Worried About Background Checks After My First Company Became Pvt Ltd? Need Advice!

Hi friends, I am a software developer with almost 5 years of experience, currently working in one of the oldest MNCs. This is my third company. My first company, a startup, where I worked for slightly more than 2 years, has recently turned into a private limited company. When I used to work there, it wasn't Pvt Ltd, just the name e.g., Some Solutions.

Recently, I checked their website and saw that they have added Pvt Ltd as a suffix to the company name and are now showing the date of incorporation as Dec 2011. I was shocked to see that.

Concerns About Background Checks

My concern is if I move to another MNC, would there be any problem in the background check. I have already been verified more than twice by my previous employers without any issues. But since my first company has obtained the status as Pvt Ltd and the date of incorporation, I am very worried.

I have an offer from one of the biggest Indian MNCs (which is unfortunately obsessed with BV/BC). Please advise on the next course of action. Should I speak to HR, or should I wait to see if there's really a problem? From my first company, I have these documents: offer letter, salary slip, and relieving letter - that's it.

Please shed some light and help me get through this embarrassing situation.

Sincerely,

Arvind Makrand

Dear Arvind,

In our opinion, you should first speak to the HR of the company from where you received the offer. This is important because once you leave your current organization, if the background verification or background check (assuming that the BV/BC report comes after joining, as is the case in many organizations) in the new organization is negative, you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

However, apart from the documents you already possess, you must have or can obtain your bank statements showing your salary coming from a specific organization (regardless of it changing into a private limited company). This should serve as sufficient proof that you indeed worked there. Moreover, since the company you worked for was likely a proprietorship or partnership firm that later transitioned into a private limited company, the incorporation date should not create a significant issue.

Our advice is to talk to the HR, have your bank statements ready, and stay courageous.

Regards,
Team GroupHR

That's where I fall weak since the salary was paid in cash rather than by cheque or bank account. In fact, I was not even in the taxable income range, so I don't have any tax documents as well. However, I have a Form-16, which I managed to obtain through repetitive requests, although I doubt its veracity.

Also, there were some 15-20 employees at that time when I was working there. I am trying to get in contact with them to know how they are managing this situation.

Anyways, thanks to GroupHR for taking the time to respond to my query. I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Arvind Makrand

Like Team GroupHR mentioned, don't be worried about the Date of Incorporation—that's the date when it became a Private Limited Company. You mentioned that the number of employees when you worked there was 15-20. So, mostly you must be knowing the Head of the company—unless the management changed later. Just try to contact him/her with all your available documents—I don't think it will be a problem. Usually, Company Heads would be happy to meet old employees [unless your exit wasn't smooth], especially those who have moved up the corporate ladder like you.

In case the management also changed, then talk to & meet the present HR head—there shouldn't be much of a problem.

All the Best.

Regards,
TS

Thank you very much for your valuable response. My exit was smooth, so contacting the company will not be a problem. I can contact them in case of any issue. You all have cleared my doubt, and I am relieved now.

Once again, thank you all for responding to my query.

CiteHR rocks!!! :)

Regards,
Arvind