I apllied through an agency after someone i know who works for the company advised me they were looking to employ people as i was desperate for a job at the time. I forwarded my cv to the agency and did a ridiculously easy test before being sent for an interview. I had been preped by my friend in the company so i knew what to answer and got offered a position. They didnt check my references as my best friend was my old boss and my main reference.