I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Qualcomm in Jan 2007
Interview
After applying I received a reply in one week for on site interview.
Overall the interview was pretty much technical. Questions ranged from regarding university project till the actual communication theory. I will advise to study your communications related modules properly before the interview.
Also the background of the company is important but I think it depends on whom is interviewing. I was interviewed by only engineers and hence wasn't really asked as much house keeping questions as I would had normally been.
My interview experience: The two online interview rounds focused entirely on my resume, spanning from fundamental concepts to advanced technical topics. Both sessions were comprehensive assessments of my background and expertise.
Phone screen - hiring manager was asking about my immigration status, and tone changed immediately. Almost felt unprofessional and discriminatory, I will remember it for a long time to come.
