The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Barclays (San Francisco, CA) in Feb 2009
Interview
The process was efficient, transparent and professional. I received email from the (internal) recruiter within 24 hours of applying online (from employee referral link). I was given an overview of the process up front: 1) phone screen by the recruiter, 2) phone interview with hiring manager; 3) two half day interviews with team (with the option to not be invited back for the second day). I made it through the hiring manager. She was impressed but said I'd be a better fit for another organization and asked the recruiter facilitate an intro. The recruiter told me she would pass my resume on for any posting I saw and was interested in. At Barclays, internal referrals go a long way. The interviews were all behavioral -- e.g., "give me an example when" type questions. All employees are trained in this methodology. It's a super energized, ambitious but with low ego tolerance environment.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Tell me about a time when you had to manage a difficult employee and provide uncomfortable coaching. What did you do and how did it turn out?
Describe a time when you were asked to take on a project with little or no expertise or background in the topic, how did you approach it and what was the outcome?
I was interviewed for a contract role. There was no JD shared despite of me asking for the same. The interviewer(s) changed in the call and I was introduced to two new interviewers who would take my interview. They were shooting questions one after another without letting me breathe in between. I have over 21 years of experience and without a JD it was difficult for me to understand what to mention and what not and what exactly skill they are looking for. Luckily I didn't get through but if I would have been, I would have said NO. It was very very unprofessional interview. It seemed like they had made up their mind and looking for excuses to fail.
One Recruiter meeting - one on one to discuss experience and the role
One Technical interview around one week later - ~5 detailed technical questions. Fairly formal format and style
The process was quite long but very well structured, and the team remained consistently responsive throughout. It involved a test, followed by an interview, and ultimately an offer. Overall, the experience felt positive, transparent, and professionally handled from start to finish