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Updated · Aug 01, 2023
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Employers conduct background checks on their potential employees to ensure that they are hiring the right person for the job. These background checks often take time and can consist of multiple things.
Suppose you want a background check provider that goes the extra mile to provide the most up-to-date data on employees (before and after hiring them). In that case, Sterling is the option for you, especially regarding criminal records!
Conducting your own background check can be time-consuming and challenging. However, with the help of background check sites such as Sterling, you can be more at ease about the people you hire.
But what is a Sterling background check exactly, how does it work, and what are its features? We answer all these questions and more below!
Pros |
Cons |
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Founded in 1975 and headquartered in New York, Sterling is a veteran provider of background and identity check services to over 50,000 clients across the globe.
Relying on modern tech and the expertise of over 5,000 employees, Sterling conducts over 110 million checks annually. Moreover, over 60% of the ‘Fortune 100’ companies hire Sterling to help them build an atmosphere of trust and safety among their employees.
After signing up, Sterling’s clients get access to the Sterling Client Hub—a streamlined interface that allows HR managers to send background check requests to their job applicants. Then, candidates can initiate the screening process, which includes these steps:
Job applicants whose background check hasn’t been processed within five business days of supplying their information can check their screening status online.
Sterling offers a range of general screening services, plus specialized benefits for specific industries. We cover most of them below:
The screening process does not have to stop after hiring someone, as most positions require continuous workforce monitoring—a service also offered by Sterling. This post-hire monitoring program proves crucial in mitigating the risk of sensitive hires.
Sterling does not publish set prices for its services since the cost of each screening varies with the complexity and number of specific checks to be conducted. That said, clients can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.
To get an accurate estimate, you can always contact them by filling out Sterling’s web-based form or by calling one of the numbers listed on their support page. It is also important to read the terms and conditions before using their services.
Despite focusing on delivering the most thorough criminal checks available, Sterling’s offering still ticks most, if not all, boxes in a comprehensive background screening. However, if you are still not convinced they are the company for you, check out these alternatives:
Company |
Win |
Lose |
Best for |
Sterling |
Criminal checks |
No free trial |
Diverse range of checks |
GoodHire |
Easy-to-use dashboard |
Takes longer to get results |
Integration with HR platforms |
Checkr |
Multilingual |
No social media checks |
Mid-sized companies |
Asurint |
Compliance management |
No batch processing |
Instant checks |
For all its benefits, Sterling still suffers some drawbacks, such as their lackluster customer service, lack of free trial, and slower-than-expected user interface.
Sterling is a reliable background check company that tens of thousands of businesses use to hire trustworthy, expert employees that fit well within their organizational culture. Although there are many free background check sites over the internet, Sterling provides tailored results for their clients.
If you are looking to find someone using their phone number, or address, there are many people search sites that you can use.
While Sterling is an excellent provider of criminal background checks, they also offer industry-tailored screening packages. So, HR managers looking for robust screening solutions that reveal every relevant detail about their job applicants won’t go wrong choosing Sterling!
Absolutely! Sterling is a reputable background check company offering enterprise-level services that comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Applicants must provide Sterling with all information needed to process their background check, including photo ID documents, Social Security number, proof of address, etc. Failure to meet the pre-screening requirements will likely result in screening delays.
Most commonly, Sterling provides information on the candidate’s identity, social media presence, criminal records, employment history, and educational background.
While 90% of Sterling’s criminal and public record checks are completed within a day, education and employment verifications can take up to 5 business days. That said, the total time it takes to complete the background check depends on what is included on it.
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