Checkr - Detailed Review
Recruitment Tools
Checkr - Product Overview
Overview
Checkr is an AI-powered background screening and staffing solution that plays a crucial role in the recruitment process for various organizations. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
Checkr’s primary function is to provide fast, accurate, and compliant background checks for employers. This includes screening for criminal records, employment history, driving violations, and other relevant background information. The platform aims to streamline the hiring process, reduce manual review time, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.Target Audience
Checkr’s target audience is diverse and includes:Startups and Small Businesses
Looking for efficient and cost-effective background check solutions.Medium to Large Enterprises
With complex hiring processes.Gig Economy Platforms
That need to verify the backgrounds of independent contractors.Healthcare and Education Institutions
With stringent compliance requirements.Nonprofit Organizations
Seeking affordable background check services.Government Agencies
Requiring thorough background checks for security clearance and public safety.Various Vertical Markets
Such as on-demand services, retail and e-commerce, financial services, and technology companies.Key Features
Checkr offers several key features that make it a valuable tool for employers:AI-Powered Background Checks
Utilizes machine learning to categorize criminal charges quickly and accurately, reducing manual review time.Compliance Tools
Helps companies stay compliant with evolving regional compliance laws, reducing the risk of violations and litigation.Fast Turnaround Times
84% of background checks are ready in less than 15 minutes, and 89% are ready in under an hour.Customizable Screening Options
Allows businesses to tailor their background check processes to their specific needs.Mobile-Friendly Candidate Experience
Features SMS prompts, automated follow-ups, and multilingual candidate support to enhance the candidate experience.Continuous Monitoring
Provides updates on new reportable charges related to active candidates and employees, ensuring ongoing security.Integration with HR Systems
Seamlessly integrates with third-party HR and recruiting systems through APIs, embedding background checks into existing workflows. Overall, Checkr is a comprehensive solution that leverages AI and technology to make the background check process faster, more accurate, and compliant, catering to a wide range of industries and organizational sizes. Checkr - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Checkr, an AI-driven background check platform, is designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and transparent, particularly for both recruiters and candidates.Ease of Use
Checkr’s interface is praised for its simplicity and ease of use. The platform integrates seamlessly with various HR and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) programs, making it easy to manage background checks without additional manual work.Streamlined Process for Recruiters
For recruiters, the process is streamlined, allowing them to mass invite candidates with a simple link to fill out the background check application. This automation saves time and reduces the need for manual intervention.Candidate Portal
The candidate portal is a central feature that enhances the user experience. Here, candidates can log in to check the progress of their background check, view high-level ETA information, and see the completed components of the package. This portal is fully mobile optimized, with 85% of candidates using their mobile devices to access it.Self-Service Capabilities
Candidates can also take additional actions directly within the portal, such as requesting corrections to their reports or uploading documentation for adverse action processes. This self-service capability reduces the need for candidates to contact Checkr or the hiring company, making the process more efficient and transparent.Automation and Efficiency
Checkr’s use of AI and automation significantly enhances the user experience. The platform can identify, classify, and filter data quickly, assembling standardized background check reports with high speed. For instance, 84% of background checks are ready within 15 minutes, and 89% within one hour.Adjudication Process
This automation also extends to the adjudication process, removing human error and bias, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. This makes the hiring process faster, more accurate, and fair.User Experience
Overall, the user experience with Checkr is positive. Recruiters appreciate the simplified workflow, which reduces manual work by 95% and simplifies daily tasks. Candidates benefit from a transparent and efficient process, where they can track their background check progress and take necessary actions without needing to contact support frequently.User Feedback
Reviews highlight that Checkr is “easy to use and understand,” with a “very easy to navigate interface” and responsive customer support. The platform’s ability to integrate with other software and its quick turnaround times are also highly praised.Areas for Improvement
However, some users have noted minor issues, such as difficulties in finding certain features or cost breakdowns on the account website, and occasional challenges with customer support responsiveness. Despite these, the overall consensus is that Checkr provides a smooth, efficient, and user-friendly experience for both recruiters and candidates. Checkr - Key Features and Functionality
Checkr’s AI-Driven Background Screening Platform
Checkr’s AI-driven background screening platform offers several key features that streamline the hiring process, improve candidate experience, and enhance compliance. Here are the main features and how they work:
AI-Powered Screenings
Checkr uses AI to identify, classify, and filter data much faster than traditional background checks. This AI integration allows for quicker screening processes, reducing turnaround times from days to minutes. This speed helps fill roles faster and improves operational efficiency.
