Certn Integration for Greenhouse: Streamline Global Background Screening and Compliance
Titus Juenemann •
December 6, 2024
TL;DR
The Certn integration for Greenhouse streamlines ordering, candidate invites, status synchronization, and final reporting for background screening directly within your ATS. It leverages mobile-first OneID verification, global checks in 190+ countries, automated reminders, and compliance certifications to reduce manual work, speed time-to-clearance, and centralize audit trails. Organizations with high-volume, international, or compliance-heavy hiring will see the biggest gains. Implementation requires installing the Certn app in Greenhouse, mapping packages to stages, testing flows, and monitoring completion and exception metrics. Combined with an AI resume screener like ZYTHR, teams can automate both candidate selection and candidate clearance to shorten hires and improve accuracy.
The Certn integration for Greenhouse links candidate background screening directly into your applicant tracking workflow so checks start, update, and finish without manual handoffs. It combines Certn’s mobile-first verification and global background checks with Greenhouse stages and candidate records to reduce administrative work and speed candidate clearance. This article explains what the integration does, the organizations that benefit most, measurable advantages, practical implementation steps, and common operational considerations so hiring teams can evaluate if the integration fits their process.
In practical terms the integration lets recruiters order background checks from Certn inside Greenhouse, automatically push candidate data to Certn, and receive status updates back into the candidate’s Greenhouse profile. That means invite links, identity verification (OneID), automated reminders, and final reports are coordinated and viewable where your team already manages candidates.
Core features of the Certn–Greenhouse integration
- Seamless order and status sync Order background checks from a Greenhouse stage and see progress, results, and flags in the candidate’s Greenhouse timeline without manual data transfer.
- Instant ID verification (OneID) Certn’s OneID matches a candidate’s face to their government ID across 10,000+ ID types from 190+ countries — performed on mobile devices to speed verification.
- Global background checks Access checks in 190+ countries for identity, criminal records, and relevant local screenings through the same workflow.
- Automated candidate reminders Certn automatically nudges candidates who haven’t completed checks, reducing follow-up workload for recruiters.
- Compliance and reporting SOC2, SOC3, and ISO 27001 certifications and clear audit trails help teams manage regulatory requirements and reporting.
- Driver/vehicle records (MVRs) Order motor vehicle checks for US and Canada roles where driving history is required directly from Greenhouse.
AI resume screener for Greenhouse
ZYTHR scores every applicant automatically and surfaces the strongest candidates based on your criteria.
- Automatically screens every inbound applicant.
- See clear scores and reasons for each candidate.
- Supports recruiter judgment instead of replacing it.
- Creates a shortlist so teams spend time where it matters.
| Name | Score | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver Elderberry |
9
|
Recruiter Screen |
| Isabella Honeydew |
8
|
Recruiter Screen |
| Cher Cherry |
7
|
Recruiter Screen |
| Sophia Date |
4
|
Not a fit |
| Emma Banana |
3
|
Not a fit |
| Liam Plum |
2
|
Not a fit |
Technically, the integration typically uses Greenhouse’s marketplace app and Certn’s APIs or webhook callbacks. When a recruiter triggers a screening package in Greenhouse, candidate identifiers and required package details are sent to Certn, which generates a secure applicant link and then posts status updates back to Greenhouse lifecycle events as the check progresses.
Manual background checks vs. Certn integrated with Greenhouse
| Task | Manual process | Certn + Greenhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering a check | Recruiter copies candidate data into a separate vendor portal or spreadsheet. | Order inside Greenhouse; candidate is auto-invited by Certn. |
| Candidate follow-up | Recruiter emails or phones candidate repeatedly. | Certn sends automatic reminders and completion nudges. |
| Status visibility | Multiple systems; manual status reconciliation. | Real-time status sync to Greenhouse candidate record. |
| International screening | Multiple vendors and portals for different countries. | Single vendor coverage across 190+ countries. |
| Audit and compliance | Fragmented records, complex reporting. | Centralized reports and compliance certifications. |
Who should consider this integration
- High-volume hiring teams Recruiting teams processing many candidates benefit from automation that removes repetitive work.
