ObjectivEye

TNO (the Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) is always looking for ways to create societal impact through technology. One of the challenges TNO wanted to address was reducing bias in the recruitment process. Despite the best intentions, unconscious prejudice can still creep into candidate selection. This not only leads to overlooking talent, but also costs valuable time. Especially in a tight labour market, where diversity and inclusion are more important than ever, is this a real problem. That’s why TNO set out to develop an innovative, objective solution that truly helps make recruitment more efficient, fair, and inclusive.

Everyone is seen and given a fair chance
ObjectivEye was born as a start-up within TNO’s Tech Transfer program. It is an AI-driven recruitment platform that enables competency-based and anonymous applications. Candidates are assessed on their skills and not on age, gender, or background. With ObjectivEye, hiring managers gain access to smart tools: the platform assists in writing job descriptions, generating structured interview questions and objectively evaluating candidates. So, no more traditional CVs, but applicants answering questions about the competencies that really matter. This makes the selection process not only more efficient, but also fairer. ObjectivEye takes a step toward a more inclusive labour market where diversity and equality are the standard.

AI only sees someone’s competencies
Using Next.js, we developed an application with multiple components. The platform consists of an Applicant Interface for candidates and a Recruiter Interface for hiring managers. We integrated the ESCO database, a classification of skills, competences and occupations in the EU labour market, for objective competencies and we applied AI to generate job descriptions and interview questions. Based on the company’s needs, vacancies can be quickly created and published online. Interview questions for applicants are also generated with AI, while hiring managers retain full control to adjust them. The hiring manager invites the candidates whose answers best match the position. At this point, no resumes have been considered yet. Candidates are always informed that the recruitment process is handled through ObjectivEye.

Let's see if it really works
In 2025, the first pilot was carried out with five partners of ObjectivEye, including De Nederlandsche Bank. These partners posted a vacancy on their website where interested candidates could apply through ObjectivEye by answering competency-based questions. The initial results are positive. The candidates who were invited to the next round of the recruitment process were selected purely based on their competencies, which resulted in a more diverse talent pool. After receiving valuable feedback, we have been continuously optimizing the product. Thanks to AI and the scientific approach, ObjectivEye contributes to faster, fairer, and more efficient recruitment, leading to a more inclusive labor market.