Automated Workflow
The platform automates repetitive, manual work through standardized charge language and customizable filtering. This automation cuts down the time spent on adjudication by more than 90%, making the hiring process more efficient and reducing manual effort.
Dynamic Compliance Tools
Checkr’s dynamic compliance tools help lower compliance risk by generating relevant paperwork, managing legally reportable results, and optimizing filtering. These tools ensure that all background checks are conducted in compliance with legal requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Candidate Experience
The platform is optimized for a better candidate experience. It offers a mobile-optimized interface, report transparency, and dedicated support. Features like AI-powered personalized texts or emails and chatbots that respond to candidate questions enhance engagement and reduce candidate drop-off. Candidates can also choose how they receive updates and schedule interviews based on the team’s calendar availability.
Background Check ETAs
Checkr provides insights into the expected completion date of a report, allowing hiring teams to set clear expectations with candidates. This transparency helps manage candidate expectations and improves the overall hiring experience.
Adjudication Tools
The adjudication tools are designed to support compliance, increase consistency, and optimize the talent pool. These tools help in making confident hiring decisions by ensuring accurate data and consistent evaluation processes. For example, Angi reduced adjudication costs by 20% and increased decision-making confidence by using Checkr’s adjudication solutions.
Integration with HR Systems
Checkr integrates seamlessly with popular Human Capital Management (HCM) systems like Workday, iCIMS, SAP SuccessFactors, Paylocity, Greenhouse, and Rippling. This integration, along with flexible APIs, allows for highly custom integrations, making it easy to incorporate Checkr into existing HR workflows.
Comprehensive Background Checks
The platform offers a wide variety of screenings, including unlimited county-level criminal background searches, motor vehicle driving history and license status, verifications of employment, education, and professional licenses, clinic-based and onsite drug tests, and continuous criminal checks. This comprehensive suite ensures that hiring teams can fairly evaluate talent according to their specific hiring criteria.
Digital I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
Checkr allows for the easy completion and management of Form I-9s directly from the Checkr dashboard. This feature streamlines the onboarding process and ensures compliance with employment eligibility verification requirements.
By integrating AI into these features, Checkr enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of the background screening process, making it a valuable tool for recruitment teams.
Checkr - Performance and Accuracy
Performance and Accuracy of Checkr in Recruitment Tools
Speed and Efficiency
Checkr is renowned for its speedy turnaround times, which is a significant advantage in fast-paced recruitment processes. Approximately 98% of nationwide criminal checks are completed within an hour, and 89% of all background checks are ready in under one hour. This rapid processing is achieved through AI-powered automation, which handles 99% of the background checks after data retrieval, significantly reducing manual work and associated errors.Accuracy
Checkr’s use of AI and automated processes helps minimize human error and bias in the adjudication process. The platform’s Positive Adjudication Matrix (PAM) clarifies how offenses are logged and described, ensuring HR teams receive relevant and actionable information. While Checkr’s AI-driven approach enhances accuracy, it is important to note that the platform has faced lawsuits in the past due to erroneous background checks, which highlights the need for ongoing improvement in this area.Compliance and Risk Management
Checkr’s system includes built-in compliance tools and dynamic adjudication features that help maintain regulatory compliance across different localities. Customizable screening rulesets and standardized charge language reduce adverse action rates by 20% and lower overall compliance risk. This ensures that hiring decisions are accurate, fair, and compliant with local laws.User Experience
The platform offers a mobile-optimized candidate experience with transparent reporting, which helps reduce candidate drop-off. Automated candidate communications and easy integration with over 100 HR systems further streamline the hiring process.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Checkr has some limitations:- Customer Support: Unlike some competitors, Checkr’s customer support is only available via email, which may not be as convenient for businesses needing immediate assistance.
