Navigating Overlapping Employment Records: Will It Affect My Job Hunt in India?

I joined Company A in Oct-2011 with an onsite project outside India, and I was sent immediately after joining but had to come back within a couple of weeks because the project was canceled. I had joined this company since it was a long-term onsite opportunity where I could take my family along and ease out my financial burden. However, since the project was canceled, it shattered my dreams, and I was on the bench afterward. There was nothing in terms of pipeline projects that I could foresee.

Within two months, I started looking out and got an offer from Company B, which I had been seeking for a long time. It was a job with a permanent position abroad and a very handsome salary. But there was a glitch – they wanted me to join immediately.

I resigned from Company A on 21st December and requested to be relieved by 31st December as I had to join Company B on 4th Jan. However, Company A refused and insisted on a 3-month official notice period without the option of buying it out.

Company B was fine with hiring me without Company A's relieving letter, so I had no other choice but to join Company B. Since I was on the bench and not required to report to the office at Company A, I took this step to join Company B.

During the three-month notice period, I was paid by Company A and received the relieving letter while sitting on the bench without reporting to the office.

As a result, I now have overlapping employment records as follows:
Company A - Oct 2011 to March 2012
Company B - Jan 2012 to the current date

I am planning to start looking for jobs in India. Will the overlapping employment records cause issues for me in new companies? Should I omit the experience from Company A since it was only for a few months? Your advice on this matter will be appreciated.

It won't bother companies if it is a few months and the reason is acceptable. You have to explain it to HR after you get selected. They will adjust accordingly.

Thanks,

Personal Views on Early Release During Bench Period

Generally, an employee who is on the bench can request an early release. The company, upon mutual agreement and after considering the short notice pay as per the policy, can relieve the employee earlier. The company also saves on the salary that would be paid to the employee for 3 months (in your case).

However, there must be a strong reason if the company has not relieved you during your bench period; otherwise, why would any company pay an employee for 3 months without requiring them to report to the office?

Thank you, Amit, for your update. I had requested an early release when I resigned, but the company insisted on serving the notice period without a payout option. They did not provide a specific reason and mentioned it was company policy. I was surprised and had no choice but to join a new company to avoid losing that opportunity.

Given that this is a genuine reason, and I do not want to hide any employment record when I join a new company in the future, my question is: will it be a problem (overlapping employment records)? I appreciate your suggestions. Thank you for your help.

Hey, I am in a similar situation. Could you please suggest what happened with you? Did you face any problems?