Facing a Job Overlap: Will a 2-3 Day Gap Affect My Background Check? Need Advice!

I hope you are doing well. It's a genuine issue facing real-time. I have a question. Currently, I'm working for ABC Company, right now in the notice period for 30 days ending on the 31st of October. However, at the same time, I tried for another company, went through the interview, got selected, and they gave me the joining date of the 29th of October. This means there is a 2 to 3 days difference in moving from my old company to the new company. My HR manager told me there could be a background verification issue. Is that correct? If there is a problem, what kind of issues will arise, and how to overcome them? Please suggest to me how to get out of this problem. I need your help, guys. It's really a big problem for me now. If any senior HR in this community needs suggestions. Regards

First of all, congratulations on the new job. Coming to the issue that you are facing, the notice period that you are not serving is only 3 days. This doesn't actually become a problem in most cases. Your HR manager is unnecessarily threatening you regarding the same. In background verification, issues related to employee performance and their relationship with their team and management are generally checked. Additionally, some HR personnel may also try to determine how regular you were in your attendance while working.

So, you need not worry about this. Mostly, your seniors and colleagues are the ones who are contacted for this information. Therefore, you can check with them and inform them about the situation. The HR department is only contacted to inquire about issues such as your regularity and work tenure, which are not directly related to the 3 days of notice period you missed.

Overall, there is no need to worry if you have been honest in your responsibilities and sincere with your job, as this will determine the kind of reviews provided during the background verification.

Do inform the HR department of the company you are joining about the 3 days you are short in the notice period and inquire if they can postpone your date of joining to 1st November. This simple action can resolve the issue you anticipate facing. Generally, 3 days should not be a significant problem for the new company. See if this adjustment can be made.

Best regards,

Nisha

Thank you so much for the information, Nisha. I will speak to the new company's HR to see what can be done.

Question About Previous Work Experience

I have another question: I have worked with two companies before my current one, and the upcoming one will be my fourth. If I choose not to disclose my experience with my first company due to certain overwork experience issues, could this decision lead to significant problems? Will the new company thoroughly investigate my background, including details I have not provided? Could you please explain if there are any potential issues related to this situation?

Dear Suriarya,

Most companies conduct background verification up to the last two companies. So, if you do not want to show the work experience of your first company, I do not foresee any trouble in that. Even if you do not want to show the experience of your first company, it will not affect your continuity of service as you can show your second company as your first company. So, relax and start your new job. Best of luck.

Regards,

Transparency and Preparedness in Job Transitions

Never hide anything, but be smart enough to keep the answers ready. If your new company finds out that you have not disclosed a vital fact, you will lose credibility and may even lose the job during the probationary period itself. These days, it is easy for HR managers to do a thorough verification. Just tell the truth and relax. Do not live in fear.

Because you are under the notice period up to 31st October, you cannot join another company on 29th October without properly obtaining relief orders from your present employer. You can request your new employer, explaining the circumstances and notice period, to grant permission to join on 1st November instead of 29th October. Generally, any company will accept such requests. Alternatively, you can request your present company to allow you to be relieved on 28th October. After receiving written relief orders, you can then join your new company on 29th October by presenting the relief orders. Both methods can be followed.

Transparency in Professional Details

Regarding your second point, it is not appropriate to conceal your past service details from your new employer as it goes against good professional culture. You should provide all your biodata with complete details of past experiences in various companies and maintain transparency in your dealings. This approach will enhance your professional skills. Professionals should demonstrate integrity and consistency in their service matters for better future prospects.

Regards,
Suri Babu Komakula

Completely agree with the above comments. If you want to hide the first work experience, then it never poses a problem. I guess you haven't mentioned that in your resume as well. Hiding the second and third one might be a problem, though, as you will have to explain the gap period. If you have any educational degree for that gap, then it's justified; otherwise, you need to come up with a strong explanation for the same.

Background Verification and Document Submission

Now, coming to the digging about your history and geography, if you are providing all the valid documents and credentials, then this never poses a problem. Otherwise, like I said, make sure you have valid "excuses" and proofs to validate your point. And as Mr. Kant said, it's just up to the last two companies mostly. Some HRs do it till the last company only as well.

In affirmation with all the above comments, don't worry and start working with the new organization with honesty and integrity. You won't need anything else.

Best regards,
Nisha

Congratulations on the new job. I would like to suggest a few things.

You are in the notice period, and as your present company is willing to relieve you, you will have to request your present reporting manager to release you in advance, but give him/her a valid reason for your request. They will certainly oblige to do so. Worst come worst, they will make it short notice and deduct your salary for the number of days. Alternatively, you can request the new employer to give an extended date of joining. Both options will work if you give valid reasons.

Hiding information may sometimes affect you. When they check for total experience, the same may not be correct as written in your resume. When you have already worked for a 3rd or 4th company, you should not fear giving the details of the 1st company. Just remember the 1st company is very important to you as it has provided a valid break in your life. Only based on this experience are you now finding jobs. It is a request never to forget the 1st job that has given you a break.

All the best for your new venture.

Thanks and Regards,

Mahesh S

Dear Arya,

Addressing Your Concerns

Two things you have raised:

1. Joining Date of Your Prospective Employer

It is advisable to seek a marginal extension of 3-4 days and leave your current employment with a clean slate. Many employees tend to see prospective employment from their own perspective and fail to see the employer's perspective. We should accept the fact that when we take up an assignment, we agree to the terms and conditions of employment, including the Notice Period. When it comes to leaving the company, we tend to be ignorant of this.

If your prospective employer sees logic in your argument (marginal extension of 3-4 days), it may not be a big issue. If you are the best, they will get you. So be confident and get going. Moreover, it may even add value as they will recognize your commitment in your current employment. Assuming your prospective HR Manager is trying to push you hard to find out whether you would ditch your current employer without following ethics and act hastily, it could be a wrong impression. Beware!

2. Fudging Past Employment

Never ever do it in your lifetime. It will catch you unawares, as yet another HR professional, Jatinder, had pointed out. Don't live in fear. Be honest upfront and face challenges. Please note frequent job changes in your profile will also raise eyebrows of the interview panel.

Regards,
M.V. KANNAN

Taking a Declared Holiday During Notice Period

Can I take a declared holiday while in the notice period? For example, on the next 24th, our company has a holiday as per our client, but I need to work on that day as well. If I don't turn up on that day, what could be the issue? Would it mean one extra day added to my notice period?