- Error Rates: Although Checkr’s AI reduces human error, the platform has faced legal issues due to inaccurate background checks. This underscores the importance of continuous improvement in accuracy and compliance.
User Feedback
A significant majority of Checkr’s customers report positive experiences, with 90% stating that the platform has simplified their daily work, 81% noting improved accuracy on background checks, and 75% experiencing an improved candidate experience.Conclusion
In summary, Checkr excels in speed, efficiency, and compliance, making it a strong choice for businesses needing rapid and accurate background checks. However, it is crucial to address the occasional inaccuracies and improve customer support to enhance overall user satisfaction. Checkr - Pricing and Plans
Checkr offers a clear and flexible pricing structure for its background check services, catering to businesses of various sizes and needs. Here’s a breakdown of their plans and features:
Plans and Pricing
Basic Plan
- Cost: $29.99 per check
- Features:
- SSN Trace
- Sex Offender Registry search
- Global Watchlist Records search
- National Criminal Records search
- This plan is ideal for basic background screening needs and provides a foundational overview of an individual’s background.
Essential Plan
- Cost: $54.99 per check
- Features:
- All features from the Basic plan
- Unlimited County Criminal Search (7-year)
- Motor Vehicle Records search (in some cases)
- This plan offers a more in-depth screening, making it suitable for roles that require a deeper look into a candidate’s history.
Professional Plan
- Cost: $79.99 per check
- Features:
- All features from the Essential plan
- Federal Criminal Records search
- Education Verification (highest level)
- Employment Verification (current)
- This plan is designed for advanced roles that demand comprehensive background screening, including verification of educational and employment histories.
Additional Services and Fees
Passthrough Fees
Checkr incurs passthrough fees from third-party entities such as state and county courts, DMVs, and various databases. These fees are passed on to the user without any markup. Examples include:
- US Criminal and MVR passthrough fees
- Continuous MVR fees
- PATCH fees (Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History database)
- Employment and education verification fees.
Add-ons
Checkr offers several add-on services to customize the background screening process:
- 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
Checkr also provides international background checks with varying prices depending on the country:
- International Basic : starting at $32/check
- International Professional: starting at $102/check
- International Professional : starting at $124/check.
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 quote.
Free Options
While Checkr does not offer a free trial for performing actual background checks, there is an initial statement credit of up to $40 on the first background check order. Additionally, if you sign up through certain partners like Faith Teams, you can get your first background check free using a promo code.
In summary, Checkr’s pricing is transparent and scalable, allowing businesses to choose a plan that fits their specific needs and budget. The various tiers and add-on services ensure flexibility and comprehensiveness in the background screening process.
Checkr - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and HRIS
Checkr offers pre-built integrations with over 100 industry-leading applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human resources information systems (HRIS), such as SmartRecruiters, BambooHR, Workday, Greenhouse, and Paylocity.
- For example, the integration with SmartRecruiters allows recruiters to initiate and view background checks directly from the candidate’s profile page within SmartRecruiters, streamlining the background check process and reducing manual tracking.
API Integration
Checkr provides a RESTful API that enables companies to integrate background checks directly into their existing tech platforms. This API allows for a seamless background check workflow, requiring only a candidate’s email to kickstart the process. The API offers real-time status updates via webhooks or response calls, ensuring a smooth and efficient onboarding experience.
- This integration can be used to automate the background check process, manage compliance, and support a strong brand experience by making the background check seem like a natural extension of the product.
Mobile-Centric Candidate Experience
Checkr’s integration includes a mobile-first, user-friendly candidate experience. Candidates receive SMS prompts and automated follow-ups to guide them through the background check process. Additionally, Checkr offers multilingual candidate support, enhancing the overall candidate experience.
