How Can I Overcome Career Hurdles Due to Lack of PF and Company Account in MNC Applications?

Hello seniors and my friends, my name is Pratap. Currently, I'm working as a software engineer specializing in Data Warehousing with Informatica/Oracle. I have over 5 years of experience in the IT industry.

Unfortunately, the previous company where I worked was a small IT company. I didn't have a PF or company bank account; I received my salary as cash payment. In my present company, which is a medium-sized company, they provide me with a payslip every month, and I still receive my salary as a cash payment. I also do not have a PF or company account here.

Money was tight for me when I joined the company. However, my present company consistently pays me on time every month, even during this recession. Now, I am looking to advance my career and am taking steps towards my career growth by applying to MNCs.

Recently, I submitted my resume to TCS for an interview. The HR person discussed the vacancy with me and expressed concerns about considering my profile due to the lack of a PF or company bank account.

I explained my situation to him, and while he seemed to understand somewhat, the way he questioned me made me feel unconvinced. I am prepared to showcase my skills in a technical interview if given the opportunity by any company.

Why did that TCS person express doubts about me? Do they suspect me of being fake? Friends, please advise me on how to handle this situation. How can I convince the HR person or the company regarding this issue? Why do they question individuals like me from medium-sized companies without PF or company account numbers?

If this issue persists, will no MNC consider me for job opportunities? Is my career growth hindered by working in a small company? Will I not be able to enter MNCs like Cognizant, TCS, Wipro, HCL, etc.?

Please guide me on how to navigate this issue. I am truly putting in a lot of effort for career growth. What steps should I take? I appreciate your suggestions and help in resolving this predicament.

Thanks,
Pratap

Dear Pratap,

Just let the TCS HR know that a few companies do not give PF or other benefits, but just pay in cash - in this way they get rid of tax. Not only your IT company - many other companies are doing it.

I came to know about this only with "diverse" experience in a very short span of time. Maybe the HR person at TCS has been in a different culture and is not aware of such things.

Of course, it's bad on the company's part not to provide PF - but a normal employee like you has no choice but to look forward to a better work practice - the reason why you are considering a change.

You can't cry over someone thinking you as fake - if you can explain really well, I don't think there is an issue.

Also - let the company know that - if in case they offer you a job, and later they find that the docs in terms of salary provided were false - they can terminate you.

During the initial rounds along with the pay slips, also carry bank statements.

I don't think this should be a major issue. Just talk and convince - with the facts. Be bold. It's normal for an HR person to be paranoid - you may be a good candidate, but there are many others who fool around with the pay slip. Bad experience must have made the TCS person suspect.

Above all, make sure that the job truly needs you!

Re: Proof of Bank Account or PF Account

Dear Mr. Pratap,

I understand the situation you are facing at TCS. Firstly, companies like TCS, Wipro, and HCL follow standardized HR practices without deviation. Regardless of the reason, they do not deviate from their policies. Since you have your payslip, why not submit it to them along with your appointment letter (if it mentions salary) as supporting documents. In case they require your PF/Bank account number, you can explain the situation promptly to them. I believe TCS upholds high standards and should be understanding. It's worth explaining your circumstances to them; I think it will work out. Best of luck.

Regards,
KB

Hello seniors and my friends, my name is Pratap. Presently, I'm working as a software engineer specializing in Data Warehousing using Informatica/Oracle. I have over 5 years of experience in the IT industry.

Unfortunately, my previous employer was a small IT company, and I did not have a PF or company bank account. I received my salary as cash payment. In my current job at a medium-sized company, I also receive cash payments and monthly payslips, as per the company policy. I still do not have a PF or company account due to financial constraints when I joined.

Despite the recession, my current company pays me promptly every month. Now, I aim to advance my career by seeking opportunities in MNCs. Recently, I applied to TCS for a position. The HR representative expressed concerns about considering my profile due to the lack of a PF or company bank account.

