The fact remains that most educated people are aware of the French approach to higher education and the exacting filter applied for entrance and matriculation.

The fact remains that most educated people are aware of the French approach to higher education and the exacting filter applied for entrance and matriculation. As an example, in a previous job, I noted that the new French software engineer had come from INRIA and was a graduate of a Grand ecole. The fact that this resource went on to demonstrate well above average work and domain abilities was not a surprise to me. So note that some of us do pay attention even if it is not mentioned during recruitment.