Imagine applying for a job where your chances of getting hired are roughly the same as being struck by lightning in your lifetime. That’s the reality for candidates at Bending Spoons, the $21 billion tech company that owns Eventbrite, Vimeo, and AOL. Last year, the company received 800,000 job applications—and hired just 286 people. That’s a 0.04% acceptance rate, making it one of the most selective employers in the world.
Inside Bending Spoons’ brutal hiring gauntlet
CEO Luca Ferrari recently pulled back the curtain on the company’s hiring process in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. “If people looked under the hood at how we do this, they would think we’re crazy,” Ferrari said. “Hopefully in a good way.” The process begins with an initial screening that filters out the vast majority of applicants. Of the 800,000 who applied, only 60,000—about 7.5%—made it past the first round.
Why the company rejects 99.96% of applicants
For the tens of thousands who survive the first cut, the real test begins. Candidates sit through a series of tests designed to analyze their reasoning, judgment, and learning speed. Ferrari says this approach is “unlike many other hiring playbooks,” which he implies are “useless” in comparison. The tests are followed by an interview, and then Bending Spoons uses proprietary hiring algorithms to make final decisions. The company believes this multi-layered process identifies the best talent, even if it means rejecting nearly everyone.
How the hiring process has evolved
Ferrari noted that competition for jobs at Bending Spoons has only been ramping up in recent years. The company’s growing portfolio—which includes major digital brands like Eventbrite, Vimeo, and AOL—has made it a magnet for job seekers worldwide. The 800,000 applications received last year represent a significant increase from previous years, though the company has not disclosed exact historical figures.
What this means for job seekers
For the 799,714 people who were rejected last year, the message is clear: getting a job at Bending Spoons requires more than a polished resume. The company’s focus on cognitive abilities and learning speed means that even highly qualified candidates may not make the cut. Ferrari’s comments suggest that the company values raw potential over experience, a philosophy that has helped it build a reputation for innovation but also raises questions about inclusivity and diversity in hiring.
CEO Luca Ferrari defends the approach
Ferrari has not shied away from defending the company’s methods. In his WSJ interview, he framed the process as a necessary evil to maintain the company’s high standards. “Hopefully in a good way,” he added, acknowledging that outsiders might find the approach extreme. The company has not responded to criticism about the potential for bias in algorithmic hiring, but Ferrari’s comments suggest that Bending Spoons is committed to its current system.
Why Bending Spoons’ hiring matters beyond the company
The company’s hiring practices are a case study in extreme selectivity. With a 0.04% acceptance rate, Bending Spoons is more selective than Ivy League universities, which typically admit between 4% and 7% of applicants. This has implications for the broader tech industry, where talent wars are intensifying. If other companies adopt similar methods, the already competitive job market could become even more unforgiving.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
What is confirmed: Bending Spoons received 800,000 applications and hired 286 people in 2023. The company uses reasoning, judgment, and learning speed tests, followed by interviews and algorithms. CEO Luca Ferrari has publicly described the process as unique and intense. What remains unclear: the exact nature of the hiring algorithms, the demographic breakdown of hires, and whether the company plans to adjust its approach in response to any criticism.
Bending Spoons’ business moat: why it attracts so many applicants
Bending Spoons is not just any tech company. With a valuation of $21 billion, it owns a portfolio of iconic digital brands including Eventbrite, Vimeo, and AOL. The company’s ability to acquire and revitalize struggling platforms has made it a standout in the tech world. Its reputation for innovation and growth is a major draw for job seekers, explaining why 800,000 people applied last year despite the near-impossible odds of being hired.
Risks and balanced view of the hiring process
While Bending Spoons’ hiring process is designed to find the best talent, it comes with risks. Critics argue that algorithmic hiring can perpetuate bias, especially if the algorithms are trained on historical data that reflects existing inequalities. The company’s extreme selectivity also raises questions about whether it is missing out on talented candidates who may not perform well on standardized tests. Ferrari’s comments suggest the company is aware of these concerns but believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
The wider trend: algorithmic hiring in tech
Bending Spoons is part of a broader trend in the tech industry where companies are increasingly using algorithms to screen candidates. From Amazon’s failed AI recruiting tool to Google’s structured interviews, the use of data-driven hiring is growing. However, Bending Spoons’ approach is among the most extreme, with a rejection rate that dwarfs even the most selective companies.
Practical guidance for job seekers
If you’re considering applying to Bending Spoons, prepare for a process that prioritizes cognitive ability over experience. Focus on sharpening your reasoning, judgment, and learning speed. Practice tests that measure these skills, and be ready for a multi-stage process that could take weeks. Also, consider applying to other companies in the tech industry that may have less brutal acceptance rates.
Future outlook: will the hiring process get even tougher?
Ferrari has indicated that competition for jobs at Bending Spoons is only increasing. As the company continues to grow and acquire new brands, the number of applicants is likely to rise. This could mean even lower acceptance rates in the future, making the company’s hiring process one of the most selective in the world.
Our take
Bending Spoons’ hiring process is a fascinating case study in extreme selectivity. While the company’s focus on cognitive ability and learning speed may help it identify top talent, the 99.96% rejection rate raises important questions about fairness and inclusivity. For job seekers, the message is clear: getting hired at Bending Spoons requires not just skill, but also a willingness to navigate a process that is unlike anything else in the industry. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that in the world of tech, the bar for entry is only getting higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people did Bending Spoons hire in 2023?
Bending Spoons hired 286 people out of 800,000 job applications in 2023, a 0.04% acceptance rate.
What is Bending Spoons’ hiring process like?
The process includes tests analyzing reasoning, judgment, and learning speed, followed by an interview and hiring algorithms. CEO Luca Ferrari describes it as unlike traditional interviews.
Why does Bending Spoons reject so many applicants?
The company believes its multi-layered process identifies the best talent. CEO Luca Ferrari says the approach is necessary to maintain high standards, even if it means rejecting nearly everyone.
What companies does Bending Spoons own?
Bending Spoons owns Eventbrite, Vimeo, and AOL, among other digital businesses. The company is valued at $21 billion.
