I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Elsevier (Saint Louis, MO) in Mar 2012
Interview
Phone screen, then called in for one on one interview with direct manager, her boss, and another on the team... took about 2 hours for the one on one... I was called for the job the next week
I applied through a staffing agency. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Elsevier in Jan 2010
Interview
Applied through recruiter. 2 positions available but job description was not very detailed so recruiter suggested to meet with manager for possibly 1 of the two positions.
2 interviews. First with direct line manager and second with HR and Department Head.
Most questions were behavioural. Department Head was serious and stern looking while HR and Line Manager were very friendly and puts the candidate at ease.
Overall quick response and process.