CHCKR - Detailed Review
Data Tools
CHCKR - Product Overview
Primary Function
Checkr is a technology-driven company that specializes in providing background check services. Its primary function is to help organizations streamline their hiring processes by offering efficient, accurate, and compliant background screening solutions.Target Audience
Checkr’s target audience is diverse and includes several key groups:Large Enterprises
These companies value efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in their screening procedures, making them ideal customers for Checkr’s technology-driven solutions.Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs)
SMBs benefit from Checkr’s user-friendly platform and customizable solutions, which are particularly appealing due to their limited resources and expertise in background checks.Recruitment Agencies
These agencies can benefit from Checkr’s streamlined background check processes and enhanced candidate screening capabilities.HR Professionals
Checkr targets HR professionals by positioning itself as a valuable partner that simplifies and improves the background check process, saving time and resources.Key Features
Checkr’s product offerings include several key features:Comprehensive Background Check Services
Checkr provides a range of background check services that can be customized according to the needs of different organizations. This includes various types of criminal record checks, motor vehicle records (MVR), and other screening services.Automated Compliance
Checkr’s compliance engine ensures that all background checks align with federal, state, and local laws, even when these laws conflict. This automated process helps in maintaining regulatory compliance.Language Normalization
Checkr has developed a language classifier to standardize the language used in background reports, making it easier for users to interpret the data.Adjudication Tools
Checkr offers tools like Assess, which help in adjudicating background check results efficiently. These tools can reduce the time and resources spent on adjudication and provide advanced analytics to predict hiring patterns and funnel impact.User-Friendly Interface
The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, replacing cumbersome adjudication matrixes with a modern UI. By focusing on these aspects, Checkr establishes itself as an authority in the employee screening domain, providing valuable resources and solutions for its target audiences. CHCKR - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
Checkr’s user interface is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. Here are some key features:
Candidate Portal
The Checkr Candidate Portal allows candidates to log in, add their information, review reports, respond to queries for supporting documentation, and find answers to their questions. This portal is optimized for viewing on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Checkr-Hosted Apply Flow
This feature issues an email invitation to candidates to enter their Personally Identifiable Information (PII), review disclosures, and grant consent to the background check process. The flow is user-friendly and accessible across various devices.
Redesigned Reports Page
Checkr has introduced a modern visual style and a more intuitive layout for their reports page. This redesign separates candidate information, screening packages, and results for better clarity. It also includes collapsible panels for supplementary information and an improved navigation system for multiple reports.
Ease of Use
Checkr is known for its ease of use:
Automated Processes
The platform automates many steps, such as sending candidates a link to input their own information, which saves time and reduces paperwork.
Quick Setup
There is no extensive setup required to get started with Checkr. Users can begin running background checks immediately after signing up.
Intuitive Navigation
The redesigned reports page and other features are designed to make it easy for users to find the information they need quickly.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience of Checkr is highly positive:
Efficiency and Speed
Checkr’s automation features and quick turnaround times (with 84% of checks completed within 24 hours or less) enhance the user experience by saving time and streamlining the hiring process.
User Feedback
The platform is continuously improved based on customer feedback, ensuring that the changes made genuinely add value to the user experience.
Support
While support reviews are mixed, Checkr offers various support options including 1-on-1 live training, self-guided online training, a knowledge base, FAQs, email support, live chat, and phone support.
In summary, Checkr’s user interface is user-friendly, efficient, and designed to simplify the background check process. The platform’s ease of use and positive user experience are highlighted by its automated features, quick setup, and continuous improvements based on user feedback.
CHCKR - Key Features and Functionality
Overview of Checkr
Checkr is a background check provider that offers a comprehensive range of features and functionalities to streamline the background check process for businesses. Below are the key features based on the available information:
Automated Background Check Process
Checkr automates many aspects of the background check process, including order placement, candidate communication, and report delivery. This automation reduces the time and effort required to manage background checks, making the process more efficient and streamlined.
Global Screening Capabilities
Checkr conducts background checks in over 200 countries, including educational, criminal, and employment verifications. This global reach is particularly beneficial for businesses hiring internationally.
