Checkster

Checkster established itself as a web-based talent decision tool before being acquired by Harver on November 16, 2020. Founded in 2006 by Yves Lermusi, the company was developed to leverage collective intelligence and social networks to improve the objectivity of hiring decisions. Lermusi, who previously founded iLogos (acquired by Taleo) and served as President of Taleo Research, launched Checkster to address fundamental questions about career paths and help organizations make smarter talent decisions. His background in physics, philosophy, and economics shaped his approach to solving challenges in the human resources sector.

The company operated on a subscription-based business model, with pricing varying based on the volume and type of services used. Checkster's core offering was an automated reference checking platform designed to save recruiters time and provide more candid insights than traditional phone calls. The system allowed a recruiter to input a candidate's information, who would then invite references to complete a brief online survey. Beyond reference checks, Checkster's product suite included tools for post-interview debriefs and new hire insights to track performance and support employee development. A key feature was a proprietary algorithm to detect fraudulent references, such as candidates using family members or completing their own checks, which the company estimated could occur with as many as 5% of applicants. Another distinct benefit was the platform's ability to turn references into a new pool of passive job candidates, with over half of references reportedly opting in to hear about future opportunities.

Following the acquisition, Checkster's functionalities have been integrated into Harver's broader talent acquisition platform. Harver provides an end-to-end hiring solution that encompasses predictive assessments, video interviews, and scheduling, serving major clients like McDonald's and Peloton. The integration of Checkster's technology enhances Harver's platform by automating the reference checking process, aiming to eliminate inefficiencies and provide a more comprehensive data set for hiring managers. Yves Lermusi joined the acquiring company's leadership team to help guide the platform's vision. Harver itself, founded in 2015, focuses on helping organizations hire talent in a faster and less biased manner, leveraging I/O psychology and cognitive science. Keywords: automated reference checking, talent insights, pre-hire assessment, post-hire feedback, collective intelligence, hiring decisions, candidate screening, reference verification, recruitment automation, talent analytics, HR technology, fraud detection, new hire onboarding, employee development, digital interviewing, talent acquisition platform, Yves Lermusi, quality of hire, people analytics, candidate experience