I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Boeing (Saint Louis, MO) in Jun 2008
Interview
The initial position was posted online in February and I applied right away. The requisition number did not close until April, two months later. I was contacted in May to fill out a more in depth application and then later that month I was asked to schedule a phone interview in June.
The phone interview was done by a panel of managers and leads from the company. It is what I have come to know as the standard behavioral interview where they ask you about situations you have encountered in the past and ask for the situation, action, and results. For example, please tell us about a time when you did X, or please tell us what your role in X situation was, what action did you take, and what were the results? Panel members look at how well you draw from your work experiences or other relevant experience from school or volunteer projects.
I was given an offer and asked to respond almost immediately. The initial offer was written like I was an unemployed recent college graduate offering a salary that was lower than my job at the time. I did not agree with their terms, so I countered their offer. At the same time I had to begin the background investigation and drug testing.
When I sent my counter offer to the HR representative, he was somewhat rude. Then they countered my offer with something kind of inbetween which they said was their "best and final offer." I thought it was a much better offer and decided to accept it.
Next, they wanted me to start right away, not even giving me time to give my current employer notice. I argued that if they were my current employer, they would not be very happy with an employee like that and I was able to negotiate a better starting date.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Sometimes it is hard to think of the perfect situation to fit the behavioral questions.
HR interview checking if you are somewhat qualified - not too hard. Than interview with hiring manager and lead engineer to see your skills, experience, and fit for team - average difficulty.
I applied online. I interviewed at Boeing (Renton, WA)
Interview
Interviewed online by two senior engineers. First self introduction and opportunity to pitch oneself for the job. Then five questions to be answered using the STAR (Situation > Task > Action > Result) format. Not so much knowledge based questions as describing past experiences.
Finally they give you a chance to ask them questions.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe (Using STAR) a time you used structural analysis to complete an engineering task or project.
Expect questions related to your technical knowledge and expertise in aerospace engineering or relevant field. This could include questions about your experience with aircraft systems, avionics, propulsion, or other specialized areas.