Sterling
Sterling provides comprehensive background screening and identity verification services to help you build a foundation of trust and safety for your global workforce and customers.
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 | Sterling | Xref |
|---|---|---|
| Website | sterlingcheck.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 | 1975 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA | Sydney, Australia |
Overview
Sterling
Sterling helps you hire with confidence by providing fast and reliable background screening and identity verification. You can streamline your entire hiring process, from criminal record checks and employment verification to drug and health screening. The platform is designed to integrate directly into your existing HR tech stack, allowing you to manage candidates globally while maintaining compliance with local regulations.
You can reduce manual paperwork and speed up your time-to-hire using their mobile-first candidate experience. Whether you are a small business making your first hire or a global enterprise managing thousands of employees, the software provides the tools you need to verify identities and maintain a safe workplace. By automating the collection of candidate data, you can focus on making better hiring decisions rather than chasing documentation.
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
Sterling Features
- Criminal Background Checks Access automated searches of national and local criminal databases to identify potential risks before you extend a job offer.
- Identity Verification Verify candidate identities in real-time using biometric technology and government-issued ID scanning to prevent sophisticated identity fraud.
- Employment Verification Confirm your candidate's professional history and education credentials automatically to ensure they have the experience they claim.
- Drug and Health Screening Manage employee drug testing and occupational health screenings through a massive network of collection sites with digital results.
- Mobile Candidate Hub Give your candidates a mobile-friendly way to submit information and track their screening status from any device.
- Global Compliance Tools Stay compliant with built-in tools that adapt to local privacy laws and industry-specific regulations across different countries.
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
Sterling 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
Sterling
Pros
- Extensive global reach for international background checks
- Seamless integration with popular applicant tracking systems
- User-friendly interface for both recruiters and candidates
- Comprehensive reporting that simplifies compliance audits
Cons
- Turnaround times can vary by jurisdiction
- Customer support response times can be slow
- Pricing structure is complex for smaller organizations
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