Application was done online. During the process you take a personality assessment. After about 6 weeks, I got an email inviting me to schedule a phone interview. During the phone interview, the recruiter gives you basic information about the position, the training, pay rate, etc. Once you indicate that you are still interested, you are sent an email link to take an assessment.
The assessment can be quite challenging, but if you are a relatively quick thinker and problem solver, you should be able to complete it within the time allotted. I found the assessment challenging but enjoyable.
After the assessment is completed, you must wait for the recruiter to contact you again about an in person interview. I waited for one week and then sent a follow up email (there are tons of online resources for crafting good follow up emails) and then heard back the very next day, with a request to set up an in-person interview.
At the interview, I spoke with two associate managers. They asked why I chose to apply at Prudential, asked typical personality questions (strengths, weaknesses), and then asked about 6 or so situational questions. I was very glad that I had prepared story answers ahead of time. I found our conversation very relaxed. (They take constant notes during the interview because they have to keep meticulous notes on file for 3 years).
After about 45 minutes we finished their questions, and I asked both of them 3 or 4 questions about the company (again, lots of help online for good questions to ask in an interview). They were very glad to answer all my questions, and I believe appreciated the fact that I was prepared with questions.
After we finished, I spoke with a manager, who asked a couple more questions, and answered a few more of my questions. He gave me a really good idea of the day to day operations of the position.
They told me I could expect to hear from them within a week to ten days, and if not I could follow up with my recruiter.
My recruiter called the next day with an offer.
The background check is quite extensive. You must be ready to provide the last 13 years of addresses and 10 years of employment information. You must be ready to divulge whether you have any negative financial situations on your credit: charge offs, foreclosures, short sales, collections, etc.; with explanations as to the resolution you have come to with the creditor. The background check can take up to 3 weeks to come back.
One more tip: they hire in classes so they may give you a start date that is up to 6 weeks out. Don't turn in your notice to your current employer until your background is clear and you have a confirmed date. You don't want to be left without a job if something comes up on your background!