Compliance Checks
Checkr offers compliance checks specific to various industries and locations. For example, in the healthcare industry, it includes checks for sanctions and exclusions required by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in the US.
Batch Processing
Checkr allows businesses to submit large volumes of background checks simultaneously through batch processing, enabling quick results for bulk hiring needs.
AI and Machine Learning Integration
Checkr uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to automate the screening process. These technologies help in sorting and assigning records to candidates quickly and accurately. The system also learns from historical data to improve its predictions over time.
Various Types of Background Checks
Criminal Background Check
Checkr searches county, state, and federal courts to check for criminal records within the last seven years.
Professional License Checks
Verifies the eligibility of a candidate’s professional credentials.
Civil Screenings
Searches county and federal court records for lawsuits involving the candidate.
Drug Testing
Offers onsite drug testing for immediate results, especially useful in areas with low clinic availability.
Healthcare Sanctions
Uses the Fraud Abuse Control Information System (FACIS) levels 1 and 3 to verify healthcare professionals.
Onsite and Live Verification
Checkr provides onsite drug testing and live online verification for candidates in certain regions, such as Wales and England, as well as Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks in Canada.
User-Friendly Interface and Self-Service Features
Checkr has a user-friendly interface that allows candidates to review and edit their information before submitting it, reducing errors and speeding up the report completion process. The platform also includes a chatbot that enables candidates to check their report status, download reports, and handle exceptions directly.
Customizable Packages and Add-ons
Employers can customize their background check packages with add-ons such as drug tests, occupational health screenings, and credit checks through the Checkr dashboard.
Integration with Other Systems
Checkr integrates with various talent acquisition and HR systems, such as Comeet, to provide an end-to-end hiring solution. This integration includes automatic triggers for background checks with built-in compliance features.
Security and Compliance
Checkr ensures high levels of security and compliance, using the highest encryption technology and complying with certified security standards like SOC 2 Type II and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. It also holds a Privacy Shield certification.
Conclusion
These features and functionalities make Checkr a comprehensive and efficient tool for businesses to conduct background checks and ensure compliance across various industries and locations.
CHCKR - Performance and Accuracy
Checkr’s Advancements in AI-Driven Background Checks
Checkr, a company specializing in personnel background checks, has made significant strides in enhancing the performance and accuracy of its AI-driven processes, particularly through the use of generative AI (genAI) and machine learning tools.Accuracy Improvements
Checkr initially used OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language model (LLM) for background checks, but it faced limitations. GPT-4 achieved an 88% accuracy rate on general background checks and only 82% on more challenging, “messy” data. To improve this, Checkr experimented with retrieval augmented generation (RAG) integrated with GPT-4, which boosted accuracy to 96% for the majority of records but dropped to 79% for the more difficult data.Transition to Small Language Models (SLMs)
The breakthrough came when Checkr switched to using a smaller, fine-tuned open-source language model (SLM), specifically the Llama-3 model with 8 billion parameters. This model achieved a 97% accuracy rate for the bulk of the data and an impressive 85% accuracy for the messy data. This approach not only improved accuracy but also reduced response times to just half a second, a significant improvement from the 15 and 7 seconds seen with GPT-4 and RAG, respectively.Cost Efficiency
The cost of fine-tuning the SLM was also significantly lower, being one-fifth of the cost associated with fine-tuning a GPT-4 model. This was facilitated by Predibase, a platform that enables easy fine-tuning and deployment of SLMs.Operational Efficiency
Checkr processes over 1.5 million background checks per month without any impact on turnaround times. The use of technology, such as smart workflows for exceptions handling, helps reduce delays caused by candidate errors or record disputes. This automation ensures that background checks are completed efficiently, even during peak hiring seasons.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While the transition to SLMs has been highly successful, there are still some challenges. For instance, even with fine-tuned models, issues such as errors and hallucinations can occur. In classification tasks, the model may generate responses not within the trained set of possible answers. However, these issues are managed by ensuring the model is trained on a specific set of responses, which helps in maintaining accuracy.Integration and Adoption
Checkr has also integrated AI tools from other providers, such as Credal, to enhance various aspects of their operations. For example, Credal’s Sales Copilot helps sales teams provide accurate information and improve conversion rates, while AI-powered performance review copilots streamline the HR process by generating consistent and meaningful feedback.Conclusion
In summary, Checkr has significantly enhanced the performance and accuracy of its background check processes by adopting and fine-tuning smaller language models, reducing costs, and improving response times. While there are still some limitations, such as potential errors and hallucinations, these are actively being addressed through continuous optimization and training. CHCKR - Pricing and Plans
Plans and Pricing
Basic Plan
- Price: $29.99 per check
- Features:
- SSN Trace
- Sex Offender Registry search
- Global Watchlist Records search
- National Criminal Records search
Essential Plan
- Price: $54.99 per check
- Features:
- All features from the Basic plan
- Unlimited County Criminal Search (some passthrough fees from county courts may apply)
- Motor Vehicle Records search (additional fee)
Professional Plan
- Price: $79.99 per check
- Features:
- All features from the Essential plan
- Education Verification (highest level)
- Employment Verification (current)
Additional Services and Fees
Passthrough Fees
- These are charges from third-party entities for record retrieval, such as state and county courts, DMVs, and various databases. Examples include US Criminal and MVR passthrough fees, PATCH fees, employment verification fees, and education verification fees.
