First interview was the recruiter and that was a typical interview. Second was a "technical" phone interview where someone asks technical questions that have been on their script for years and in serious need of updating. Interviewer spent half his time apologizing for having to ask such antiquated questions. Nevertheless, we got through it and invited further. The third interview was conducted in two parts 45 minutes sessions. The first was with two current engineers. One engineer was difficult to understand and there were frequent requests for clarification. Otherwise, a typical technical interview. The second part was with the hiring manager and a prepared script of questions...and again... in serious need of updating.
All in all, it appears VMware is on auto-pilot in it's hiring process but clearly not keeping it updated and fresh. Once notified of the results of the interview process, you are either accepted into their "queue" or not. If accepted, you won't start immediately but will be placed in a queue to be contacted when need arises. And actual employment is still not certain. You must pass the background check which can take 2-3 weeks. So, if you get accepted, by VMware, don't give your notice until you have gotten final notice that you have cleared all background checks.