Received an automated appointment plus scheduler to set up a phone interview, which took approx. 30-40 minutes and was told they were going to contact me to meet the team. Second interview was with the staff from around the country and there was a small presentation (which they did not seem like they were sure they knew what they wanted). Was told I was a great fit and they would love me to join their team. Got the rejection two days later as a reply to a previous email they sent me.. not a fresh email. Seemed like a canned response.

Quick initial phone screen followed a week later by a 1/2 day of in-person interviews on campus. Lots of group/panel interviews to the point it was excessive and involved employees who did not work in the same department and who had little to do with the job (and had no supervisory role over the position). Some members on panels did not appear to interview people often and asked inappropriate questions...which means the interviewee has to come up with diplomatic non-responses. Some panel members are were on their smartphones during the interview and not paying much attention. Received verbal and written offer within two weeks after interview after references were checked and background check conducted. Total time from application-to-offer was about three months. Human Resources played a very minimal role, but this depends a lot on how hands-on the hiring manager is about hiring. While internal candidates do have an advantage, it is definitely still possible to get an interview and even an offer at Northeastern simply by applying online, even if you do not know anyone at Northeastern. Of Boston-area universities, Northeastern would count as one of institutions that does less internal hiring and promotion.