I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at Applied Materials
Interview
Rushed me to on-site interview, gave only a few days notice.
Lots of logic questions.
Had to do a presentation.
Very nice people.
Contacted by HR a week or so later to move to the next step of the hiring process, asked for consent to background checks, etc.
Waited a very very long time (more than a month) for the offer.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Applied Materials (San Jose, CA) in Oct 2009
Interview
Phone intervew + Face-to-face interview, 1-2 weeks for decision. The process is not universal, depends on the department doing the hiring. In general interview is with as many members (your likely future colleagues) that the hiring manager can round up. In general no less than two person interviewing you. HR may not necessarily be involved in interviewing - again it depends on the department performing the hiring. The hiring manager or one or few of your future colleagues may take you for lunch. Interviewing style changes with the person who is interviewing you.