> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.firstwork.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sterling

> Automate background checks and screening workflows with Sterling integration

## Overview

Firstwork integrates with **Sterling** to automate background check and screening workflows. Initiate checks directly from your hiring flows, track results in real-time, and automatically advance or flag candidates based on screening outcomes.

## How It Works

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Candidate Reaches Stage] --> B[Automation Triggers]
    B --> C[Sterling API Called]
    C --> D[Screening Initiated]
    D --> E[Results Received via Webhook]
    E --> F{Pass?}
    F -->|Yes| G[Advance Stage]
    F -->|No| H[Flag for Review]
```

## Setup

### Obtain Sterling API credentials

Contact your Sterling account representative for API access credentials.

### Configure in Firstwork

Add Sterling integration credentials in **Settings > Integrations > Sterling**:

* API key
* Client ID
* Callback URL

### Map screening packages

Map your Sterling screening packages to Firstwork hiring flow stages.

## Sterling Integration Model

| Component                | Description                              |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Sterling Integration** | Company-level integration configuration  |
| **Sterling Screening**   | Individual screening request and results |

### Screening Data

Each screening tracks:

* Candidate information sent to Sterling
* Screening package requested
* Status (initiated, in progress, completed, failed)
* Results and findings
* Completion timestamp

## Automation Integration

### Triggering Background Checks

Use automations to initiate Sterling checks:

| Configuration | Description                                 |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Trigger       | Application enters "Background Check" stage |
| Action        | Webhook to Sterling API                     |
| Data Mapping  | Map candidate data to Sterling fields       |
| Callback      | Receive results via webhook trigger         |

### Processing Results

When Sterling returns results via webhook:

1. Webhook trigger fires in Firstwork
2. Results are stored in the screening record
3. Compliance rule evaluates the results
4. Automation advances or flags the candidate

## Supported Screening Types

* Criminal background checks
* Employment verification
* Education verification
* Drug screening
* Credit checks
* Identity verification
* Motor vehicle records

## Monitoring

Track background check status in:

* Application detail view
* Automation execution logs
* Sterling dashboard
* Analytics widgets