HR Avatar Automated Reference Checks vs RefNow
HR Avatar Automated Reference Checks
hravatar.comRefNow
refnow.comSide by side
| Figure | HR Avatar Automated Reference Checks | RefNow |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 5 |
| Spec score · Reference Check Software | 8.4 (#6) | 8.7 (#4) |
| Headquarters | Gainesville, Virginia, United States | London, England, UK |
| Purpose | Automated reference checks collect feedback from a candidate’s past supervisors and peers through a multi-rater survey. | RefNow automates employment reference checks for hiring teams, including reminders to candidates and referees. |
| Support | The company lists technical support and provides a contact form, with an office address in Gainesville, Virginia. | Basic packages include email support; additional support options include email and phone support, with optional specialist training. |
Plans
HR Avatar Automated Reference Checks
- 1 Candidate$50, paid once
- 10 Candidates$350, paid once
- 25 Candidates$785, paid once
- 50 Candidates$1,430, paid once
RefNow
- Free accountFree
- Paid version£12.99, paid once
- Digital ID/DBS ChecksPriced on request
- RefNow ReferencePriced on request
- RefNow RespondPriced on request
In their own words
HR Avatar Automated Reference Checks
HR Avatar Automated Reference Checks gathers feedback about candidates from former supervisors and coworkers through a multi-rater survey. Candidates enter contact details for 2–8 people, and the system sends invitations by email or text with links for the candidate and raters to complete their parts. A rater survey usually takes about five minutes. The template builder drafts job-specific surveys using the U.S. Government O*NET database; users can review, edit, and add questions. Responses are compiled into a detailed report, and results can be reviewed as soon as a rater completes a survey. The tool can also be used for 360-degree employee feedback. A check is included at no additional cost when the candidate was tested within 90 days before or after it is initiated; otherwise, it uses one Candidate Credit. The 14-day free trial includes two credits and access to automated reference checks, subject to eligibility restrictions. Paid options start at $50 for one Candidate Credit, and purchased credits are valid for 12 months. The service runs on Android, iOS, and web and documents an integration with Teamtailor.
RefNow
RefNow automates employment reference checks for hiring teams, from collecting referee details to delivering reports. Candidates provide referee details, and referees respond through a secure, mobile-friendly questionnaire. The platform tracks requests and automation attempts in real time, sends reminders, and uses algorithms to identify potentially fraudulent references. RefNow says its LinkedIn and YOTI partnerships help verify reference authenticity and provide additional candidate insights. Teams can download PDF reports and manage users with permission groups. The service also offers Right to Work checks and Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks. The maker lists more than 65 ATS and HRIS integrations and an Open API for custom connections. RefNow Respond automates incoming references for former employees after candidate consent, then generates and sends a PDF report to the requester. One reference credit covers up to 10 references from one candidate; bulk discounts and subscriptions are available, but no plan price is listed. RefNow is available on the web and through an API, and is based in London, England.