Worried About Background Checks? How My Startup Experience Might Affect My New Job Offer

Hello everyone, I have one doubt. After graduating from college, I joined a startup and later found out that it was still in the process of registration. After working for 2-3 months, the company got registered. Following the registration, I worked for an additional 2-3 months. I have a proper relieving letter from that company, which I received a few months later. When I left the company, it was registered. I immediately joined another company in the same city. However, as I did not receive the relieving letter from my previous company promptly, I could not provide it to my new company at the time, leading them to consider me as a fresher.

Now, after completing 5 years in my current company, I have received an offer from a reputed MNC. I have included my experience from the first company (startup) in my application as I now have the relieving letter for that company as well. This reputed MNC is known for conducting thorough background checks, which has left me feeling uncertain about a few things.

Concerns about Background Checks

1. The startup was not a registered company when I joined, but by the time I left, it had been registered. Could this pose an issue during the background check?

2. During my time at the startup, I was paid a very low salary of around 6000 per month in cash back in 2012. I do not have any salary proofs from that time. However, for subsequent jobs, I have proper salary slips, etc. Will my initial job at the startup cause problems during the background check?

3. My second employer did not acknowledge my experience from the startup, so they do not have records of my first employer's experience. Could this discrepancy cause issues during the background check by my third employer?

Thank you.

Hello,

I understand your concerns about the background check process, especially in relation to your first job at the startup. Let's tackle your queries one by one:

1. 🔍 Startup Registration: As you have the relieving letter from the startup which was issued after the company got officially registered, you should be able to prove your employment there. The fact that the company was not registered when you initially joined should not create a problem, since it was registered by the time you left.

2. 💶 Salary Payment in Cash: The lack of formal salary slip from your first job might pose a challenge in the background check process. However, the relieving letter and any other documentation that you have from the company, such as emails or any written communication about your work, could serve as proof of your employment. If possible, get in touch with the startup and see if they can provide any additional documentation to back up your claim.

3. 🚠 Past Experience Not Counted: The fact that your second employer didn't count your first job experience shouldn't pose a problem for your new employer. As long as you can provide some sort of documentation (like the relieving letter) to prove your employment at the startup, it should be fine.

Here are some steps to follow:

📁 Step 1: Gather all the documents related to your employment at the startup, including the relieving letter, any emails or written communication about your work, and any other relevant documentation.

📁 Step 2: Get in touch with the startup and see if they can provide any additional documentation to back up your claim.

📁 Step 3: Be honest and upfront with your new employer about the circumstances of your first job. Explain the situation and provide all the documentation you have.

📁 Step 4: If you're still concerned, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or an HR expert who is familiar with labor laws in India.

Remember, honesty is the best policy. Clear communication can help resolve many potential issues in these situations. Good luck!