Navigating Employment Gaps: How to Present My Co-founder and Consultant Role Without Pay?

Dear All,

I was working as a technical architect in a software company in 2021. I quit the job and decided to try something on my own, like a startup or business. At this time, I met one of my friends, who is the founder of a small software consulting and placement services company with around five members. My friend offered me the opportunity to join his company as a co-founder and consultant without any investment from me but also without pay or salary until we scaled up the company. It was a mutual understanding and verbal agreement, and I was allowed to do freelancing work.

We put a lot of effort into growing the company in 2022, but due to COVID-19 and other impacts, we were not able to scale up. Now, we have decided to part ways amicably, and I am trying to join another software company.

Queries and Advice Needed

I need your input and advice on some of my queries mentioned below.

1. Shall I mention my position as "Co-founder," "Consultant," or "Freelancer," or all three: Co-founder/Consultant/Freelancer?
2. How can I prove my role in that company since I never received a salary?
3. Other than the payslip, what documents can I provide to HR/companies to recognize my service in that company?
4. Is it okay to show it as "NOT WORKING IN 2022"?
5. Any suggestions are welcome.

I appreciate your suggestions, comments, advice, and feedback.

Thanks in Advance.

Hi, It is better to mention your past position as a Freelancer. If you state your past position as Co-Founder, there is a chance that your potential employer might perceive you differently and question your credibility in terms of your ability to perform as an employee.

Regarding proof, you could obtain a certified letter (To whomsoever it may concern) from a friend confirming your freelance work with them, including details of compensation.

I recommend avoiding stating that you are "NOT WORKING from 2022." This could lead your potential employer to believe that you have been unable to secure a job for over a year, potentially resulting in negotiations on salary or rejection of your application.

It would be more beneficial to present yourself as having worked as a Freelancer for your friend's company on an assignment basis, focusing on delivering relevant work consistently.