I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Paychex (San Diego, CA) in Aug 2012
Interview
Completed a profile online: resume/cover letter etc. I call them a few times to express interest.
I had a series of phone interviews. They were great, I was able to truly address my ability to fulfill the position. One interview was a prep interview for the in-person interview which was a panel interview. The phone interviews were clearly to assure them that I know my work and have the skill set.
The in person (panel) interview was a bit unorganized, but that was ok. I was just confused for a few seconds. The panel interview was a mock renewal health and benefits presentation to an existing employer, and the presentation had to include the topic of health care reform.
Then a few questions about Paychex, why Paychex?
Why me?
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
It was clear to me that the managers had less skill than I, and I didn't know what to say. I kinda offended them with strategies they didn't know. Their mind set is sell, sell, sell. Mine is sell smart. The difficulty was the friction.
I actually just gave them a hint of a strategy, but I regret it now. There are easier examples for discussing such complex topics and I wish I had taken the easy approach. I just thought it would be wise to discuss the root of why such knowledge is important.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Paychex (Glendale, CA) in Oct 2012
Interview
Paychex hiring process is very extensive and can be cumbersome however it does give you insight into the amount of effort placed into there hiring process. They recently switched the testing method to Top Grading. This method requires about 4 interviews and testing, once you are hired you are sent to rochester for training. You will then need to pass a Job dependent test in order to have a job. I would recommend to be proactive and plan for a 1-2 month hiring process.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They generally dont ask alot of very difficult questions however they do ask a lot. They ask you to paiint them a snapshot of your current career and how you got there. They will ask questions that indicate to them Why you make the decisions that you do. There were was not one question that stood out to me, sorry that I can't be more specific.