Sterling

Pros

The best thing about this is, it is simple and easy to use. It is pretty works very well for Background checks, I-9 verifications and others. It is quite feature rich.

Cons

It is a little slow, most of the times.
Other than that, I like pretty much everything.

Pros

Sterling has a very nice interface and overall it's a smooth running program. Great network for drug screens and timely background screening results.

Cons

I would like the move to their Modern Hub completed. Right now we have the two options and can toggle between them. Do the Modern view and just continue to improve that.

Pros

Running background checks were relatively easy - single use and bulk

Cons

Customer Service and Payment Method - no online payment. 3% fee to use credit card

Pros

Sterling is very user friendly and the process is very timely.

Cons

Sometimes the different options available can be confusing.

Pros

I have used other background check services but this one is the most thorough. It can do a credit check very quickly. Doing a standard background check is typically quick unless the candidate has lived in several different states. For any background check platform, it will generally take a while for it to get through all the states so that's not atypical. I have had more success than not and I do like the way the reports are listed. It's very clear cut and concise.

Cons

On one occasion, I did have a background check take a long time for a candidate and it held up their employment. I'm not sure why it got stuck other than I was told the court was taking a long time releasing records but overall that was the only con I really encountered.

Pros

I like that recruiters will be able to trigger the background check.

Cons

The implementation and especially the integration was not smooth. Sterling was limited in how they could integrate with our ATS which required our team to make process changes that we did not want. Plus, when we were trying to set up the integration, it didn't work in its full capacity as advertised by Sterling, and they couldn't figure out why.

Pros

I appreciate the convenience of the user interface. The technical team at Sterling is educated in the background process law and are able to set up packages containing background check components specifically designed to meet my clients' needs.

Cons

Sterling's process can get bogged down under high volume. There are times when my company processes 20 or more background checks per day. We've had some trouble with turn-around times under these situations.

Pros

This work great for performing credit checks on rental applications. Work seamlessly and gives me results within 24 hours. Plus they only charge per check so easily billed out.

Cons

They seem to have a really long billing cycle so I often get a bill long after the check so have to cross check to make sure the proper person is being billed.

Pros

Easy to navigate and friendly user. Receive notifications for statuses.

Cons

Too much data entry. Change of date results with no confirmation.

Pros

It's so simple to use and the turnaround time is unreal.

Cons

The pages aren't the most user friendly but once yo learn how to navigate them it's fine.

Pros

They have a variety of service offerings that are available to their clients and they often get completed packages in a short period of time.

Cons

They customer service was slow to respond to requests.
Their platform is dated, and it doesn't have the best user experience (customer or applicant)

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Sterling

Pros

One of the best features of Sterling is the fact that they have several different platforms to choose from and you can integrate with your current Applicant Tracking System. Another great feature is the quick turn around on report results.

Cons

Sterling's customer support can be improved upon. Turnaround time is quick, unless you are processing dozens of reports at once.

Pros

This product is very easy to use and it makes our work in the HR-Onboarding team more efficiently. Its reports and analytics, electronic forms, and self-service portal are its fundamental features which both applicants and human resource professionals benefit greatly from.

Cons

Its room for improvement would be when it does the automated background checking with The Work Number, it is very sensitive to providing mismatch/issue in it. Basically, this is because it was how it was programmed. It was programmed to be very specific with the details to match. This is acceptable because, after all, this is still a program with limitations.

Pros

Sterling is an online platform which provides screening and investigation services. I have been using this software for almost 6 years now and it has become advanced as compared to its previous versions. However, there is still quite a lot room for improvement.
In most of the cases, the turn-around time for criminal check is quick except for few county/state-wide checks. The package set up process is easy and the customer service is good. It offers variety of checks and fulfil the background check requirements from the client every time. They even offer the facility to schedule appointment for drug and medical tests. The user interface is pretty simple and user friendly and does not require detailed instructions to complete the link.
The portal allows view/download the report without the reviewer’s comments. The report generation process is easy and the final report look clean and clear.

Cons

Firstly, there is no intimation as soon as a consultant completes the background check link. They only send an email when the report is complete or they need supporting information/documentation. They should intimate us within 2 days if they are not able to get any response from the employer so that we can start following up with the employee for alternate numbers/documentation. This would expedite the process for everyone. Since there are other strong competitors in the market, they need to focus on the weaknesses in order to sustain in the market.

Pros

The support we get and the speed at which we get updates

Cons

Court related searches sometimes take too long

Pros

Sterling is making sure that they can provide the right people for each Companies so you can be sure that even in this time of pandemic you can still hire the right person for your Company. There sofware is easy to use and it is fast.

Cons

Communication/ Dialogue on Asian countries I guess because the product is Great!

Pros

Sterling is very easy to use, from the data entry point to finding your completed reports. You can choose your options for running just a background check or adding a motor vehicle report to it. There are also additional options like credit reports for employment purposes and many more. You can pick and choose what you need for each candidate. Turnaround time is generally pretty fast.

Cons

I do not like that I cannot add multiple peoples information at the same time when ordering the same check for more than one candidate.

Pros

This system is very user friendly. You just need a few clicks to complete your transaction. And the result is given to you if not today, you will get it tomorrow. They notify you if there will be delay in the result and will provide you estimated time to completion. I love the free webinars that they provide to their clients. This is something that is very valuable for us as part of their product features. Their customer support team are all great and very knowledgeable of the product.

Pros

Easy to submit background checks. Also easy to find past ones.

Cons

If you have a problem or one is taking forever to come back, it is next to impossible to contact them. There is no customer service. I also get calls from sales agents trying to sell me Sterling One, when I already use it.

Pros

To submit a background check, it is very easy and intuitive. Just need name and email and they take care of the rest. They provide good communication to those that are getting the background check and the employer

Cons

We have had a few times where they say documents do not suffice when indeed they are sufficient and that has caused some frustration but otherwise they are very efficient in what they do.

Pros

Easy to navigate/understand the dashboard.

Cons

I cannot think of a feature I did not like or was concerned about while using the Sterling platform

Pros

I was in the process of getting a new job and needed a background check. This software was offered as the preferred method. It was easy to do. I just had to fill out some of my own information and upload one scanned document and I was done. It was fast and simple.

Cons

The only con was that the software looks a little dated, like something out of the early 00's.

Pros

Sterling links with our staffing software so it's easy for our recruiters to use and import to the candidates file.

Cons

Whenever we need a client package set up, the feedback is always extremely slow and frustrating. Even when we express that we need it done quickly.

Pros

Nothing, bad customer service, no consideration or effort to get the job done.

Cons

I would give 0 starts if I could
It's been 2 weeks and they don't update me, don't move forward, and can't finish a simple background.

Pros

Ease of use. Straightforward. Quick. No problems from start to finish.

Cons

Out of country customer service. Wish I was assured my sensitive information is only handled in this country