How Can I Get My Experience Letter from a UK MNC After Serving Notice Period?

Hi all,

I had worked with a UK MNC that hired me for their contract with a US MNC as a Project Manager for India. I served the organization for more than 2 years. Last month, I gave one month's notice as per my appointment letter. My notice period is from 01-31 Aug 2010. On 19 Aug 2010, the company provided me with two months' salary for July and August along with a relieving letter issued and signed by the India Manager. However, my appointment letter came from the UK head office, signed by the International Director, as I was a head office employee in India.

Please suggest how I can obtain my Experience Letter from the Head Office in the UK. I have been continuously following up with my line manager in the US, but they are not responding. What should I do if they do not provide me with my Experience Letter? The India Manager does not have a good relationship with me, and they will not provide a positive reference for a new job if contacted by a new company.

Thank you.

Hello,

Please don't mix up the experience letter and the reference (of your ex-boss). Both are two different things.

I don't think you should be worried since it's been two years since you received the appointment letter from the UK office. You can always manage through other means - we keep having such situations frequently.

First, please keep your most recent salary slips (or bank statement for the last three months of your service there - if the salary is directly credited to the bank account) ready to show anyone to prove your experience here.

Next, you can mention that the procedure has now changed from two years ago - the India manager signs ALL the official documents - IF you are asked about getting the experience letter from the UK. If you aren't asked, don't ever raise the issue - giving them ideas where none exist :-)

And are you sure you are the only one who hasn't been given the experience letter by the India manager? Does such a practice exist for the other employees - or is your boss trying to hit you back (for whatever reasons - since you mentioned you aren't on good terms with him)?

Next, try to reach out to the US company person with whom you would have been in touch - usually, Americans are okay to provide reference letters - please note this has nothing to do with the formal experience letter that will be part of your career record.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

TS

But, if an Indian manager is arrogant and does not want to give a positive reference, what should an employee or junior do? Could you please suggest that, as nowadays, it is a common practice in India to exploit junior employees by senior managers?

Secondly, does any new recruit require a reference letter, and do reputable and established companies give extra points in selection with the latest reference from the present or last job by the applicant? What if, after continuous follow-up, the company still refuses to provide an experience or reference letter?