- Companies hiring internationally Organizations with global hiring needs get consistent checks across multiple jurisdictions.
- Compliance-driven industries Sectors that require auditable screening (finance, healthcare, transportation) need reliable reporting and certifications.
- Roles requiring driving records Firms that hire drivers or fleet staff can order MVRs directly within the applicant workflow.
- Remote onboarding teams Distributed teams can verify identity and complete background steps without in-person requirements.
Key business benefits include reduced time-to-clearance, fewer manual entries and errors, improved candidate conversion due to mobile-first checks and reminders, and centralized compliance records. Teams often see measurable decreases in administrative time per candidate and fewer incomplete checks that stall hiring.
Typical setup steps in Greenhouse
- Enable Certn in Greenhouse Marketplace Install the Certn app and authorize required permissions to exchange candidate data.
- Map screening packages Create and map Certn screening packages to Greenhouse stages and job templates.
- Configure data and consent Set candidate consent language, decide which fields are shared, and confirm retention policies.
- Run test candidates Execute end-to-end tests with a few sample candidates to validate status callbacks and reporting.
- Train recruiters Document the workflow, train hiring teams, and provide guidance on exception handling.
Common questions about Certn + Greenhouse
Q: How fast are results?
A: Turnaround varies by check type and jurisdiction — instant ID checks complete in seconds, some international criminal records or court searches may take longer. Certn provides estimated timelines per package.
Q: Is candidate consent handled?
A: Yes. The integration supports candidate consent flows and configurable disclosure language to match local legal requirements.
Q: Which countries are covered?
A: Certn supports checks in 190+ countries and 10,000+ ID types, enabling international hires from a single platform.
Q: What support is available?
A: Clients receive a dedicated account manager plus 24/7 local support via live chat, phone, and email for both clients and applicants.
Q: How does Greenhouse show screening results?
A: Results and status updates are posted to the candidate’s Greenhouse timeline; final reports can be accessed through Certn with links from Greenhouse.
After implementing the integration, track metrics such as screening completion rate, average time-to-complete checks, candidate drop-off during screening, and number of manual touchpoints eliminated. Regularly review these metrics to optimize package selection and communications for better throughput.
Example workflow mapping: Greenhouse stage → Certn action
| Greenhouse Stage | Certn Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Offer Accepted | Trigger standard pre-employment package | Initiates OneID verification and criminal checks. |
| Background Screening | Send invite and monitor status | Automated reminders reduce incomplete checks. |
| Clearance Completed | Post final report to candidate timeline | Hiring team proceeds to onboarding stage. |
| Exception / Review | Flag for manual review and open appeal process | Certn provides documentation for adjudication. |
Operational best practices
- Pre-define screening packages by role Standardize which checks each job family requires to speed ordering and ensure consistency.
- Communicate clearly to candidates Explain the process, estimated timelines, and mobile requirements to reduce confusion and drop-off.
- Use mobile-first invitations Because Certn’s OneID works on any device, optimize message copy for mobile completion.
- Monitor exception rates Track how often reports return exceptions to adjust criteria or provide additional guidance to reviewers.
- Schedule periodic audits Confirm configurations, consent language, and retention settings align with evolving legal obligations.
Potential limitations to consider include varying record availability across jurisdictions (which may affect turnaround), the need for correct candidate data to match IDs, and data retention policies that your legal or compliance teams must approve. Plan for exception workflows and human review where automated checks surface ambiguous findings.
Combine Certn checks with faster resume screening using ZYTHR
Use ZYTHR’s AI resume screening to shortlist qualified candidates automatically and let Certn handle identity and background checks through Greenhouse — together they cut review time and improve accuracy in both resume screening and candidate clearance. Start a free trial of ZYTHR to reduce screening hours and increase resume review precision.