Employment history questions

[lacanada]

Hi everyone,

I am applying under "Skilled Worker" category. While I am filling out application, I notice that the paperwork requirement for "Employment History" is quite stringent:

1. Employment Contracts. I have had several positions with large and small US companies, but I never had a contract with them. What should I submit then?

2. Reference letters... Official company seal is required. But US companies usually just have HR official's signature. Is that enough? Signing person's business card is also needed, is it OK just to list his contact information at the bottom of the letter?

3. ...from past and present employers. One of my past employers was a start-up company in Silicon Valley. The comany went bust and no longer exist. It is quite difficult to find former company officials. How should I present this?

4. Non-paid period. I started a company with a few partners over 2 years ago. The first 14 months we were raising funds so none of us got paid. Only after the first VC money came in did we start to get officially paid. Can I still count the first 14 months as legally employed though?

Please provide some input. Thanks a lot!

 

[MOCKBA]

Well, I was documenting my employment for Quebec, which is a bit different, but generally, anytime I didn't have any letter or whatever from the company I substituted it with W-2s for years I worked for the company. It did work and nobody asked any questions once I outlined that for such and such I cannot provide any references because the company nor longer exists, but attached please find W-2 statements...