Reference Checking Comparison

How Virvell compares to Checkster, SkillSurvey, and Crosschq

Summary

Checkster, SkillSurvey, and Crosschq are survey tools. They send digital forms to references who type responses. Virvell uses voice AI. Our AI conducts actual phone conversations, probing deeper when answers are vague or concerning. And unlike any competitor, Virvell bundles pre-screening interviews, reference checks, and background checks into one platform—with cross-module intelligence that catches discrepancies before you make an offer.

Feature Comparison

Feature Virvell Checkster (Harver) SkillSurvey (iCIMS) Crosschq
Method ✓ Voice AI phone calls Digital surveys Digital surveys Digital surveys
Follow-up questions ✓ Real-time AI probing ✗ Static form ✗ Static form ✗ Static form
Pre-screen interviews ✓ AI phone screens ✗ Not offered ✗ Not offered ◐ AI assists human interviewers
Background checks ✓ Integrated (via Certn) ✗ Not offered ✗ Not offered ✗ Partners only (Sterling, Checkr)
Cross-module intelligence ✓ Auto cross-verification ✗ Reference-only ✗ Reference-only ◐ Quality of Hire analytics
24/7 availability ✓ References call anytime Online form Online form Online form
Turnaround time 24-48 hours 24 hours ~1 business day Under 48 hours
Fraud detection ✓ Voice + cross-module IP/device tracking Basic protection ApplicantX platform
ATS integrations ◐ Greenhouse (Q1 2026) 10+ ATS iCIMS native + others 40+ partners
Security certification ◐ SOC 2 infrastructure ◐ ISO 27001 SOC 2 Type II (via iCIMS) SOC 2 Type II

⚡ What Makes Virvell Different

  • Real-time probing: When our AI detects hesitation or vague answers, it asks follow-up questions on the spot. Static survey forms can't do this.
  • 24/7 inbound calling: References can call anytime—evenings, weekends—rather than waiting to fill out a form between meetings.
  • True cross-verification: We connect what references say with what candidates claimed in pre-screens and what background checks reveal. Competitors offer reference checking only—you're still comparing data manually.
  • One platform, one price: Pre-screens + references + backgrounds bundled. Competitors require separate vendors for each.

Pricing Comparison

Virvell

$699/mo
150 candidates/year
Pre-screens + References + Backgrounds
$4.66 per candidate

Checkster (Harver)

Custom
Enterprise quotes only
Reference checks only
No public pricing

SkillSurvey (iCIMS)

Custom
Enterprise quotes only
Reference checks only
Est. $2,000+/year

Crosschq

$399/mo
Subscription model
Reference checks only
$39M VC-backed

With competitors, you still need separate vendors for pre-screening and background checks. Virvell bundles everything.

Note: Virvell's $699/month includes pre-screening interviews, reference checks, AND background checks. With competitors, you'd need 3 separate vendors: ~$399/mo (references) + $X (pre-screening) + $Y (backgrounds) = likely $1,000+/month total.

Common Objections

Q1: "We've used Checkster/SkillSurvey for years. Why switch?"
A: You're not replacing reference checks—you're upgrading to a complete verification platform. Keep using surveys if you want, but Virvell shows you what surveys miss: the inconsistencies between what candidates say in interviews, what references report, and what background checks reveal. That cross-verification is something survey tools simply can't offer because they don't have the other data sources.
Q2: "Will references actually talk to an AI?"
A: Yes. Our AI (named Sam) identifies itself immediately, explains the purpose, and obtains consent. References appreciate the flexibility—they can call at 9pm if that works for their schedule. A 10-minute phone call fits into their day differently than stopping to fill out a detailed survey form.
Q3: "Crosschq and Checkster have better ATS integrations."
A: True—today. We're launching Greenhouse integration in Q1 2026, with Lever following in Q2. But consider: are you choosing a reference tool or a verification platform? The integration gap is temporary; our cross-module intelligence advantage is structural.
Q4: "You're not SOC 2 certified yet."
A: Our infrastructure is built on SOC 2 Type II certified providers (Certn for background checks, AWS for hosting). We carry $1M in Tech E&O and Cyber Liability insurance through Tokio Marine. We're pursuing our own certification as we scale, but your data is protected by enterprise-grade security today.
Q5: "Survey tools claim written feedback is more candid due to anonymity."
A: That's their positioning. What's not debatable: phone conversations allow real-time follow-up. When our AI hears hesitation or a vague answer like "he was... fine," it probes deeper. A static form can't do that. You get the detail that matters for hiring decisions.

"When to Choose Each Solution"

Choose... If you need...
Virvell A complete verification platform (pre-screens + references + backgrounds) with cross-module intelligence to catch discrepancies. Best for mid-market companies (200-1,000 employees) wanting to consolidate vendors and get deeper insights.
Checkster (Harver) A proven survey-based reference tool with strong ATS integrations. Part of Harver's broader talent suite (assessments, video interviews). Best for enterprises already using Harver or needing ISO 27001 certification. Acquired by Harver in 2020.
SkillSurvey (iCIMS) A survey-based reference tool with role-specific templates developed by I/O psychologists. Best for companies using iCIMS who want native integration and SOC 2 Type II compliance. Acquired by iCIMS in October 2022.
Crosschq A well-funded ($39M) survey-based platform with strong fraud detection (ApplicantX) and Quality of Hire analytics. Best for enterprises wanting post-hire outcome tracking and extensive ATS integrations (40+ partners). SOC 2 Type II certified.

See the Difference Voice AI Makes

Book a demo and we'll show you a real reference check report—then compare it to what survey tools deliver.

Book Demo View Sample Report