Workflow Automation and Compliance
The integration with platforms like Workstream and BambooHR allows for automated background checks as part of the hiring process. This automation reduces hiring time by up to 70% and ensures compliance with dynamic compliance tools that generate relevant paperwork and manage legally reportable results.
Security and Access Control
Checkr ensures that background check reports are secure and accessible only to specific users. For instance, the integration with Workstream allows administrators to control who has access to full background check reports, maintaining confidentiality and compliance.
Scalability and Efficiency
Checkr’s integrations are designed to scale with businesses, particularly those in the gig economy. It powers 95% of the gig economy, helping marketplaces scale quickly without compromising trust and safety. The platform handles millions of transactions annually, with 99.99% uptime and real-time access to data.
Conclusion
In summary, Checkr’s integrations with various recruitment and HR tools are designed to streamline the background check process, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance. Its API and pre-built integrations make it easy to incorporate background checks into existing workflows, enhancing both the candidate and recruiter experience.
Checkr - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Phone Support
Checkr provides phone support during specific hours. For customers in the United States, support is available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET, and for international customers, it is available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET.
Live Chat
You can contact Checkr’s Help Center agents via live chat, which is accessible from the bottom right corner of the Help Center page and the Candidate Portal. This feature allows you to talk directly to a live agent after signing in with your Dashboard credentials.
Email Support
You can submit support requests using Checkr’s request form, which will generate an email confirmation. This allows you to continue the conversation via email. For official requests and notices, you can email legal@checkr.com, and for media inquiries, use press@checkr.com.
Social Media
Checkr also provides support through their official social media pages.
Additional Resources
Candidate Portal
This portal is a central hub for candidates to track the progress of their background checks, view high-level ETA information, and see the completed components of the package. Candidates can also request corrections to their reports directly from the portal, which is fully mobile-optimized.
Help Center
Checkr’s Help Center is a valuable resource that provides answers to frequently asked questions, articles, and guides to help resolve common issues. The virtual assistant in the Help Center can also assist with browsing content and providing relevant information.
Online Forms
You can use the online forms on Checkr’s website to securely submit questions and attach relevant documents, helping the support team handle your issue more efficiently.
Contact Forms
For both candidates and customers running background checks, there are specific contact forms available to submit support requests. These forms ensure you receive an email confirmation and can continue the conversation from there.
Transparency and Engagement
Checkr emphasizes transparency by providing candidates with real-time updates on their background check status and estimated completion times. This transparency helps build trust and keeps candidates engaged throughout the hiring process.
By offering these various support channels and resources, Checkr ensures that users can quickly and effectively resolve issues, making the background check process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Checkr - Pros and Cons
When Considering Checkr as a Recruitment Tool
Key Advantages
- Speed and Efficiency: Checkr is renowned for its fast turnaround times, with 89% of criminal checks completing in less than one hour and 97% accuracy in estimated completion times.
- AI-Powered Processing: The platform uses AI to automate the screening process, significantly reducing manual work and increasing the speed of background checks.
- Integration Capabilities: Checkr offers over 100 pre-built integrations with HR systems, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows and streamline the hiring process.
- Compliance Tools: The platform includes built-in risk management and standardization features, helping organizations maintain compliance and reduce legal risks.
- User-Friendly Interface: Checkr provides an intuitive dashboard and a mobile-optimized candidate experience, which helps in reducing candidate drop-off and improving overall candidate satisfaction.
- Dynamic Adjudication: The platform features risk mitigation tools with customizable filtering, which enhances efficiency and reduces the need for manual adjudication by up to 75%.
- Economic Impact: Implementing Checkr can lead to significant economic benefits, including a 169% return on investment over three years, a net present value of $2.1 million, and a payback period of less than six months, according to Forrester’s analysis.
- Improved Candidate Experience: Checkr’s transparent reporting and dedicated support improve the candidate experience, leading to fewer lost candidates due to delays in the hiring process.
