How to Streamline Your Phone Screening Process with AI in 30 Minutes

As of February 2026, 75% of companies report that phone screening is their most time-consuming recruiting step, with many spending upwards of 40 hours per week on initial candidate evaluations. Yet, with the right AI solutions, you can cut that time by more than half, reducing your screening process from 45 minutes to just 12. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up an AI-driven phone screening process in 30 minutes, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: finding the right talent.

Prerequisites for AI Phone Screening Setup

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

1. Accounts: Access to your chosen AI phone screening platform (e.g., NTRVSTA).
2. Admin Access: Ensure your HR or TA team has administrative rights to configure settings.
3. ATS Integration: Confirm your ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is compatible; NTRVSTA integrates with over 50 platforms, including Lever and Greenhouse.
4. Time Estimate: Set aside 30 minutes for the setup process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up AI Phone Screening

Step 1: Choose Your AI Phone Screening Tool

Select an AI phone screening tool that aligns with your needs. For example, NTRVSTA offers real-time phone screening and multilingual capabilities.

What You Should See: A user-friendly interface that allows for quick configuration.

Step 2: Configure Your Screening Criteria

Define the parameters for your screening process, including key skills, experience levels, and cultural fit indicators.

Expected Outcome: A tailored screening framework that aligns with your job descriptions.

Step 3: Integrate with ATS

Follow the integration instructions provided by your AI tool to connect with your ATS.

What You Should See: A successful connection that allows candidate data to flow seamlessly between systems.

Step 4: Set Up Questions and Scoring

Input a set of screening questions and define scoring metrics. NTRVSTA’s AI can score resumes and detect fraudulent credentials, enhancing your vetting process.

Expected Outcome: A predefined list of questions that will be asked during the screening call, along with scoring parameters.

Step 5: Test the System

Conduct a test screening to ensure everything is functioning as expected. Make any necessary adjustments based on the results.

What You Should See: A smooth screening process that provides instant feedback on candidate responses.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Integration Errors: Double-check API keys and permissions.
2. Question Misalignment: Review and adjust screening questions for clarity.
3. Scoring Discrepancies: Revisit scoring criteria to ensure they align with your goals.
4. Language Issues: If using multilingual features, verify that language settings are correct.
5. Candidate Drop-off: Monitor candidate completion rates; NTRVSTA boasts a 95% completion rate compared to the industry average of 40-60%.

Timeline

Most teams complete the setup in 2-3 business days, allowing for testing and adjustments.

Key Metrics to Track After Implementation

• Screening Time Reduction: Aim to reduce your screening time to 12 minutes.
• Candidate Completion Rate: Track the percentage of candidates who complete the phone screening.
• Quality of Hire: Measure the performance of hires made through the AI screening process over time.

Conclusion: 3 Actionable Takeaways

1. Prioritize Integration: Ensure that your AI phone screening tool integrates smoothly with your ATS for optimal efficiency.
2. Customize Your Questions: Tailor your screening questions to reflect the specific needs of your organization and the roles you are hiring for.
3. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review screening metrics to identify areas for improvement and ensure the process remains efficient.

Streamlining your phone screening process using AI not only saves time but also enhances the quality of your hiring decisions. By following these steps, you can set up a robust system that meets your organization’s needs in just 30 minutes.