A friend of mine referred my resume to the Bank Recruiter for a Senior IT Project Manager position and coincidentally, there was an open position in the firm. Within a week, the recruiter called me and I had a 20-minute phone interview with her. She then set up a 1-on-1 in-person interview with the Hiring Manager. The hiring process was very well organized by the recruiter. One of the things I would say to folks looking for a job, especially in this tough condition, is not to be lax. Prepare well ahead of time even for a telephone conversation with a recruiter. This recruiter asked probing questions about salary, bonus, experience, position-specific skills, fit for the organization, etc. Be prepared with appropriate answers to the possible questions the recruiter might ask. Don't underestimate the knowledge and skills of the recruiter. Only if he or she feels that you have the qualifications for the open position, then he/she would take the next step and setup an interview with the hiring manager. When I interviewed with the hiring manager, she was really ready and thorough in her preparations. She had all the questions prepared. Also, I am not sure about other people. This interviewer (hiring lady) was fairly good looking and came to the interview with body parts shown and it was extremely difficult for me to focus on the interview and keep my eyes focused on her face. I regrouped in 10 seconds and everything was OK from that point onwards. Something to think about before getting into a 1-on-1 with somebody for an interview when you desperately need THAT job. Be prepared to follow all the basic rules of the interview. Shake hands well, prepare your introductory hello, walking behind the interviewer, opening the door for him/her, sit on the chair when he or she says so, etc. Say hello to the receptionist and follow all the etiquettes rigorously. Since this was an IT department, people were dressed casually and overall, everyone I met was very good. In the interview, the hiring lady threw a curve ball and details in the next section.