I applied around Thanksgiving and although they were not specifically hiring for the position I was interested in, the HR department stayed in touch with me and kept me updated about current openings. I had several phone interviews once a position became available, and then an in-person interview in the office. They called me the next day to offer me the position!

They scheduled a phone interview first, the hiring manager left the country for vacation after the phone interview at the time I was supposed to be notified of the outcome.