I applied online. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Bridgewater Associates (Bridgeport, CT) in Mar 2012
Interview
I did not get the offer, but I must say that I was very impressed with the whole process. Bridgewater is such an odd and awesome firm. I applied online, then got a phone interview that was basically screening, and asking a few general technical concepts, I thought I had done quite badly (the interviewer did not sound pleased) but I got to fly to their HQ..
I had about 6 different interviews, first a group interview, discussing and abstract concept on how to develop a project. Then some of the candidates where basically told to go home. Every interview evaluated a different aspect on my character or ability. They were interested in seeing how I thought rather than what I knew. Everyone was very nice, some interviewers asked hard question but it always felt very fair.
Furthermore, they were even willing to share feedback about my interview after I was informed that I did not get the position.
Highly professional. The interview was a bit of work up front. Kind of strange that they recorded the process. Overall seems like a great group. It's clear they expect a lot from their employees. Pay seems great but from my discussion with the employees it sounded like a 55 hour work week was normal and they regularly stretched beyond that.