I'm currently navigating a tricky situation with my resume and background verification as I look to switch jobs in digital marketing. I have over 5 years of experience, with my current role being a full-time position at a product company since February 2023. This job is fully documented with a proper salary account and all the necessary paperwork like PF and relieving letters. My current package is around 4 LPA. However, I have a 2.5-year gap in my early career from September 2020 to February 2023 where I worked at several small agencies and D2C setups, but those roles were paid in cash. Unfortunately, I don't have any official documentation or good references from those jobs, as I left on bad terms. To address this on my resume, I'm considering consolidating that 2.5-year period and presenting it as "Freelance Digital Marketing & Design Consultant." I have a few questions about this approach: 1. Is this framing as Freelance a safe way to avoid issues with background verification? 2. If a potential employer asks for proof of my freelance work, will a portfolio of my projects be enough? 3. When it comes to salary negotiations, will HR consider my total 5 years of experience (2.5 years freelance + 2.5 years corporate), or will they focus only on the corporate experience? I'm eager to hear from anyone who has faced a similar situation or from HR professionals who can shed light on how this is typically viewed during hiring.
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