I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at US Naval Research Laboratory (Cheverly, MD) in Jan 2012
Interview
Everyone has to complete a pretty lengthy application for prescreening into the program, and then most mentors do phone interviews. My interview VERY informal. Because each mentor does their own interviews, this depends heavily on the mentor. I had a phone interview that lasted less than 15 minutes, and I was basically told that I had the job after 5 minutes. After getting the position there was a lengthy background check
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at US Naval Research Laboratory
Interview
After applying online if you get an email from an employee who works there, you're already in the program. The "interview" they want to schedule with you involves mostly the employee talking about his or her work, and asking you if you think it's interesting. You could get 1-4 interviews, but you don't get to choose which employee becomes your mentor.