NTRVSTA vs Lever: Which AI Phone Screening Tool is Best for Staffing Agencies in 2026?

In a landscape where staffing agencies are under increasing pressure to fill roles quickly and efficiently, the tools they use for screening candidates can make or break their success. According to a recent survey, 78% of staffing agencies report that implementing AI phone screening has significantly reduced their time-to-hire by an average of 30%. With 2026 shaping up to be a pivotal year for recruitment technology, it's essential to understand how leading solutions like NTRVSTA and Lever stack up against each other. This comparison will help you determine which tool aligns best with your agency's specific needs.

Key Features Comparison: NTRVSTA vs Lever

| Feature | NTRVSTA | Lever | |----------------------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Type | AI Phone Screening | Video Interviewing + Phone | | Pricing | Starts at $1,500/month | Starts at $2,000/month | | Integrations | 50+ ATS (including Bullhorn) | 40+ ATS integrations | | Languages | 9+ (including Spanish) | English only | | Compliance | SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, EEOC | GDPR compliant | | Best For | High-volume staffing agencies | Tech and mid-sized firms | | Unique Selling Point | Real-time AI phone screening | Video-first approach |

NTRVSTA's real-time AI phone screening is a standout feature, particularly for staffing agencies that handle high volumes of candidates. In contrast, Lever tends to focus on a video-first approach, which may not suit all candidates, especially in sectors where immediate interaction is preferred.

Integration Depth: How Well Do They Connect?

When it comes to integrations, NTRVSTA boasts over 50 ATS integrations, including popular platforms like Bullhorn, Workday, and Greenhouse. This allows for smoother workflows and better data synchronization. Lever, while also well-integrated, supports around 40 ATS systems, which could be limiting for agencies already using specific platforms.

Consideration: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Both solutions come with their own pricing structures, but the total cost of ownership extends beyond just license fees. Consider the costs associated with setup, ongoing maintenance, and training. NTRVSTA's pricing starts at $1,500 per month, which includes comprehensive support and training, while Lever's starting price of $2,000 may not include these services, potentially increasing overall costs.

Candidate Experience: Completion Rates Matter

A crucial metric for staffing agencies is the candidate experience during the screening process. NTRVSTA boasts a 95% candidate completion rate, significantly higher than Lever's average of 60% for video interviews. This difference can lead to a broader talent pool and reduced drop-off rates, which is vital in a competitive hiring landscape.

Compliance and Regulations: Meeting Industry Standards

For staffing agencies, compliance with regulations like GDPR and EEOC is non-negotiable. NTRVSTA is SOC 2 Type II compliant and meets both GDPR and EEOC standards, making it an excellent choice for agencies that prioritize data security and regulatory adherence. Lever also meets GDPR requirements but lacks some of the additional compliance features that NTRVSTA offers.

Real-World Applications: Success Stories

Consider a healthcare staffing agency that switched to NTRVSTA and reported reducing their screening time from 45 to just 12 minutes per candidate. In contrast, a tech firm using Lever found that while video interviews provided a unique assessment method, they experienced higher drop-off rates during the scheduling phase.

Our Recommendation: Who Should Choose Which Tool?

1. For High-Volume Staffing Agencies: NTRVSTA is the clear choice. Its real-time phone screening capability and high completion rates lead to faster placements and a better candidate experience.

2. For Tech Companies Focused on Video: Lever may be more suitable, particularly if your team values a video-first approach and your candidates are comfortable with that format.

3. For Multilingual Needs: NTRVSTA's support for 9+ languages makes it ideal for agencies serving diverse populations or requiring multilingual capabilities.

Conclusion: Actionable Takeaways

1. Assess Your Volume Needs: If your agency deals with high candidate volumes, NTRVSTA's efficiency in screening is unmatched.

2. Evaluate Integration Requirements: Ensure the chosen tool integrates well with your existing ATS to minimize disruptions.

3. Consider Candidate Experience: Opt for a solution that provides a smooth experience for candidates, reducing drop-off rates and improving talent acquisition.

4. Compliance Is Key: Prioritize tools that meet the necessary compliance standards for your industry to avoid legal pitfalls.

5. Trial Before Commitment: Take advantage of demos or trials to evaluate how each tool fits your agency's workflow and candidate engagement strategy.