Add-ons
- Federal Criminal Searches: $10/check
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Reports: $9.50/check
- Drug Tests: Starting at $37/test for onsite or $60/clinic-based tests
- Continuous Criminal Monitoring: $1.70/individual per month
- Professional License Verifications: $12/check
International Background Checks
- International Basic : Starting at $32/check, includes International Criminal (or Adverse Media) check and Global Watchlist Search
- International Professional: Starting at $102/check, adds Employment and Education Verification
- International Professional : Starting at $124/check, includes Identity Document Validation. Pricing varies by country
Volume Discounts
- For businesses conducting over 300 background checks annually, Checkr offers custom, discounted volume pricing. These businesses should consult directly with Checkr’s sales team for a custom quote.
Free Options
- Checkr does not offer a free version, but they do provide a free demo to show how the platform works. Additionally, new users can run their first background check free.
In summary, Checkr’s pricing is structured to be transparent and flexible, allowing businesses to select the plan that best fits their needs and budget. Each plan includes a range of background check services, with the option to add additional checks and services as required.
CHCKR - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Hiring Platforms
Checkr has partnerships with several Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and HR platforms. For instance, Checkr integrates with Greenhouse Recruiting, allowing users to order and review background checks directly from the candidate’s profile within Greenhouse. This integration is available for all Greenhouse subscription tiers and requires specific permissions for Site Admins and Job Admins.
Similarly, Checkr integrates with Workstream, enabling users to add a background check stage to their hiring process. This integration allows for automated and secure background checks without leaving the Workstream account.
Checkr also partners with JazzHR, enabling hiring managers to request and review background checks from a central location within the JazzHR platform. This integration helps protect the brand with accurate screening information.
Platform Compatibility
Checkr’s platform is highly compatible across various systems and devices. Here are some key points:
Enterprise Authentication
Checkr supports single sign-on (SSO) via prominent identity providers such as Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, and Google Auth, ensuring secure and easy access for talent teams.
Custom Roles and Permissions
The platform allows for custom roles and permissions, enabling team members to complete work relevant to their role without unnecessary data access or capabilities.
Uptime and Scalability
Checkr boasts a 99.99% uptime, processing over 3 million background checks per month. This ensures high reliability and scalability for its applications and APIs.
Device Compatibility
While specific details on device compatibility are not provided, the web-based nature of Checkr’s platform suggests that it can be accessed from any device with a modern web browser, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
In summary, Checkr integrates well with various ATS and HR platforms, enhancing the hiring process by making background checks more efficient and secure. Its compatibility with different identity providers and its high uptime ensure that it can be reliably used across different devices and systems.
CHCKR - Customer Support and Resources
Contact Methods
Online Forms
You can reach Checkr customer support through their online forms available on the “Contact Us” page of their website. This form allows you to submit questions and attach relevant documents to help resolve your issues more efficiently.
Live Chat Support
Checkr provides live chat support, accessible from the Help Center page. You need to sign in using your Dashboard credentials to connect with a live agent. This live chat is available during Checkr’s customer service hours, which are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET for customers in the United States and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET for international customers.