I explained my circumstances to him, but I sensed his skepticism through his questioning. I am prepared to showcase my skills in a technical interview if given the chance by any company. Why did the TCS representative react this way? Do they doubt my authenticity?

Friends, I seek your advice on how to address this issue. Will this lack of accounts hinder my career progression in MNCs like Cognizant, TCS, Wipro, HCL, etc.? Is my background in a small company a barrier to entry into larger corporations?

I am dedicated to advancing my career and need guidance on how to overcome this obstacle. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated to navigate this challenge.

Thank you,
Pratap

Dude,

Take a letter from your company stating that you receive your salary in cash. Also, provide salary slips where all deductions are visible.

Dear Ash Mathew,

I really thank you for your message. In my case, God has blessed me with skill sets, which are the only things with which I can prove my originality for a job opportunity. The company clearly needs a person matching my profile. That's why I applied for that TCS job. But to prove my skills, the company's representative should give me an opportunity. That TCS person doesn't even wish to give me an interview appointment... How unethical is that behavior.

My expectation with any company is to first let them conduct a technical interview. If they find me fit for the profile, then they can offer me employment. Let them assess my performance level after employment. If I'm going to contribute to them, then let them keep me employed; otherwise, it's meaningless to suspect whether a person is original or fake. I hope you can understand my desperate situation, Mr. Mathew.

India is a developing country, and people like me are struggling hard to get good employment, even though we possess the required skill sets.

Mr. Balaji,

Thank you for your reply. I'm ready to show my payslip and provide the offer letter as evidence of my present employer. All these can happen only if they give me an opportunity for a technical interview. Upon clearing the technical round, I can explain all the HR-related queries to TCS. But, that HR at TCS is not even willing to give me an interview appointment... How unethical this behavior is. God has blessed me with skill sets, which are the only things with which I can prove my originality for a job opportunity presently.

I hope you can understand my desperate situation. Anyway, thanks for your suggestions.

Thank you, Mr. Rahul, for your suggestion. I'm ready to show my payslip and provide the offer letter as evidence from my current employer. All this can happen only if they give me an opportunity for a technical interview. Upon clearing the technical round, I can address all HR-related queries to TCS. However, the HR at TCS is not even willing to grant me an interview appointment. What should I do about that? Only God can help me.

Hi Pratap,

I am unable to understand why the TCS HR person is behaving like that. I have experienced that some companies don't even provide appointment and relieving letters. Even the MNCs are inducting employees with a notary, stating that whatever they declared about their appointment and relieving is correct. If any legal issues arise, the employee is solely responsible, and the company can terminate their services without any problems.

The reason behind the TCS HR person not allowing you for an interview is unknown, but it is not fair. Don't be desperate; I feel that a great opportunity may be waiting for you.

All the best,
Kameswarao

Dear Pratap,

Relax. As all HR professionals know, some companies, especially those that are small and medium-sized, do not offer a PF account. Since you don't have any PF or salaried account as such, there is no need to panic. Follow these steps and address the issue urgently:

1. Provide an offer letter stating your salary structure on the company's letterhead.
2. Include one professional reference to the person you were reporting to.
3. Request HR to issue a formal letter mentioning the cash payments and explain the reason for filing for tax.

Always be alert to obtain written documents from the company's end to avoid any potential issues. Next time, ask the company to issue a current account cheque for your salary. Make sure to note down the cheque details and provide evidence of the bank account where you credited your salary.

By demonstrating promptness in proving your honesty, not only TCS but even Microsoft will appreciate your integrity and consider you for opportunities. Ultimately, what companies value is honesty and social ethics.

For any further queries or clarifications, feel free to reach out.

Stay positive and never panic.

Best regards

Need not be so emotional. Dealing with "cash" these days, when plastic money is reigning, is dirty in my opinion. If you have 5+ years of experience, and the company is transacting in lacs (annually) with you, and pays in cash... umm. Please put yourself in the HR person's shoes and think. His job will be at stake to recruit someone with a dubious background, isn't it?

Think coolly and provide OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE. There may be a way to convince him.

