With a brand-new business model, AOL has incorporated a recruiting process similar to Google's for the analytical-type roles. There are 7 steps including 5 interviews: apply, phone interview with HR, phone interview with manager, in-person interview at local office, in-person interview at Business Analyst HQ in Baltimore, phone interview with cultural ambassador, hiring committee approval. The interviews are a mix of fit, behavioral, and case questions, with the Baltimore interview being the most rigorous and difficult. Computation skills and a comfort with numbers are key. Although the process is long and extensive, HR keeps you "in the loop" at all times, calling to let you know if you're advancing to the next stage. AOL is being as selective as possible with who they hire, and that provides new employees with the confidence in their future colleagues who also passed such a rigorous process.