How to Set Up AI Phone Screening in Less Than 30 Minutes (2026)

In 2026, the average time to hire across industries has dropped to just 26 days, a significant improvement driven by technologies like AI phone screening. Surprisingly, many organizations still rely on outdated processes that extend their time-to-hire unnecessarily. This article offers a quick tutorial on setting up AI phone screening in less than 30 minutes, enabling you to enhance recruiting efficiency and candidate experience.

Prerequisites for Quick Setup

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

1. Accounts: Active accounts with your chosen AI phone screening provider (e.g., NTRVSTA).
2. Admin Access: Administrative privileges to your Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
3. Time Estimate: Allocate a maximum of 30 minutes for the setup.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Log into Your ATS

Access your ATS dashboard and navigate to the integrations section. This is where you'll connect your AI phone screening tool.

What You Should See: A list of available integrations.

Step 2: Select Your AI Phone Screening Tool

Choose NTRVSTA from the integration options. Click on "Connect" to initiate the integration process.

Expected Outcome: A prompt to enter your API key or login credentials for NTRVSTA.

Step 3: Configure Screening Parameters

Define the parameters for your phone screening, including the types of questions, candidate qualifications, and scoring metrics.

What You Should See: A configuration dashboard allowing you to customize screening settings.

Step 4: Set Up Candidate Notifications

Determine how candidates will be notified about their phone screening and set the preferred communication channels.

Expected Outcome: Candidates will receive automated notifications via email or SMS.

Step 5: Test the Integration

Run a test candidate through the screening process to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

What You Should See: A successful test result indicating the screening was completed without issues.

Step 6: Go Live

Once satisfied with the test, make the screening process live for your active job postings.

Expected Outcome: Candidates can now schedule their phone screenings seamlessly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Integration Errors: Ensure your API key is correct.
2. Notification Failures: Check your email/SMS settings.
3. Screening Questions Not Saving: Refresh the page and try again.
4. Test Candidate Not Receiving Notification: Verify candidate contact details.
5. Scoring Issues: Review scoring parameters for accuracy.

Timeline for Setup

Most teams complete the setup in under 30 minutes. This timeline assumes you have your prerequisites ready and are familiar with both your ATS and the AI phone screening tool.

Conclusion: Actionable Takeaways

1. Prepare Your Environment: Have all necessary accounts and admin access lined up before starting.
2. Follow the Steps Closely: Adhere to the outlined steps for a smooth setup.
3. Test Thoroughly: Always conduct a test run to ensure everything is functioning as intended.
4. Train Your Team: Ensure your recruiting team is aware of the new process and its benefits.
5. Monitor and Optimize: After going live, track candidate feedback and performance metrics to continually improve the process.

By adopting AI phone screening, you can significantly reduce screening time, enhance candidate experience, and streamline your hiring process, making it a strategic addition to your recruiting toolkit.