Worried About Background Checks? How to Handle Undisclosed Work Experience When Job Hunting

Hi, I have a total of 6 years of experience: 3 years at ABC Company (my first company) and 3 years at XYZ Company (my second company, a small firm with no PF deduction). At my current company, MNO, I have only shown 3 years of experience from ABC and have not disclosed my experience at XYZ for certain reasons.

Now, I have 1 year of experience at MNO. In reality, I have 7 years of experience, but since I excluded the experience from XYZ when applying to MNO, my experience is considered to be 4 years. For my next job, I want to show all 7 years of experience from ABC, XYZ, and MNO. Will there be any problem with background verification since my current employer, MNO, only knows about ABC Company? Please help, as I am very worried about it.

Dear Colleague,

I understood the essence of your query. It is important to note that when applying for a job at any company, it is advisable not to conceal any information. Everything should be clearly articulated in black and white, reflecting values and ethics. However, what is done cannot be undone. If your current HR department understands the error, it can be rectified promptly. From your message, it seems there were no other intentions. At some point, this discrepancy needs correction to prevent it from persisting as you progress in your career. While this is merely a suggestion, the decision rests with you. No one is better suited to advise on such matters.

It is essential that when transitioning to a new job, you transparently list all previous employments in chronological order on your CV. During HR interviews, openly explain any gaps, such as the missing three years, citing the reasons. This approach ensures clarity and peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on your profession. Seek advice from trusted HR contacts before proceeding. Everyone makes mistakes, and as long as intentions are pure, there should be no cause for concern.

Best wishes and God Bless,

Dr. P. Sivakumar
Dr. SIVAGLOBAL HR
Tamil Nadu

Background verification process

Background verification involves confirming the details provided by the new employee. It shouldn't be a problem in background verification. The HR team can contact the previous HR manager to ensure that the details provided are valid.

Importance of accurate information

Background verification is essential for validating the details provided. If you have mentioned your experience in your resume, ensure that you provide the HR team's details for the forthcoming company to validate the information provided.

Background Verification

Background verification is a critical process when applying for a new job. It involves checking the authenticity of the information provided by a candidate, including their work experience. In your case, you have a total of 7 years of experience, but your current employer, MNO, is only aware of your 3 years at ABC company. Since you did not disclose your 3 years at XYZ company to MNO, there could be discrepancies during the background verification for your next job.

To address this, you should consider the following steps:

1. **Prepare Documentation:** Ensure you have all the necessary documents to prove your employment at XYZ company, even if it was a small firm without PF deductions.

2. **Be Transparent:** When applying for your next job, be transparent about your entire work history, including the time spent at XYZ company.

3. **Explain the Situation:** If asked, be ready to explain why you initially chose not to disclose your experience at XYZ company to MNO.

4. **Consult with HR:** If possible, consult with an HR professional for advice on how to present your work history accurately.

By taking these steps, you can mitigate potential issues during the background verification process and present a complete and honest account of your work experience.