This was an internal job posting and the hiring manager and I had a mutual friend. The interview questions were run of the mill work background. The rest of the interview was trading stories about our mutual friend (and we both had many of them). That being said, it was most definitely not the reason I got the job and I was not the only person interviewed who had some sort of connection with the hiring manager. I did my homework prior to applying for the job. - know the job you are applying for; obtain prior knowledge of your responsibilities, know the terminology & systems used, know the function and background of the department or company. Research & study and be absolutely prepared to talk on the interviewer's level. - Make sure what is in your resume is applicable to the job you are applying for (don't ever lie, just emphasize the achievements and experience you have that apply - fluff is not necessary and can even hurt your chances - I had a different resume for every job I applied for) - Have solid, professional references - call these people ahead of time both to ask if you may use them as a reference and to also jog their memories of you. - Go into your interview with a relaxed confidence (don't confuse this with arrogance). What helped me was to put myself in the mindset of talking with one of my dad's friends... Like someone deserving of my utmost respect due to who he is, but not quite intimidating because you've seen him drunk & sunburned on the beach... Well... It worked for me. :-P

Interview process was expeditious. I really like the people I interviewed with. They were very up front and honest.