February 21st, 2022 | Joy Henry, US Head of Technology and Business Services

Integrate Background Checks Seamlessly Within Your Platform

Reduce Drop-Off Rates and Implement a Fast-to-Hire Model

43% of candidates drop-off during the application process* partially due to complicated onboarding processes on gig platforms. To put this issue into perspective, if a gig economy platform is onboarding 20,000 candidates annually, drop-off could cost them over $200,000 a year simply from employees who never complete the onboarding process. That’s a hefty cost for any new gig economy business to pay.

Before companies can grow a sustainable and quality workforce, they first need to create a user-friendly onboarding experience which also implements a fast-to-hire model. If your gig company has been experiencing costly issues with onboarding, it’s now time to consider implementing a background screening platform with a direct API integration. Let’s explore the substantial business benefits along with next steps.

What Is an API Integration?

When onboarding gig workers, an API integration is a critical component to help gig platforms create a user-friendly experience for candidates. Specifically, an API (or Application Programming Interface) is the technical connection that allows two external software platforms to communicate with each other. In just the same way as your computer ‘talks’ to your printer, an API connects two separate devices so that they can easily exchange information.  An API integration has a fairly simple workflow for such a complex solution designed for tech and data sharing platforms. For gig platforms, a candidate downloads the app and begins the onboarding process by submitting their information for background checks, account creation, and various other purposes. Once the information is submitted, the API initiates a request to the servers or data sources where the information is stored. The data source then responds to the API request with the appropriate information, which allows the API to return that data directly back into the gig platform’s application. Now candidates and gig clients are able to view results from the background screening and quickly proceed with the onboarding process.

APIs can be created for a number of different industries to help improve communication, and in some instances can be customized to fit existing platform workflows. Typically, a developer or IT would be in charge of adding the API functionality to an existing platform through a key (basically a password) that is generated. However, in some cases for more advanced systems, anyone can add an API if the functionality is already in place.

Why Do I Need an API for Background Checks?

Implementing an API during the background screening process creates a level of seamlessness for both the candidate and client, which is delivered in terms of a smoother onboarding experience and increases the usability on a mobile device or in-app integration Whether an API is directly communicating the background information results with a gig economies app, or is used with a third-party HR platform, the information is quickly exchanged and in some cases done without the candidate knowing multiple applications are involved.

Additionally, APIs help automate the onboarding process for clients by allowing high volumes of candidates to onboard without requiring manual attention, saving HR staff additional time. API setup during the background screening process is flexible enough to incorporate any important workflow that may differ from gig platform to platform. This saves your employees hours every day, allowing them to focus on other pressing tasks.

These integrations provide a pivotal role in compliance. Because of the setup of most API integrations and existing compliance tools, businesses are able to use the services together to help meet regulations within their local communities, helping to safeguard them against possible criminal risk and reducing accidental violations. With the volatile state of legislation regarding how gig economies operate and handle their workforce, companies greatly benefit from services that add an extra layer of security.

Communication is the key benefit of an API integration, but it’s not the only benefit for gig economy companies that are looking to grow. APIs, like Sterling API, allow platforms to rapidly scale up and expand far beyond their local communities due to having a firm foundation within their apps. The sky really is the limit with a well-implemented solution.

How Do I Implement an API With My Platform?

Sterling API offers resources to help implement our solution for gig economy companies, including both start-ups and veterans in the space. When a company is implementing our API, Sterling assigns a success engineer who serves as the primary contact to assist during the onboarding process while also delivering well-documented, step-by-step user guides to help ease the process.

Check out Sterling’s Developer Portal

How Have Sterling Clients Utilized the API Successfully?

Sterling gig clients have found that the Sterling API dramatically improves their brand experience for both clients and candidates. In one instance, a well-known delivery service implemented our seamless API experience customized to their existing platform workflow. Since implementation, their daily volume of background checks average around 2,500, with reduced turnaround times of the entire process. With the industry average sitting well above both those numbers, its clear why businesses are adding API integrations to their background screening services.

Conclusion

The tech industry is growing at a rapid rate, and on-demand candidates are now migrating to new gig work as their preferred means of employment. But in order to fully capitalize on this profitable opportunity, gig platforms first need to be prepared to onboard candidates at high volumes (and low friction) in order to avoid candidate drop-off. Building a workforce that creates trust and safety is top-of-mind for gig companies, and adding a integration like Sterling API is just the tool to achieve that objective. Learn more about how integrating a background check solution can help you save cost and time by visiting Sterling’s API page here.

Resources:

*Madeline Laurano, founder of Aptitude – Quote from Applying for a job now takes minutes as bosses use software to automate hiring, cut interviews (msn.com) *”Sterling ROI Calculator” – 20,000 candidates annually, 8,000 drop-off costing $25/per person (including MVR costs) is almost $215,000 annually.

Sterling is not a law firm. This publication is for informational purposes only and nothing contained in it should be construed as legal advice. We expressly disclaim any warranty or responsibility for damages arising out this information. We encourage you to consult with legal counsel regarding your specific needs. We do not undertake any duty to update previously posted materials.