I applied online, and listed an employee referral. Two and a half weeks later, I still hadn't received a response to my application. However, I attended a career fair where several USAA managers were present, and spoke with a few of them. They informed me that the way their application system works, it will only pull the first 100 applications. So if your application is number 101, they won't see it at all. Therefore, if you don't hear back about a position and it becomes available again, you should absolutely re-apply.
The next day, I received an email scheduling me for a phone interview. After my phone interview, I was immediately scheduled for an in-person interview. In the meantime, I needed to complete a drug test and begin my background check process.
For my in-person interview, I was interviewed by two managers that I had not met. One person was the primary interviewer, and the other person took notes and asked any follow up questions. When my interview ended I was told when final hiring decisions would be made by. Later that day I received a job offer.
My overall experience with the USAA hiring process was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone I encountered was professional, detailed and upfront. I particularly enjoyed my in-person interview; I was given the layout of the interview right away, and my questions were read off a script and asked very neutrally. At no point did I feel an uncomfortable power-dynamic.
I honestly feel that my skills and background made me a great fit for the position I was applying for and that USAA was a great fit as far as the type of company I would like to work for, and that these things became apparent in my interviews. Additionally, I spent an hour or two familiarizing myself with interview questions pulled from this website, and learning about USAA from their website. Preparation is key.