Email Support
For official requests and notices, you can email legal@checkr.com. Media inquiries should be directed to press@checkr.com.
Help Center and Resources
Help Center
Checkr has a comprehensive Help Center that includes articles and FAQs to address common issues. This resource can help you resolve many problems without needing to contact support directly.
Virtual Assistant
The Help Center also features a virtual assistant that can answer frequently asked questions and provide relevant information from the Help Center content.
Additional Support Channels
Social Media
Checkr is also accessible through their official social media pages, where you can reach out for support.
Headquarters
For more serious issues or if you are unable to get assistance over the phone or chat, you can visit their headquarters at One Montgomery Street, Suite 2400, San Francisco, California 94104, or another location at 120 Kearny St, San Francisco, California 94108.
Common Support Queries
Checkr’s customer support often handles queries related to updating contact information, clarifying background check results, accessing reports, account issues, payment disputes, and resolving errors in background checks.
By utilizing these various support channels and resources, Checkr aims to provide efficient and effective assistance to its customers.
CHCKR - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Efficiency and Time-Saving
Checkr significantly streamlines the background check process, reducing the end-to-end screening time by five days. This includes a three-day faster turnaround time and a two-day faster adjudication process, which helps fill revenue-producing roles more quickly.Automated Process
The platform automates 99% of background checks after data retrieval, eliminating manual bottlenecks and freeing users from manual tasks. Automated follow-ups guide candidates through the process, making it more efficient.Compliance and Accuracy
Checkr’s automations and filters help ensure decisions are more accurate, fair, and compliant. The platform reduces candidate rejection rates by up to 10% without sacrificing risk tolerance. Customers report 78% lower risk and better compliance, along with 78% improved accuracy.Integration and Scalability
Checkr integrates with over 100 applications, making it easy to incorporate into existing hiring workflows. The platform supports international screenings in over 200 countries and can handle multiple results at once.Enhanced Candidate Experience
Checkr provides multilingual candidate support and more transparent candidate communications, making it easier to collect necessary documentation and keep all parties informed throughout the background check process.Cost Savings and ROI
Implementing Checkr can deliver a significant return on investment (ROI), with a reported 169% ROI over three years and a net present value (NPV) of $2.1 million. The payback period is less than six months. Additionally, Checkr reduces the time spent on managing background check vendors by 50%.Disadvantages
Occasional Delays
There can be occasional delays in getting the results, which might impact the hiring timeline.Customer Service Issues
Some users have reported that customer service can be slow, which may cause frustration when issues arise.Lack of Notifications
Checkr does not provide notifications, which could lead to missed updates or delays in the hiring process. By considering these points, organizations can make informed decisions about whether Checkr aligns with their needs and expectations for background check services. CHCKR - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Checkr
- AI-Powered Background Checks: Checkr leverages machine learning to deliver fast, accurate, and compliant background check reports. This includes predicting highly accurate Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs) for each report, which enhances visibility for hiring managers.
- Workflow Automation: Checkr automates many manual processes, such as adjudication, automatic clearing, and continuous monitoring of candidates and employees. This reduces the workload and increases efficiency without the need to scale the team.
- Integration and Customization: Checkr offers pre-built integrations and an easy-to-use API, allowing businesses to integrate the platform into their existing systems seamlessly. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for engineering teams, as seen in the case study with Credal, where AI-powered language models were integrated directly into their platform.
- Sales and Customer Support: Checkr’s use of AI copilots, as facilitated by Credal, helps sales teams provide accurate information and answer customer questions efficiently, improving conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
Potential Alternatives and Comparisons
Data Analytics Platforms
While Checkr is specialized in background checks, other platforms focus more broadly on data analytics but can offer some similar AI-driven insights:- Tableau: Known for its interactive data visualization, Tableau uses AI and machine learning to solve enterprise challenges. However, it is more focused on general business intelligence rather than specific HR or background check processes.
- Qlik: Qlik offers a business analytics platform that integrates AI and machine learning to auto-generate insights and predictions. Like Tableau, it is broader in scope and not specifically tailored for background checks.
