Applied online, HR called & scheduled interview at local office, met with CEO & branch manager for 60min or so. Learned about company (much of what I already researched for the interview), then asked me some interview questions. When I asked questions back, CEO seemed to evade most of them (he's no longer there). After my background check was completed, they made an offer. I countered for a higher salary (I knew I had skills they needed/leverage) and they accepted. I therefore believe I started at a higher salary than many of my peers. (Also - if company does well, and you do well, they give annual raises.) My interview was several years ago, and the people that interviewed me are no longer with the company, so the process/questions may be a bit different.