I can't understand how come some HR professionals behave like donkeys. No company on this earth will have a policy like this, where if you can't produce your bank account or PF, you can't be hired.

Dude, do one thing, take your payslip duly attached by HR with the company seal. If you don't have a payslip, then ask your present company to provide you with a salary certificate. This should be enough. If he still doesn't understand, escalate the issue.

Scan all the documents and mail them to the main HR of TCS, mentioning this person's name in a pleasant way. It will work out.

Hi Pratap,

Don't be emotional. Stay calm and composed during the technical interview. Avoid pleading to demonstrate your skills like some individuals do. If you truly possess the skills, they will speak for themselves. Following the interview, consider sending a note to the company's management addressing your concerns. I believe that raising the issue with management may lead to it reaching higher levels within the organization.

Dear,

If your salary (Basic + DA) is above Rs. 6500, then there is no need to deduct PF from your salary, and you should not have a PF account. If I am right, you can explain about your company and can say they are following the law. The law does not require it as I am getting more than Rs. 6500 per month. PF is voluntary for an organization in this case. Please explain your salary package to your new company.

Best Regards,
Sajid Ansari
Delhi

Dear Pratap,

To start with, as a professional person, you must never mention the company names/contacts on a public forum like this. The reasons for this are many.

To address your issue, if a company has a certain policy, the HR is bound to follow it irrespective of your skills or work experience. Also, not all companies evaluate prospective employees on similar aspects. I would suggest you not worry and do not spend time trying to convince this HR but look for more openings at other workplaces. Maybe you have something better to come :)

In recessionary times, try to attend as many opportunities you come across and don't get stuck on any one particular issue.

Hi Pratap,

First of all, don't consider me your senior as I'm just a 22-year-old kid. In my opinion, don't feel low. The HR of TCS is just following a regular recruitment process. You can give him a letter certified and signed by your previous company owner stating that you received your salary in cash and you had no PF account through your previous company.

You can email me at [Login to view].

Dear Partap,

If your basic is more than Rs 6500, you are not eligible for PF deduction. You can also show your payslip to the HR person, but it should be properly company attested.

Ishu

Hi Pratap,

I am a consultant. We have faced similar situations with companies asking for bank account statements and payslips. Don't worry. There are a few steps you can take:

1) Get your relieving letter from the company; make sure it is on the company letterhead and stamped.
2) Since you don't have any payslips, give them a photocopy of your ID badge.
3) Show them your IT returns, if any.
4) Most companies have a stringent background policy. Request them to do a BVC.
5) In an email, explain the situation and sound understanding. Note that you completely understand their situation and ask them to look at your case as it is genuine.

Regards,
Ali

Dear folks,

I agree that we do have a standardized process for everything, where a candidate needs to submit the documents for the statements he provides in his Curriculum Vitae. However, apart from all this, if the interviewer is completely satisfied with your answers and finds you suitable for the position, they will not bother you much for anything. Sometimes, though, we may mistakenly believe that we have fully convinced the interviewer when, in reality, it is just our imagination. Therefore, consider it as bad luck and keep on trying.

Dear Pratap,

All said and done, you have to realize that in your service life, you have to have some minimum statutory requirements fulfilled such as opening a bank account. If income is taxable, apply for PAN. With these two basic requirements fulfilled, you will be able to convince any employer about your identity, and job change henceforth will not be a problem.

Regards,
Satyen

Hi Pratap,

I think the HR person already has some candidates lined up for the position you have applied for because the reason for not favoring you due to your old company not having a PF account number is ridiculous. Why should you pay for someone else's shortcomings (not having applied for employees' PF account)? You should explain to him that by not having a PF account, you have already suffered, and your old company has saved from their share of contribution to your account. Small companies do exploit new joiners, and companies like TCS should overlook these administration lapses and recruit new talents. You can show your appointment letter and salary slip as proof of the salary drawn since these are the only documents you have.

Hope you can explain the situation to him in such a way that he understands it and is more open when dealing with new recruits.

Thank you,
Arvind