Seeking Honest Career Advice: How to Handle Past Mistakes When Applying to MNCs?

Hi all,

I need some advice from the senior HR professionals here. I am a software professional with almost 2 years of experience. However, in the beginning of my career path, I made a big mistake. I faked my experience and joined an MNC, which led to me being expelled from there. The biggest lesson I learned in my life was from that experience.

Now, I have gained genuine 2 years of experience and want to start applying for jobs in MNCs. I want to clarify a few things:

1. I am going to apply with my real experience as I want to correct myself. Will they discover my negative feedback from background check vendors, and will they expel me again for this reason?

2. What will happen if I disclose my complete work history to the HR of the new company before joining?

Please advise me on this matter.

It's not so. Whatever mistake you have made is in your past. Believe in yourself and during the interview, don't lie if asked about the same. Also, create a good image with all the people in your present organization so that if there is a reference check, provide names of those people only.

Now that you have 2 years of experience, you should apply to a good MNC; you will get through. All the best. The only thing you need to do is believe in your capabilities and don't repeat what happened in the past.

Rashmi

Thank you, Rashmi, for your reply. Let me ask you one more thing. Should I deliberately inform the HR about something that has happened in my career, or should I wait for them to find out? If I wait, it may be too late, and they could even dismiss me for not being forthcoming. I am feeling confused.

Don't volunteer to provide information that has not been asked. If asked the reasons for leaving that company, try to answer as truthfully as possible.

Hope it helps.

Dear Arvind,

Could you please tell me how many months you have worked in that MNC and how you are showcasing your experience so that I can help you out.

Deepika

Deepika,

I have worked for three months. However, I am not planning to show that experience. I will show like I had a career gap of 3 months due to personal reasons.

Regards,
Arvind

Dear Arvind,

I am just giving you practical advice as I am working as an Asst. HR Manager, so I can help you out. It's good that you have learned from that incident not to show fake experience. But now you are giving interviews to new companies. There is no need to show your 3-month experience with that particular company. You can explain that you were not in a job due to personal reasons (as you have written). In the corporate world, there is no place for emotions. If you tell them you were let go from the company, no company will recruit you, no matter how intelligent you are, because the first thing they want is loyalty from your side.

Another thing is that they will definitely check your previous record. However, if you haven't included that experience on your resume, then there is no need to fear. It is enough that you have learned from that experience.

Be relaxed and continue your job search.

Good luck,
Deepika

Dear All,

I need career advice. I am presently working as a teacher in Qatar. I have a master's degree in sociology and a one-year diploma in business management. I have a strong interest in training, development, and recruitment. Previously, I worked for one year in India as a part-time faculty member and assisted a trainer in delivering training programs on effective communication skills.

I am currently applying for entry-level positions in HR, but I am facing challenges as everyone is looking for candidates with experience. I have an opportunity to pursue an MBA from Qatar University. Should I go for it?

How can I address my dilemma? Please guide me.

Thank you.

Hey Arvind, it's great to know that you have realized your mistake. I think the best way is to not show your 3 months of experience, as the lady also mentioned that. Anyways, may I know which HR stream you are in? And what qualifications do you possess?

Cheers!
Aryaa