- Fair Chance Hiring: Checkr emphasizes Fair Chance hiring practices, helping employers build diverse teams by giving everyone, including those with past convictions, a chance at employment.
Key Disadvantages
- Occasional Delays: Some users have reported occasional delays in the screening process, particularly during periods of high demand.
- Limited International Coverage: While Checkr offers international screenings, the coverage may be more limited compared to other providers.
- Initial Setup Time: Although Checkr streamlines many processes, the initial setup and integration might still require some time and effort, especially for complex HR systems.
Conclusion
Overall, Checkr’s AI-driven platform and extensive integration capabilities make it a strong choice for organizations looking to streamline their background screening processes, while its occasional delays and limited international coverage are points to consider.
Checkr - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Checkr
- AI-Powered Processing: Checkr is renowned for its fast and accurate background checks, with 89% of criminal checks completed in less than 1 hour and 97% ETA accuracy. This speed is a significant advantage, especially for high-volume hiring needs.
- Dynamic Adjudication: Checkr offers risk mitigation tools with customizable filtering, allowing hiring teams to focus only on the records relevant to each role. This feature enhances the efficiency and accuracy of the hiring process.
- Comprehensive Compliance: Checkr’s compliance engine is continuously updated to safeguard against regulatory changes, ensuring businesses remain compliant with the latest laws and regulations.
- Mobile-Optimized Experience: The platform provides a user-friendly candidate portal where applicants can track their background check status in real-time, improving engagement and reducing drop-offs.
- Extensive Integrations: With over 100 pre-built integrations with HR systems, Checkr seamlessly fits into existing workflows, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual work.
Competitors and Alternatives
VICTIG Background Checks
- VICTIG is a nationwide leader in employment background checks, offering services such as county criminal searches, education verifications, and employment verifications. While it provides comprehensive services, it may not match Checkr’s speed and AI-powered processing.
HireRight
- HireRight is another leading provider of on-demand employment background checks, drug testing, and employment and education verifications. It offers a wide range of services but may lack the advanced AI-driven features and rapid turnaround times of Checkr.
Sterling Talent Solutions
- Sterling Talent Solutions provides a simpler and smarter background screening and onboarding experience. It focuses on global hiring needs but might not offer the same level of customization and AI-driven efficiency as Checkr.
First Advantage
- First Advantage offers a comprehensive suite of talent acquisition solutions and technology. While it serves thousands of clients globally, its background screening services may not be as highly automated or integrated as Checkr’s.
Accurate Background
- Accurate Background provides customized background screening using innovative, web-based technology. It offers a range of services but may not have the same level of AI-powered processing or extensive HR system integrations as Checkr.
Verified First
- Verified First gives employers direct access to records for rapid results while maintaining FCRA compliance. It provides world-class customer service but may not offer the same breadth of features and integrations as Checkr.
Key Differences
- Speed and Accuracy: Checkr stands out for its incredibly fast turnaround times and high accuracy rates, which are crucial for businesses with high-volume hiring needs.
- Customization and Integration: Checkr’s dynamic adjudication tools and extensive integrations with HR systems make it highly adaptable to various hiring workflows.
- Candidate Experience: Checkr’s mobile-optimized candidate portal enhances engagement and reduces drop-offs, providing a better experience for applicants.
In summary, while competitors like VICTIG, HireRight, Sterling Talent Solutions, First Advantage, Accurate Background, and Verified First offer comprehensive background screening services, Checkr’s unique blend of AI-powered processing, dynamic adjudication, and extensive integrations make it a standout choice for businesses seeking efficient, accurate, and compliant background checks.
Checkr - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Checkr
How much does Checkr cost?
Checkr offers several pricing plans to cater to different business needs. The plans include:- Basic Plan: $29.99 per check, which includes SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, and national criminal records search.
- Essential Plan: $54.99 per check, adding unlimited county criminal search and motor vehicle reports.
- Professional Plan: $79.99 per check, which includes education and employment verifications in addition to the services in the lower plans.
