’s education-focused CSR team for 3 years in partnership with an NGO named Literacy India. She leads a team of 20 volunteers for all projects related to child education which includes fundraising, organizing volunteer visits, and other events. To me, this displays her versatile nature and self-motivation. It’s always a pleasure to have such a team member who keeps the entire team motivated towards benevolent causes.
Overall, I think it’s her social work experience that has really helped her hone her collaboration and project management skills, which reflects in her professional work as well and this makes her stand out among her peers in the organization.
4) What do you consider to be the candidate’s weaknesses or areas that need improvement?
Until now, Akanksha has had a purely technical background with limited exposure to the business aspect of projects. One significant area where I feel she needs to improve is her overall understanding of the business structures and workflow processes.
In one instance, on the CDM Smith project, because of her inexperience and lack of understanding regarding business flow processes, she was not able to correctly map client’s project division rules to its accounting structure. The mapping process required a deeper understanding of the client’s overall business flow and hierarchy. She missed certain scenarios related to client’s intracompany projects in her solution design and this resulted in the failure of 2 other connected applications. She should have asked me or her functional peers in the team for an initial walkthrough to help her get acquainted with the client’s business structure.
In our first annual performance review, we discussed her need to start working on her business knowledge as it is crucial to moving ahead into a senior consultant’s role, where she will be expected to handle overall project delivery and guide her team. I also explained to her that she should not hesitate and be more open to reaching out to experts in order to expand her knowledge base.
She took the feedback positively. I have observed a significant change in her work methodology and she now freely reaches out to her peers to seek help where needed. Over time she has shown great improvement in her understanding of workflow processes in different business modules. Akanksha is a talented and hardworking girl, highly capable of achieving her career goals. I feel her decision to pursue an MBA at this point makes perfect sense as it will help her take her expertise to the next level.
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