- Databricks: Databricks provides a unified data analytics platform for building, deploying, and maintaining enterprise-grade data and AI solutions. While it can handle various data tasks, it is not specialized in background checks.
Competitor Analysis Tools
For competitor analysis, tools like SimilarWeb offer advanced analytics but serve a different purpose:- SimilarWeb: This tool uses machine learning to predict metrics such as visitor numbers, bounce rates, and average visit duration. It also provides competitor analysis but is not related to background checks or HR processes.
General AI Tools
Other AI tools, though not directly comparable, offer versatile AI capabilities that could be adapted for various business needs:- Google Cloud Smart Analytics: This platform provides a wide range of analytics services, including business, data science, and marketing analytics. While it can be adapted for various AI-driven tasks, it is not specialized in background checks.
- IBM Watson Analytics: IBM Watson Content Analytics collects and analyzes structured and unstructured content, which could be useful in broader data analysis but is not specifically designed for background checks.
Conclusion
Checkr stands out in its category due to its specialized focus on AI-driven background checks, workflow automation, and integration capabilities. While other platforms offer powerful AI-driven analytics, they are generally broader in scope and not tailored to the specific needs of background screening and HR processes. If your primary need is efficient, accurate, and compliant background checks, Checkr is a strong choice. However, for more general data analytics needs, platforms like Tableau, Qlik, or Databricks might be more suitable. CHCKR - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Checkr
What are the different pricing plans offered by Checkr?
Checkr offers several pricing plans to cater to different business needs. The plans include:- Basic : Starting at $29.99 per check, this plan includes SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, and national criminal records search.
- Essential: Priced at $54.99 per check, this plan adds unlimited county criminal searches and motor vehicle records to the Basic plan.
- Professional: Starting at $79.99 per check, this plan includes all the features of the Essential plan plus education and employment verifications.
How does Checkr’s AI technology help in background screening?
Checkr’s AI technology, particularly the Charge Classifier, uses machine learning to categorize criminal charges from various jurisdictions across the U.S. This makes charge language clearer and significantly reduces the time spent on manual review. Additionally, AI helps in identifying, classifying, and filtering data much faster than manual processes, making the screening process more efficient.What compliance features does Checkr offer?
Checkr’s compliance engine helps companies stay compliant with evolving regional compliance laws. It accounts for federal, state, and local laws, ensuring that all records in a report align with regulatory reporting requirements. This automated compliance feature reduces the risk of compliance violations and potential litigation.Can Checkr perform international background checks?
Yes, Checkr offers international background checks. The “International Basic ” package starts at $32 per check and includes international criminal or adverse media checks and global watchlist searches. More comprehensive packages, such as the “International Professional” and “International Professional “, add employment and education verifications and identity document validation, with prices starting at $102 and $124 per check, respectively.How does Checkr’s continuous monitoring work?
Checkr’s continuous monitoring solutions provide updates on new reportable charges related to active candidates and employees. This feature helps keep the company and its customers more secure by ensuring that any new criminal activity is promptly reported.What is Checkr’s Assess product, and how does it help in adjudication?
Checkr’s Assess product is designed to streamline the adjudication process. It offers different tiers (Assess Lite, Assess Standard, and Assess Premium) that allow users to filter out irrelevant records, reducing the time spent on adjudication. The product includes features like automated compliance, language normalization, and advanced analytics to help adjudicators make faster and more accurate decisions.Are there any additional fees associated with Checkr’s services?
Yes, apart from the base pricing, there are additional fees such as passthrough fees charged by third-party entities for record retrieval. These fees vary and are not included in the initial pricing. It’s also important to note that volume discounts are available for businesses conducting over 300 checks per year.Can businesses integrate Checkr into their existing systems?
Yes, businesses can integrate Checkr into their existing systems using the Checkr API. This allows for automated workflows and easy access to background screening results. The API pricing depends on usage and volume, making it suitable for companies looking to streamline their HR processes.Does Checkr offer any free trials or demos?
Checkr offers free demos to show potential customers how the platform works. However, there is no free trial for performing actual background checks. Businesses with fewer than 300 checks per year can sign up directly, while those processing more than 300 checks annually can request a custom quote.