Stuck Without Payslips: How Can I Prove My Experience to Potential Employers?

Hi, I started my career with an MNC as a Graphic Designer in January 2007. There, I received my payslips, PF, and all. After being formally relieved from that company (received a service letter), I joined as a web designer in July 2008 with another small company (not registered) that is run by my friend. Since we are close friends, I worked for him, and he used to pay me Rs. 16,600 per month in cash, without any payslips, ESI, or PF contributions. Initially, I did not pay much attention to the formalities of payslips and such.

However, now he is unable to afford to keep me, and he wants me to find another job. I am currently searching for a new job and attending interviews. Some companies are requesting recent payslips, mentioning background verification processes.

Alternative to Providing Payslips

Is there an alternative to providing payslips? I feel helpless now. What should I do?

Experience Certificate and Supporting Documents

As explained by you, since the documents are not in place, please ask your friend to write an experience certificate for you on the company letterhead with a seal/stamp, including the role, designation, salary drawn, and date of joining. Request him to mention the projects you have managed so far. A duplicate copy of this document with all these details needs to be maintained by your friend for future reference.

As the company may close down, please do carry a supporting document as proof of the registration under the shops and establishment and other legal guidance maintained by this company.

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Hi, I started my career with an MNC as a Graphic Designer in January 2007. There, I received my payslips, PF, and all other necessary documents. After being formally relieved from that company (and receiving a service letter), I joined as a web designer in July 2008 with another small, unregistered company run by my friend. Since we are close friends, I worked for him, and he used to pay me Rs.16,600 per month in cash (without payslips, ESI, or PF). Initially, I did not pay much attention to the formalities of payslips and other paperwork.

However, now he cannot afford to keep me, and he wants me to look for another job. I am currently searching for jobs and attending interviews, but some companies are asking for recent payslips, and others are conducting background verifications. Is there any alternative to providing payslips? I am feeling helpless at the moment. What should I do?

Dear Lingm, you mentioned that it is your friend's company. You should not have any issues getting a payslip. Inform the interview panel that your company is not registered and that you are paid in cash. There is no need to worry about background verification as it would not yield a negative result.

All these details in the interview would typically come up during the final personal round with the HR department, after you have successfully cleared your technical rounds. This indicates that you have passed the technical evaluation conducted by the new employer. Therefore, there is no need to worry about something that can be resolved quickly.

Good luck!

Issue with Foreign Company and Lack of Payslips

I worked for a foreign company that is not registered in India. They are not providing payslips due to not being registered in India. I asked them for a reference letter explaining why they are not providing payslips to Indian employees. The company deactivated their email and Skype, making it impossible to communicate with them. I literally begged for my documents, but they are not responding. Instead, they provided me with professional relieving and experience letters. I have never seen such informal letters from an IT company.

Current Situation and Seeking Advice

I have now got a new job at TCS. What should I do now? Please help me figure out how to resolve this situation.

Creating Payslips in Excel

It is your friend's company. So, what stops him from making the relevant documents for you? Why can't he just create a payslip? It's easy to do so in Excel.

Apart from the valuable feedback given by other colleagues, please consider the following suggestion:

Understanding Pay Slips

A pay slip is a document that depicts the detailed numerical breakdown of the salary earned under each head/component, such as Gross Salary, and shows the details of various deductions, leading to the Net Salary.

Alternative Documents to Pay Slips

In the absence of a salary slip, the best option is to obtain Form 16 under the Income Tax Act, which shows the details of the Gross Salary in a quick manner. Form 26A under the IT Act is also an option to present to your prospective employers.

All the best, God bless.

Regards, Dr. P. SIVAKUMAR

Doctor Siva Global HR

Tamil Nadu