Intel

I was called after leaving my resume with them at a job fair. I never thought of Intel as a software company, but they sought me out. After a frank phone call with my future boss, I was given a plane ticket to visit in person. I loved the area, and

Standard process: * Email inquiry * Phone screen * Resume submission * Discussion with recruiter * Phone screen with hiring manager * On-site interviews with a range of people in various roles, interviewing for various skills and talents

Easy, the skills are a good asset, but are better when you are referred. Usually, graduates are preferred, but there might be a need for a more senior candidate. In this case, I think the referral would take priority.