Actually, both look for signals of accomplishment and both are willing to take whatever signals you can provide to that effect. Didn't go to a top-tier school?

Actually, both look for signals of accomplishment and both are willing to take whatever signals you can provide to that effect. Didn't go to a top-tier school? That's ok, let's talk about what you've built. You haven't built anything? That's ok, let's talk about what you've done? You haven't done anything you feel proud talking about? All that together is not ok. You have to have something I'd argue that talent is actually some minor ability/sense of passion/direction augmented by the compound effect of sustained effort (determination).