Do Checkr’s plans include international background checks?
Yes, Checkr offers international background checks. The pricing for these checks varies by country but includes packages such as:- International Basic : Starting at $32/check, which includes international criminal or adverse media checks and global watchlist searches.
- International Professional: Starting at $102/check, adding employment and education verifications.
- International Professional : Starting at $124/check, which also includes identity document validation.
How fast are Checkr’s background checks?
Checkr is known for its speed. About 98% of nationwide criminal checks are completed within an hour, and 89% of all checks are ready in under an hour. However, the exact turnaround time can vary depending on the complexity of the check and the type of screening being conducted.Does Checkr offer any free trials or demos?
Checkr does not offer a free trial for performing actual background checks. However, they do provide free demos to show potential customers how the platform works. Businesses with fewer than 300 checks per year can sign up directly, and those processing more than 300 checks annually can request a custom quote.How does Checkr ensure compliance with regulations?
Checkr uses AI-powered compliance tools to help companies stay ahead of evolving regional compliance laws. Their compliance engine ensures that all background checks adhere to federal and local regulations, reducing the risk of compliance violations and litigation.Can Checkr integrate with other HR and recruiting systems?
Yes, Checkr offers integration with third-party HR and recruiting systems through APIs. This allows businesses to embed background checks into their existing systems, streamlining the hiring process and reducing manual work.What kind of support does Checkr offer?
Checkr provides support via email and an online help center. While they do not offer phone support, their mobile-centric candidate experience includes SMS prompts, automated follow-ups, and a multilingual candidate support team.How does Checkr’s candidate portal work?
Checkr’s candidate portal is mobile-friendly and allows candidates to track the status of their background checks in real-time. Candidates can receive clear, accurate estimates for completion and stay informed about their screening progress, enhancing transparency and trust throughout the hiring process.Does Checkr offer continuous monitoring of candidates and employees?
Yes, Checkr provides continuous monitoring solutions that update employers about new reportable charges related to active candidates and employees. This helps keep the company and its customers more secure.Are there any additional fees with Checkr’s services?
Yes, there are additional fees to consider, such as passthrough fees charged by third-party entities for record retrieval. These fees vary and are listed on Checkr’s website to ensure transparency. Checkr - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Checkr in the Recruitment Tools AI-driven Product Category
Checkr is a highly regarded platform in the recruitment tools sector, particularly for its AI-driven background check services. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its benefits, target users, and overall recommendation.Efficiency and Speed
Checkr stands out for its fast and efficient processing of background checks. The platform leverages AI and machine learning to automate many steps of the screening process, significantly reducing the turnaround time compared to traditional methods. This allows employers to receive comprehensive reports within days or even hours, enabling them to make informed hiring decisions quickly.User-Friendly and Automated
The platform is user-friendly, making it easy for employers to request background checks with just a few clicks. Checkr’s automation reduces the administrative overhead, streamlining the hiring process and allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic decision-making.Comprehensive Services
Checkr offers a wide range of background check services, including criminal background checks, civil searches, driver and motor vehicle history research, drug and health checks, and international checks. This comprehensive suite of services caters to various industries, including retail, healthcare, education, and gig economy platforms.Integration and Compliance
The platform integrates seamlessly with other HR tools and recruitment software, such as Zenefits, Workable, BambooHR, and LinkedIn Talent Hub. Checkr also ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations, providing a secure and reliable environment for conducting background checks.Target Audience
Checkr is beneficial for a diverse range of users:- Large Enterprises: Companies with high volumes of hiring benefit from Checkr’s efficient and scalable solutions.
- Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs appreciate the user-friendly platform and cost-effective solutions.
- Gig Economy Platforms: Platforms like Uber and Instacart use Checkr to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of their users.
- Healthcare and Education Institutions: These institutions rely on Checkr for compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits benefit from affordable pricing and dedicated support.
- Government Agencies: Agencies use Checkr for thorough background checks required for security clearance and public safety.