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Set up the Background Check stage

Learn how to set up and automate the Background Check stage in Workstream using integrated providers like Checkr and Sterling.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

The Background Check stage helps you verify an applicant’s information such as criminal history, work history, and identity.

You can configure this stage to automatically send background check requests and trigger actions based on the results.

When an applicant reaches this stage in the hiring process, Workstream connects with your selected provider to start the screening.


The Background Check stage of the hiring process.


Set up background checks

In the Background Check stage, you can configure how the background verification process will go when an applicant goes through this step in their application:

  1. Select background check provider: Choose from integrated providers to conduct screenings. You can choose to connect with Checkr, Sterling, or both.

  2. Select a package that will apply for your hiring process: This will depend on the integration you've chosen to add.

Add Checkr custom package

Once saved, these settings will apply automatically each time an applicant enters the Background Check stage.


Automate actions

The Automation tab lets you automate actions based on background check results. Available options include:


When an applicant enters this stage:

  • Send them a message (default: On) - Turn ON to send applicants the screening link automatically

  • Mark them as hired (default: Off) - Turn ON to automatically mark applicants as hired once they enter this stage.

When an applicant completes the background check:

  • Move them to the next step (default: Off) - Turn ON to automatically advance applicants who pass the background check.

When an applicant has been in this stage too long without submitting the form:

  • Send them a reminder (default: Off) - Turn ON to automatically remind applicants who haven’t completed their background check.

  • Reject them (default: Off) - Turn ON to automatically reject applicants who don’t complete the screening after a set time.


Monitor applicants in the Background Check stage

After setup, you can track each applicant’s screening progress from the Applicants page.

  1. Go to the Applicants page in Team View.

  2. Go to the Offers and hires tab, then use filters to locate applicants in the Background Check stage.

  3. Select on an applicant’s name to open their profile.

  4. Select the Background tab to view their status and invitation details.


From here, you can move the applicant to the next stage or take other actions once the report is ready.

❔Would I be notified when an applicant completes their background check?

Yes. Workstream automatically sends an email notification to the team member who initiated the background check once it is completed by either Checkr or Sterling.

You can choose to receive (or stop receiving) background check completion notifications by enabling or disabling the “When a background check is complete” option in your Account Settings → Hiring notification preferences.

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