Navigating Job Termination: How to Positively Explain It in Interviews and Handle Missing Documents

Written on: 1st June '21. Work experience: 1.5 years Industry: IT (Data Science) Analytics Firm Location: Bengaluru, India

I was terminated via PIP for performance reasons around the 2nd weekend of May '21 from an IT company in India. There was no notice period. On inquiring about documents, they told me that they will provide relieving letters, etc., on 1st August '21. Is this normal? I feel it's too long. I want to clarify these things:

Explaining Lack of Relieving Letter

1. Let's say that I get an offer from a firm before 1st August. How do I explain that I haven't received the relieving letter from another HR? Will the offer be rescinded?

Discussing Termination Positively in Interviews

2. How do I explain in a positive note about termination in an interview? Will it come up in references? By the way, what do they even ask in references?

Perception of Terminated Employees in Interviews

3. How are terminated employees seen/perceived in interviews in India? (Generally)

Dear Rajnish Singh,

The replies to your questions are as below:

1. Explaining the absence of a relieving letter

Let's say that I get an offer from a firm before 1st August. How do I explain that I haven't received the relieving letter from another HR? Will the offer be rescinded?

Reply: A hard copy of the relieving letter acts as evidence of employment in the previous company. If the candidate does not possess a valid relieving letter, then doubts may be raised about the candidate's employment history.

2. Discussing termination in an interview

How do I explain termination in a positive note during an interview? Will it come up in references? By the way, what do they even ask in references?

Reply: Termination of employment generally occurs on a negative note, and it is challenging to present it positively. Yes, a reference check will be conducted to verify whether the candidate worked in the company.

3. Perception of terminated employees in interviews in India

How are terminated employees seen/perceived in interviews in India? (Generally)

Reply: If a job candidate was terminated due to poor performance, their candidature might be viewed with skepticism. Generally, there is a perception that hiring such a candidate lacks rationale.

Final Comments

I recommend you approach your previous employer and request the issuance of the "Relieving-cum-Experience Certificate." You may inform them that you have already been penalized for underperformance. Withholding the relieving letter would be an additional punishment that could hinder your future job opportunities. Secondly, "underperformance," though a form of misconduct, is not an offense. Therefore, request a neutral certificate without any adverse remarks.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

On including my previous manager (along with the HR team for response):

Got the response via email stating that they will send "FnF" (Full and Final settlement) today (30th Jun '21) and a relieving letter by the 10th of next month.

After receiving the relieving letter, I will be informed of the FnF breakup and final month payslips.

It seems okay. Just wanted to clarify that.