Option 1 -> Conducting interviews typically occurs in the middle stages of the selection process, not as the final step.
Option 2 -> Screening applications is usually the initial step in recruitment to filter candidates before proceeding further.
Option 3 -> Background checks and reference verification are conducted at the end to validate candidate information before final hiring decisions.
Option 4 -> Technical assessments are generally conducted in earlier or middle stages to evaluate candidate skills and competencies.
Hence, Option 3: Background checks and reference verification -> This is the final step in the selection process at Apex Solutions as it occurs after all interviews and assessments are completed, serving as the last verification stage before making the final hiring decision -> correct