First Advantage
First Advantage is a global background screening software providing automated employment background checks, drug testing, and identity verification to help you hire and onboard qualified candidates quickly and safely.
Xref
Xref is an automated reference checking platform that helps you verify candidate history through secure, data-driven insights to make faster and more confident hiring decisions during your recruitment process.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | First Advantage | Xref |
|---|---|---|
| Website | fadv.com | xref.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2003 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, USA | Sydney, Australia |
Overview
First Advantage
First Advantage helps you streamline your hiring process by automating background checks and identity verification. You can manage everything from criminal record searches and drug testing to education and employment history verification through a single, centralized dashboard. The platform integrates directly with your existing Applicant Tracking System (ATS), allowing you to initiate screenings and view results without switching between different tools.
You can scale your screening program globally, ensuring compliance with local regulations across different countries and regions. By using their automated workflows, you reduce manual data entry and speed up your time-to-hire. Whether you are a small business or a global enterprise, the software provides the tools you need to build a safer workplace and make more informed hiring decisions with confidence.
Xref
Xref transforms the traditional, time-consuming reference checking process into a streamlined digital workflow. You can initiate reference requests in seconds, allowing candidates to provide referee details through a secure portal. The platform then automatically follows up with referees, collecting structured feedback that you can review in easy-to-read reports. This eliminates manual phone tag and ensures you receive consistent, high-quality data for every hire.
You can also extend your insights beyond initial hiring with integrated exit surveys and pulse checks to understand your entire employee lifecycle. The platform is designed for recruitment teams and HR professionals in highly regulated industries like healthcare, aged care, and government where compliance is non-negotiable. By using Xref, you reduce the risk of recruitment fraud and ensure your hiring process remains fair, transparent, and efficient.
Overview
First Advantage Features
- Criminal Record Checks Access comprehensive criminal history data from thousands of jurisdictions to ensure you make safe and informed hiring decisions.
- Identity Verification Verify candidate identities in real-time using document scanning and biometric technology to prevent fraud during the application process.
- Drug and Health Screening Manage your entire drug testing program and occupational health screenings through a digital network of thousands of collection sites.
- ATS Integrations Connect your background checks directly to platforms like Workday, Oracle, and SAP SuccessFactors to keep your hiring workflow seamless.
- Global Compliance Tools Navigate complex international privacy laws and local screening regulations automatically with built-in compliance filters and expert guidance.
- Education Verification Confirm candidate credentials and degrees directly with academic institutions to ensure your new hires have the required qualifications.
Xref Features
- Automated Reference Checks. Send reference requests in seconds and let the platform handle the follow-ups so you can focus on interviewing.
- Fraud Detection. Identify suspicious activity with built-in IP tracking and browser analysis to ensure references are authentic and trustworthy.
- Customizable Questionnaires. Build tailored surveys or use pre-validated templates to gather the specific performance data you need for any role.
- People Records. Store and manage all candidate feedback and compliance documents in one centralized, searchable digital file for easy access.
- Exit Surveys. Automate the collection of feedback from departing employees to uncover turnover trends and improve your workplace culture.
- Real-time Progress Tracking. Monitor the status of every reference request from a live dashboard and receive instant notifications upon completion.
Pricing Comparison
First Advantage Pricing
Xref Pricing
- Pay-as-you-go credits
- Standard reference checks
- Fraud detection system
- Standard support
- Essential compliance tools
- Everything in Lifestyle, plus:
- Unlimited platform users
- Custom questionnaire builder
- Advanced API access
- Dedicated account management
- SSO and advanced security
Pros & Cons
First Advantage
Pros
- Extensive global reach for international background checks
- Seamless integration with major Applicant Tracking Systems
- Comprehensive range of screening services in one platform
- Automated status updates keep recruiters and candidates informed
Cons
- Customer support response times can be slow
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- Turnaround times vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction
Xref
Pros
- Significantly reduces the time spent on manual reference calls
- High response rates from referees due to mobile-friendly interface
- Detailed fraud alerts provide peace of mind during hiring
- Seamless integration with popular Applicant Tracking Systems
Cons
- Credit-based pricing can be difficult to budget annually
- Limited customization options on the entry-level tier
- Referees occasionally request phone calls for sensitive feedback