Initial call was only a few days after applying. The person who called wasn't very engaged or nice over the phone. Simply asked me to come into the office. I had to ask who I was even meeting with - very strange.
Coming in without a phone interview is pretty rare these days but I thought why not. Got to the office. Receptionist ignored me for quite a while. When she acknowledged me, she said come on in here and ushered me to the conference room. She asked if I had a calculator and then handed me a packet of papers. There was an old school application first to fill out. Then, I did about two pages of math problems and about four pages of interview type questions - really general things about managing people and situations. Frankly things they should ask in person. The last question was who would you rather have dinner with - the current president, a ponzi scheme aficionado, or a comedian (can't give you the actual names in the review). Clearly just trying to get to know you but wouldn't that be a great question to ask face to face?
It took nearly an hour to complete all the questions. Right as I finished, the hiring manager came in. She gave me about 15 minutes of her time, didn't ask me a thing except (of course) my salary, and basically said ok well see ya later.
It was one of the strangest interviews I've had and I've had quite a few since the recession. It's disappointing to get so dressed up and make your way to a company and then really not be interviewed. I knew I was probably overqualified but try not to presume anything until I meet folks. I didn't follow up because it was clearly not the right fit, but neither did they which is typical now of nearly every company - big or small - out there.
When the economy actually flips and companies become desperate for good people again, they will go back to selling themselves and being respectful of people and their time. It's too bad that most companies expect the absolute world of a candidate and don't give you anything in return, not even a conversation.