Each department handles their hiring differently, but for mine it was very thorough--perhaps a bit overdone, as I had four job interviews in the process of applying for one job.

I was interviewed very soon after applying, and the entire hiring process took less than two weeks from phone interview to hire. There were a lot of interviews--one by phone and three in person. I felt the process was very thorough. My department lead conducted the most encouraging interview I've ever been through; he told me I had a lot to offer any company and should stop under-selling myself. The final interview with the CEO was a bit intimidating and I was sure I'd bombed it (I got an offer the same day, though).