How to Set Up AI Phone Screening for Temporary Staffing in 2026

As of February 2026, the temporary staffing industry faces a critical challenge: the demand for swift hiring processes amid a labor market that continues to tighten. According to recent studies, 72% of staffing agencies report that reducing time-to-fill is their top priority. Implementing AI phone screening can significantly accelerate candidate evaluation, cutting screening time from an average of 45 minutes to just 12. This article outlines how to set up AI phone screening in less than 30 minutes, ensuring your agency remains competitive and responsive to client needs.

Prerequisites for Implementation

Before diving into the setup, ensure you have the following:

1. Accounts: An active account with your chosen AI phone screening provider (e.g., NTRVSTA).
2. Admin Access: Administrative privileges to configure settings and integrate with your ATS.
3. Time Estimate: Allocate approximately 30 minutes for setup, with an additional 10-15 minutes for testing.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Log into Your AI Phone Screening Account

Start by accessing your AI phone screening portal. Ensure that you have the necessary credentials to log in.

Expected Outcome: Successful access to the dashboard.

Step 2: Integrate with Your ATS

Navigate to the integrations section and select your ATS (e.g., Bullhorn, Greenhouse). Follow the prompts to establish a connection.

Expected Outcome: ATS integration completed, allowing for seamless candidate data transfer.

Step 3: Customize Screening Questions

Select pre-defined screening questions or create your own tailored to the temporary positions you are hiring for. Focus on role-specific skills and compliance requirements.

Expected Outcome: A customized question set that aligns with your staffing needs.

Step 4: Set Candidate Availability

Define the hours during which candidates can participate in phone screenings. Ensure these hours align with peak application times.

Expected Outcome: Candidates can schedule screenings at convenient times.

Step 5: Test the System

Conduct a test screening to ensure everything functions correctly. Have a colleague act as a test candidate to verify the flow.

Expected Outcome: Confirmation that the screening process operates as intended.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Integration Errors: Ensure your ATS credentials are correct and that the integration settings are properly configured.
2. Question Clarity: If candidates struggle with questions, revisit the phrasing for clarity and relevance.
3. Scheduling Conflicts: Adjust candidate availability settings to capture a broader range of responses.
4. Technical Glitches: Restart the application or contact support if issues persist.
5. Low Candidate Engagement: Enhance communication about the screening process to encourage participation.

Most teams complete the setup in 1-2 business days, factoring in testing and minor adjustments.

Key Benefits of AI Phone Screening for Temporary Staffing

• Rapid Screening: Reduces screening time significantly, allowing staffing agencies to process more candidates in less time.
• High Completion Rates: AI phone screening typically boasts completion rates over 95%, compared to 40-60% for traditional video interviews.
• Multilingual Capabilities: Support for multiple languages ensures broader candidate reach, particularly in diverse markets.

Comparison of Top AI Phone Screening Solutions

| Name | Type | Pricing | Integrations | Languages | Compliance | Best For | |------------|---------------|-------------------|---------------------|------------------|----------------------|----------------------------------| | NTRVSTA | Real-time AI | $500/month | 50+ ATS integrations | 9+ (incl. Spanish, Mandarin) | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR | High-volume staffing agencies | | HireVue | AI video | $1,500/month | 20+ ATS integrations | 5+ | EEOC, GDPR | Tech and corporate hiring | | X0PA AI | AI assessments| $700/month | 15+ ATS integrations | 3+ | GDPR | Healthcare and allied health | | MyInterview | Video interviews | $300/month | 10+ ATS integrations | 4+ | EEOC, GDPR | Retail and hospitality |

Our Recommendation

• For High-Volume Staffing Agencies: NTRVSTA is ideal due to its real-time capabilities, multilingual support, and extensive ATS integrations.
• For Tech Companies: HireVue offers advanced AI assessments, but at a higher price point.
• For Retail: MyInterview is budget-friendly but may lack some integrations.

Conclusion

Implementing AI phone screening for temporary staffing can streamline your hiring process in just 30 minutes. By following this guide, you can enhance candidate experience, improve screening efficiency, and ultimately drive better hiring outcomes.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Prepare Your Accounts: Ensure you have admin access and the right accounts set up before starting the implementation.
2. Customize Questions: Tailor the screening questions to meet the specific needs of the temporary positions you are filling.
3. Conduct Thorough Testing: Run test screenings to confirm the setup works correctly and adjust as needed.
4. Engage Candidates: Communicate clearly about the screening process to ensure high participation rates.
5. Monitor Performance: Regularly review screening metrics to identify areas for improvement.