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The Great Escape: When a Candidate Ghosts Their Old Job & Lands in Yours!

Recruiters, ever had that moment when a candidate, after clearing all interview rounds, casually drops the bomb—“Oh, by the way, I absconded from my last job.”

Cue the panic mode. Background verification issues, compliance risks, and the dreaded Double PF scenario! So, how do we handle this? Let’s break it down.

1. 🚨 Inform HR—Because Surprises Are for Birthdays, Not Hiring

Before jumping to any conclusions, loop in HR or the client. Some companies have strict policies against hiring absconders, while others may consider the case if justified. Transparency is key.

2. Double PF = Double Trouble!

If the absconded company has already created a Provident Fund (PF) account, the candidate must either close it or provide an official explanation about why they aren’t continuing with the employer.

🔹 If they absconded recently – The PF closure process is fairly simple.
🔹 If it’s been a while – It’s trickier. The old employer might not cooperate, and closing the PF could take months. Expect a compliance rollercoaster!

3. 🕵️‍♂️ Sherlock Mode: Ask the Right Questions Early

Don't wait until the final stage to uncover this mess. In the initial screening call itself, ask:

✔️ “Did you properly exit your last job?”
✔️ “Did you serve notice or just... vanish?”
✔️ “Any HR clearance issues?”
✔️ “What’s the status of your PF and relieving letter?”

A little detective work upfront can save major recruitment headaches later.

4. Play It Safe—Know When to Walk Away

Hiring absconders isn’t always a dealbreaker, but assess the risk:
✅ If they have a genuine reason and are cooperating → Maybe worth considering.
❌ If they’re dodgy, inconsistent, or clueless → 🚩 Major red flag! If they ghosted one company, what’s stopping them from ghosting yours?

Final Takeaway:

🎯 Trust, but verify. A little extra effort now can save you compliance nightmares, payroll chaos, and embarrassing HR mishaps.

Stay sharp, recruiters! 🚀


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