I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Microchip Technology in Aug 2010
Interview
first step: a recruiter called me and gave me a lot of information about microchip technology inc., the job description, and asked me about my skills, my background, my education, my work experience, my current job, my current salary, my desired salary, if I like the job in AZ. then hiring manager called me, we talked about the job. then HR recruiter called me and set up the on-site interview
I applied in September and they took 5 months to get back to me. Then the interview process itself took another 2 months. The hiring manager was nice enough but was misinforming me in multiple stages. Very bad experience overall, would not recommend.
I interviewed at Microchip Technology (Austin, TX)
Interview
One phone screen and one on site with several engineers sequentially. Few basic questions, nothing too technical. Easy interview. Only one interviewer asked brief technical questions. Most interviewers were interested in cultural and personality questions. Final interview was with HR for compensation negotiation, hiring manager wasn't involved.
Very easy, simple questions and more of a check if I'd be good fit with the team. Maybe 2 or 3 technical questions, and panel of about 5 people. Not difficult.