Relieving Letters from New Joiners: Do We Need All or Just the Last One?

Dear Friends,

I am working for a software company in Bangalore. My doubts are:
1) Do we have to take the original relieving letter from new joiners?
2) Do we have to take all his/her previous employment relieving letters, or do we only need to take the last employment relieving letter?

I kindly request you to share your views on this matter.

Thanks & Regards,
Anand

Hi Anand,

There is no legal obligation to ask for the original relieving letter. However, to make sure that the employee was in employment and that he has no employer-employee relationship anymore, the relieving letter from the last organization he was working at can be asked for. As for all the previous organizations, it is not considered necessary.

The employment history is given by the candidate before joining the organization, and the employer has the right to make a back reference to ascertain the details in case of any doubts.

There are situations when the candidate is not in a position to provide the relieving letter even from the last organization as it has not been given to him. In such a situation, after obtaining a written declaration from the candidate, he can be offered employment, based on the merits of the case, by dispensing with the requirement of a relieving letter.

Cyril

Hi Anand,

Getting a relieving letter or any certificates from new joiners is to ensure that whatever they stated in their resume is true. This is also useful in identifying fake experience. Sometimes, employees, when they are relieved, do not receive the relieving order from their previous employer due to potential conflicts or if the new employer offers a higher salary, the employees might not even inform their previous employer about leaving the job. Therefore, it is essential to collect not only the relieving letter but also other certificates.

Regards,
Suresh

Thank you, Cyril.

I believe it is better to take a photocopy of the relieving letters from all his/her previous employments so that we can identify any gaps in employment.

Kindly suggest...

Regards, Anand

Thank you, Cyril.

I believe it is better to take photocopies of the relieving letters from all his/her previous employments so that we can identify any gaps in employment. Any suggestions on this matter would be appreciated.

Regards,
Anand

Hi Anand,

Cyril has clarified very well. To add to Cyril's advice, take a photocopy of the relieving letter and other certificates, verify them against the original. Ideally, to ensure that the relieving letter is not fake, you may do a reference check with the employer just to be doubly sure. In this day and age where opportunities abound with too few qualified and experienced people, chances of duping and fake letters have increased. It's always better to be safe than sorry!!!

Regards,
Richa