Facing Career Roadblocks Due to Missing Relieving Letter: How Can I Move Forward?

Issue with Relieving Letter from Past Employer

One of my past employers has not given me a relieving letter because I did not serve the complete notice period. My experience at that company was extremely difficult, and I was so frustrated that I left without completing the exit formalities. It was early in my career, and I did not understand the importance of a relieving letter or other professional documents. I worked there for 1.5 years.

After leaving, I joined two other companies, informing them in advance that I did not have a relieving letter from the previous company. Now, I want to secure a job in an MNC, and I am aware that I will need to submit all the relieving letters for background verification. Given that background verification processes are typically very strict, it seems like my entire career is at risk. Despite being highly skilled and knowledgeable in my field, this obstacle is hindering my progress.

Seeking Solutions and Opportunities

I am seeking a solution to this situation. Will I ever have the opportunity to work in a large organization, or am I limited to small firms? Can I use the experience gained in one of my friend's companies instead of the one where I faced issues? I have already requested my previous employer to issue me a relieving letter, but it appears they are seeking revenge.

Do not get panicky. True CV is the best answer. How many years have you worked? Give whatever documents you have and which are asked by the MNC. MNCs do understand that many small companies do create problems for employees due to a lack of proper HR advice. Have you got other relieving documents from other companies? If the selection is confirmed from MNC, you can even opt to buy out the notice period from that troublesome employer.

Thank you, Nathrao, for replying. I have 6 years of experience in total. I worked in that company for 1.5 years. I have all the documents from my other employers.

1st employer (6 months): Company A: I have all documents.

2nd employer (1.5 years): that troublesome employer: Joining letter, no salary slips as it was a very small firm (5 people), no relieving letter.

3rd employer (1 year): Company A (I rejoined there): I have all documents.

4th employer (3 years): Company B (Current company): Will have all documents from here as well. I have made a request to buy out the notice period and also 'additional' money to that troublesome employer. But he does not want to give me a relieving letter in any situation.

Do not worry. Tell your MNC that the employer is not providing documentation despite a willingness to pay in lieu of the notice period. As I mentioned, many smaller companies do not provide all documentation. You can mention that even salary slips were not being given.

Thank you for your support and suggestions. However, I still don't feel solace, as I know that as part of their procedure, MNCs just don't proceed further if any documents are missing (BGV comes later in the process). Does anybody have any examples of cases where the employee's goodwill was considered? (After all, everybody knows that such companies do exist in the Indian IT industry.)

I feel that such small companies are ruining a lot of people's lives by treating them like slaves and blackmailing them about the documentation. There should be some statutory rule to alleviate such malpractice and inhuman activity.

The Importance of a Relieving Letter

During the initial part of my career, I worked in small firms for career growth, sustenance, and income for survival. You can use the sentence above to convey this message. I know this because I once worked in such a setting. After learning about the dark secrets of the Indian industry, I insist on having a relieving letter wherever I go.

Steps to Obtain a Relieving Letter

My suggestion is that despite the above statement, if your current HR department refuses to proceed with the process, you should contact your previous HR manager and firmly request a relieving letter. Stand your ground; it is your right, brother.

Your career is not doomed. Don't worry. Just tell the truth to your new employer. Mention the experience in the resume. Tell the interviewer that it was a very small firm with 5 people; they didn't provide pay slips or a relieving letter. You have documents for other companies, so no worries. Never show fake experience from your friend's company. It will only compound the problem at a later date.

Do not worry. Panicking does no good.

Towards the end of the interview with your prospective employer, mention the issue regarding the relieving letter to the HR personnel or talent manager. Believe me, employers need a good candidate as much as you require this job. So do not sound helpless, just be clear and confident, and nobody can stop you! Good luck with your job search!