Worried About Background Checks? How to Handle Unregistered Startup Experience

Recently, I applied for a job in a company wherein I mentioned that I had worked for a company for six months at the beginning of my career—which is true. However, the company was a startup and it was unregistered. We worked under a guy who used to pass on freelancing work to us.

I mentioned to the HR that I will only be able to provide them with the experience certificate and no proof of receipt of salary. Will this create a problem during a background check? I have already informed them that it was a startup but have not mentioned that it was unregistered as I also got to know about the same.

This shouldn't affect the BGV. Yet to be on a safer side in the future, just mention that you were freelancing.

Thank you for your time in responding. Generally, how does the system work? I am aware that background checks can have serious consequences for an individual's career if any issues arise. In my case, I have been honest and have not lied. However, I am apprehensive about how the company may perceive it. I am uncertain if they would consider it forgery, especially considering the company is not registered. It is common for startups to operate in this manner due to the high cost of registration. I am seeking further insight on this matter.

I have already joined the organization and have informed project managers and HR personnel about this situation twice via email. I did not mention the fact that the company is unregistered as I was unaware of it at the time.

Regards,

Company would term it as forgery if you had lied about your experience and created fake certificates to substantiate the same. To be more precise, with the advent of technology, the world has indeed become very transparent and small; this makes it easier for agencies or employers.

Hello Rahul, so even after informing the HR (in writing) prior to my employment, will it be considered forgery? I legitimately received the experience letter from the owner of the company.

In my case:

1. I already informed them that it was a startup and I cannot provide any payment proof as the mode of payment was in cash.
2. I informed them that I can only provide the experience certificate from the employer and nothing more.
3. I looped in project managers in this email before even receiving the offer letter.
4. I clearly stated that it was a small tech startup and there was no employee code that I had during my tenure.
5. I clearly mentioned that the startup was unsuccessful and has now been closed.

Note: All this information was presented even before receiving the offer letter. There was no forgery of documents. Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Additionally,

The work experience was only 5 months. I asked them if they could not consider this as valid experience, they must process my application excluding this work experience.

Regards,