Facing a Background Check Dilemma: How to Handle Missing Employment Details from 2006?

I started my career in 2005 with a small company "A" in Gurgaon. I worked there for 11 months. Since the salary was quite low, I maintained a very low profile, living in others' rented houses without a proper rent agreement. During my 11-month stay in Gurgaon, I lived at six to seven different addresses. I don't remember all the addresses, and some places have changed significantly. I haven't returned to Gurgaon since 2006. However, my relieving letter does have the Gurgaon address from when I was about to join company "A."

In 2006, I joined an MNC in Bangalore, and since then, my addresses have been up to date. Since 2006, I have worked in companies B, C, D, E, and D again. Yes, I rejoined company "D" and have been working there for the last three years. During my first term at company "D" in 2014, I included my experience at company "A" on my resume (I have all valid documents). On behalf of company "D," I worked with a large investment bank, let's say JP Morgan. During onboarding, I provided all documents starting from companies A, B, and C. They asked for the last 7 years' addresses (from 2008), which I provided.

In 2016, I left company "D" and joined company "E," and in 2018, I left "E" and rejoined company "D." When I rejoined company "D," I stopped showing experience from "A" as it was a small company that had closed, and I faced issues finding previous managers/HR details. To overcome these issues, I stopped showing company "A." At company "D," I started working for another investment bank (let's say Goldman Sachs). Documents were submitted as per my resume, and background verification (BGV) was conducted both at company "D" and Goldman Sachs. BGV for companies B, C, D, and E was done properly. They asked for the last 7 years' addresses, which I provided, and the BGV was satisfactory.

Recently, the Goldman Sachs project closed, and now I am about to join a project with the previous investment bank (JP Morgan). This time, JP Morgan asked for addresses since my birth date. Now, I have a dilemma. I have stopped showing company "A," and I don't have the Gurgaon address from 2006. So, I uploaded previous company documents from B, C, D, and E and provided all correct addresses except for the address during company "A" (in 2006). I have shown my hometown address for that time. BGV is being done by KGPM on behalf of JP Morgan, and they are asking to upload experience letters from Company "A," which I haven't shown on my resume.

Also, this company is not listed among my previous employers. I think they are matching my employment history in their previous database, where they might have found the experience from employer "A." Now, if I provide experience letters from company "A," it will contradict my address from 2006 (which I have shown as my hometown). I don't know what to do in this case. If I do not provide documents from company "A," my BGV will be negative, and if I provide documents, the address will contradict, as in 2006, I have shown my hometown address, which could lead to a negative BGV. Kindly let me know what I should do. Should I resign before my BGV result comes and before getting terminated or being asked to resign? I am getting nightmares; kindly provide your suggestions.

Location: Pune, India
Tags: employment history, background verification, rent agreement, verification issue, investment bank, Country-India

Considering the complex situation you are facing with the background verification process and the dilemma regarding the documentation of your first employer, here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Review Company Policies: Firstly, review the policies of JP Morgan regarding background verification and document submission. Understanding their specific requirements can help you navigate the situation more effectively.

2. Consult with HR: Reach out to the HR department of JP Morgan and explain your situation candidly. Seek guidance on how to proceed with the background verification process while addressing the discrepancies in your employment history.

3. Provide Explanation Letter: Consider drafting a detailed explanation letter clarifying the reasons for the discrepancies in your employment history. Clearly outline the circumstances that led to the omission of Company "A" and the address discrepancy during 2006.

4. Be Transparent: Transparency is key in such situations. It's essential to be honest and forthcoming about the challenges you faced in providing accurate information. Highlight your willingness to cooperate and rectify any misunderstandings.

5. Offer Alternative Documentation: If you are unable to provide specific documents related to Company "A" or the 2006 address, offer alternative proof of your employment during that period. This could include any relevant emails, communication records, or any other supporting evidence.

6. Seek Legal Advice: If the situation escalates and you feel overwhelmed, consider seeking legal advice from a professional specializing in labor laws or employee rights. They can provide you with valuable insights on how to protect your interests.

7. Stay Proactive: Instead of resigning preemptively, stay proactive in addressing the issue with JP Morgan. Resigning may not necessarily resolve the background verification concerns and could potentially impact your future job prospects.

8. Remain Professional: Throughout the process, maintain a professional demeanor and demonstrate your commitment to resolving the matter amicably. Clear communication and a cooperative attitude can go a long way in mitigating any negative implications.

By following these steps and actively engaging with the relevant stakeholders, you can navigate the background verification issue effectively and work towards a satisfactory resolution.