What “top 1%” actually means: inside a real vetting process

“Top 1%” is the most abused phrase in hiring. It only means something if you can show the funnel behind it — so here's ours.

The funnel

• Sourcing: AI matches thousands against your role; the strongest surface for review
• Technical screen: a real exercise reviewed by a senior engineer, not an auto-grader
• Communication & fit: a live conversation for clarity, judgment, and mission alignment
• Final review: your recruiter and a senior engineer sign off — or it doesn't move

Fewer than 5% clear all four. The claim isn't marketing; it's the pass rate. If we wouldn't put our name on a candidate, you never meet them.