Interviewed Sep 2009 in Waterloo, ON (took 2 months)

Started with a phone call from a company recruiter, who verified my interest in the posiiton, checked my salary expectations, and gave me information about the first real interview, which would be with the hiring manager. The recruiter established that she would be my contact for any questions or issues through the hiring process, which was nice. She was very personable and professional, but warm.

Because I was applying from a distance, my first interview was by phone, though I understand that's their preferred method anyway. Spent one hour on the phone with him, getting background on the opening, the job, and the company. His questions probably only took up about 25 to 30 minutes of the interview. he wanted to know about my relevant work experience (he had obviously spent a lot of time with my CV), my reasons for wanting to work in high tech, my reasons for wanting to work at RIM, etc.

Second interview two weeks later. A conference call with two peers from the team -- another phone call, though if I'd been local it would have been in person. This was more of the same questions, though they also asked a few more personal questions (including whether I was planning to have kids! Not okay!!!). Again, an hour.

Third interview -- two weeks later -- was a brief call with a VP from the company. He spent most of the 30 minutes talking himself, about the company and the team. Asked a few questions, but not anything complex. He too wanted to know why RIM.

Fourth interview -- two weeks later -- I was flown to Waterloo for lunch with the hiring manager. This was to allow him to put a face to the voice on the phone. A few questions, but more of a test of my social skills, I think. This was followed with a brief face-to-face with the two peers I had spoken to previously.

After this, I got the tentative offer, which put into motion the background check (employment, school, references, criminal record check). Within one week I had a formal written offer. Within two weeks of that I started with RIM.