Before you can run background checks in Workstream, you’ll need to connect your Sterling account. This integration lets you request and track background checks directly in Workstream, so you don’t have to switch between platforms.
While the integration lets you order background checks and track their status, the following features are only available within Sterling:
Viewing your Sterling account
Managing your Sterling account
If you already have a Sterling account, just sign in and link it. If not, we’ll show you how to create one. Once connected, you can set up background check packages and add them to your hiring process.
Connect your Sterling account with Workstream
To get started, you first need to connect your Sterling account with Workstream. This step is important because it allows you to run background checks on applicants directly from within Workstream.
Go to Admin View, then Integrations.
Find the Background Check section, then select Sterling.
Select Connect. This will bring you to the Sterling-Worstream integration page where you can sign in to Sterling or create a new account.
Once you’re connected, you can start ordering background checks for your applicants and monitor their statuses right in Workstream. However, note that some advanced actions (like viewing full reports or handling adverse actions) still need to be done directly in Sterling.
Turn on background check packages
After connecting Sterling with Workstream, you’ll need to enable background check packages that match your hiring steps.
These are pre-set groups of background checks that can be applied to candidates, making sure the right screenings are run in Workstream.
Go to Admin View, then Integrations.
Find the Background Check section, then select Sterling.
Find the package(s) you want to activate.
Toggle the switch next to each package to enable the corresponding background check packages.
Add a background check stage to your hiring process
Now that you have enabled the right packages, you can add a background check stage to your hiring process. This ensures that background checks are a formal step in your hiring workflow.
📌 You need the Create and Edit Hiring Process Templates permission to make this change. If you don’t have it, ask your Super Admin.
Add a background check stage to your hiring process: Use Workstream's guide to add stages to your hiring process, and include the background check stage where needed.
Set up Sterling as your background check provider: Choose Sterling as your provider, then select the appropriate package or type of background check for this stage.
(Optional) Set up location-specific packages: If you have multiple locations, you can assign different background check packages to each one:
Select Add background check.
Select the locations you want to assign the package to.
Select the package for those locations, then select Save.
(Optional) Set up automated messages: If you want, you can automate messages to notify applicants when they reach the background check stage. This can be done under the Automations tab, so applicants know when to expect the next steps.