15 “Interpersonal Characteristics” to Consider for your Wharton LOR

Wharton changed the letter of recommendation questions for the 2017 candidates. Why? To make them different to what other business schools usually ask for. This article will help shed some light on significant pointers to make your MBA letter of recommendation as competitive as possible.

“Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom.”

First off, Wharton did a horrible job wording this prompt because it foments a lot of confusion with applicants and their recommenders. To be crystal-clear, your recommender does not have to be a Wharton MBA alumnus, nor do that have to have any knowledge what goes on in the Wharton classroom.

However, the admissions committee wants the person who knows you the best at work – usually a direct supervisor – to attest to your skills, achievements, and qualities. In other words, they need that first-person POV brought to the table. Further, Wharton wants to get the nuanced insight and real-world examples of how you perform with others.

So, what specifically does Wharton want to see?

What soft skills — “interpersonal” characteristics — do you have (that will bode well in the Wharton classroom)?

For instance, let's consider the following:

You are a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and considerate colleague.
What about your intellectual curiosity?
There are many voices within group environment — i.e., even opposing perspectives — it's a concert hall. You've always been a capable conductor.
You have promoted high standards of conduct and raise the bar for others.
You have respect for other people's opinions and thoughts.
You listen and when needed, you don't hesitate to adjust your opinion or thoughts based upon new information.
You are definitely analytical and innovative.
You foster trust among colleagues.
You serve as a facilitator in the classroom.
You listen without prejudice.
You are a great combination of analytical skill and interpersonal sensibility/diplomacy.
You share responsibility and give credit where credit is due.
You take the time to bring others up to speed.
You are an excellent conflict resolver.
You are not “into titles” or hierarchy.

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