This was a lengthy and thorough interview process starting with an initial HR screening followed by several stages that included Webex interviews with the hiring manager (US based), face-to-face and Webex interviews with peers and key senior stakeholders and a final presentation simulated customer engagement scenario.
Once passed the HR screening and the initial hiring manager interview it felt as if they wanted you to be successful with the job offer. This was an unusual but very positive experience and if you were serious about the job like I was a great opportunity to create your own success. Discussion were open and friendly and even for the final interview I had the opportunity to test my ideas and do a trial run with the hiring manager. How fantastic is that? The key point here is to use this opportunity and not to ignore it (as apparently some people do). This is just as much part of the interview process - How do you research, how do you solicit feedback and collaborate with others, how do you apply learning etc.?
I applied via LinkedIn but I think the difference that got me noticed over the other 200 odd applicants is that I managed to get an employee referral. I think that helped get me noticed by the hiring manager and past HR.