Planning to use my aunt/manager as a recommender! Potential Problems? Please advise!

Graduate School
1

<p>I worked for the family business during the summers of my undergrad school years. After graduating I worked for a few years at other companies and since June, I've been back at the family company working for my aunt.</p>

<p>It's a totally legitimate job and I do work relevant to my intended field of study. The company has a website that clearly states that it is a family business with "three generations of family involvement."</p>

<p>I'm worried that the adcom won't take the recommendation or my job seriously if they just briefly look it up and see the last names match up. It is my only experience relevant to the field. I would greatly appreciate suggestions for the best course of action.</p>

2

<p>Keeping it in the family I see…that’s kinky.</p>

<p>It should be fine. Just keep everything professional and don’t make a big deal about it.</p>

3

<p>I do not think it is a great letter, but as long as your aunt does not share your surname it should be okay.</p>

4

<p>If your last names match the committee may get curious. Perhaps being completely open about it would be better. “although I am kirrin’s aunt, this recommendation is based on comparison with other professionals I have or have had working in similar positions of responsibility…” Get it out there and show the reference is calibrated on professional performance and not a character reference. It might also help if your aunt has a deep professional background to refer to (past work in a Fortune 500, past businesses owned / run, etc). If applicable, she could share that to show her comparison pool is deeper than the stereotypical “family business”.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thanks a lot, guys. Especially straightadmit. I’ll give it a shot!</p>