Struggling to Explain a Resume Gap Due to Unpaid Fees: How Can I Convince Employers?

I did my MSc in International Business from the UK. I am a complete fresher. I went to the UK in September 2008. I could not complete my master's due to some financial problems, so I came back to India in September 2009 and then completed my master's from here. My results were out in December 2010. Due to my pending second-term fees, my university did not release my certificate and transcript. Somehow, I managed to pay my pending fees, and I got my documents a few days back. I went for interviews with 3-4 companies. I explained everything about the gap in my resume. I don't know why they are not convinced. If any HR or seniors are going through this thread, please help me. I'll be really thankful. Please

Gaps in the resume are nothing out of the world! But even in this post, your reason for not being able to complete a master's in the UK is "some financial problem." This could be genuine, and I am not being judgmental about it, but look at it this way.

In India, there are educational loans sanctioned by nationalized banks on fairly reasonable terms, and generally, there is a time of six months to one year before the repayment has to start. Till that time, the borrower is required to pay only simple interest. Details aside, everyone here knows this and is likely to find even genuine reasons put across by you to be suspect! The interviewer won't say so, and you probably won't realize the extent to which you must elaborate on your genuine reasons. This would adversely affect the outcome of the interview without knowing what went wrong!

Understanding Comprehension, Conviction, and Acceptance

Then I would like you to appreciate the difference between comprehension, conviction, and acceptance of a fact being put across. All interviewers are not necessarily experts in mind-reading or even in effective communication. The candidate has to be very careful in ensuring that his message gets across, is understood, and usually accepted to be genuine. Even if that happens, there could be many reasons that the outcome of the interview may not be in your favor.

If the presentation of the candidate or his answers or arguments is "perceived" to be "made up or fabricated," the candidate lands in trouble. Building credibility in all interactions and especially in interviews is unavoidable for success!

I am NOT going deeper into your situation but am only presenting probable reasons and hope these are meaningful to your situation. You are free to raise more questions if you like!

Regards,
Samvedan

Thank you, sir, for your reply. I understand your point to some extent, but do I need to explain in detail what happened to me with the interviewer? I did not apply for a 100% loan for fee payment. I applied for only 50%, and my father was supposed to manage the rest of the 50% in the second half of my term, but everything went wrong. I am really scared because it's high time I should get a job. A few people recommended that I show fake experience for that specific period, but I believe I shouldn't get into all this mess. Why should I present them with fake certificates if I am not wrong anywhere? At the same time, I desperately need a job. Once again, thank you, sir.

Hello, you are already facing a tough situation explaining the "gap/s" in your resume! Now, you should not resort to faking experience, etc. You are quite right about it. Going from a tough situation to resorting to faking is like inviting trouble sooner rather than later. Reference checks will expose you in no time. Going from "frying pan to fire" is not a pleasant journey at all!

Even with your present response, I remain unclear. Is it that you had a quarrel with someone, or did the bank refuse to grant/release the second installment of the loan? What were the terms of the loan? Perhaps I might be able to help you formulate a response and a strategy on this issue without being dishonest about the facts and yet presenting the facts transparently to convince the interviewer. He may not select you still for reasons other than an "unconvincing explanation about the UK episode."

I feel that unless this hurdle is properly handled, your employment will remain uncertain. At the beginning of a career, honesty and transparency will lay a good and strong foundation for your career and future. We must think of a plan that has a better probability to succeed.

Please think about it in your own interest!

Regards,
Samvedan

June 9, 2011

Thank you once again, sir. My total fees were around 12 lakhs, and I applied for a loan of 6 lakhs. The rest of the amount was supposed to be arranged by my dad around January 2009. At the same time, my elder sister got married in February 2009. Every plan went for a toss then. After that, we could not even manage a loan from anywhere because we already have a housing loan, and then for my sister's marriage, he took a personal loan. I was left with no money. I somehow managed to appear for all my written tests by working part-time in the UK in a departmental store because I thought it's better to clear all written tests. If I go back to India sooner or later, I can submit my assignments and dissertation from there. My dad used to send me money when I was in the UK at regular intervals of 2-3 months for my accommodation and living expenses, but a major part of it got used in my sister's marriage. It was very difficult for me there, so I came back to India in September 2009.