I met a few guys at a job fair at my college (This will become increasingly rare, they don't go to as many schools as they used to.) Talked for a few minutes and provided my resume. That was enough to get myself a phone interview. The phone interview had a handful of my would-be supervisors on the line. They asked me some questions about problems I've had to solve or various other open-ended questions. Nothing particularly technical. I'm pretty good with people and they asked me to come out to Edwards. For the trip to Edwards, they payed my way there. Rental car, hotel, even a meal allowance (it's basically the same as when they send you on work trips once you're hired) What I didn't know was that (by this point) unless you screw up the in-person interview, they're likely going to offer you a job during the visit. The on-site was more of a tour and a meet-and-greet. Again, I don't remember being asked tough questions or anything. They sat me down and showed me my potential salary information, explained what base-pay and locality adjustments were and I went home with my first big-boy job offer.