<p>This study proposes a novel multi-criteria decision-making framework that integrates interval-valued neutrosophic sets with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the alternative-by-alternative comparison (ABAC) method to address the personnel selection problem (PSP), a critical issue in human resource management where suboptimal hiring decisions may cause substantial financial costs and operational inefficiencies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to apply the ABAC method to PSP, thereby filling a significant methodological gap. A distinctive contribution of the model is the inclusion of a new evaluation criterion, motivation and commitment to the job, identified through expert interviews, which reflects the contemporary needs of organizations. The IVN-AHP analysis revealed that foreign language proficiency is the most important criterion, followed by leadership and educational background, indicating that global competence, managerial potential, and academic qualifications are the attributes most valued by employers. This finding is particularly important as it demonstrates that organizations increasingly prioritize employees who can operate in international contexts while also contributing managerial and intellectual capital, directly linking personnel selection to strategic competitiveness. The framework was empirically validated through a real-life case study, where criteria weights were determined and candidates were ranked accordingly. The results demonstrate that the integrated IVN-AHP-ABAC approach effectively manages uncertainty, ensures ranking stability, and offers a reliable decision support tool for both researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance personnel selection strategies.</p>