I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Novartis in Apr 2011
Interview
an IT person will be able to handle any org IT work. Current trend has been to look for people who already has experience in that particular org and particular application. This trend limits people's interest in working in new areas.
I applied through university. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Novartis (Hyderābād) in Jan 2013
Interview
You will be asked experience based questions. Do not make up stuff....just use some examples to discuss certain scenarios experienced in your prior jobs. Talk about complexities you dealt with; for example, what you did chose to do resolved certain situations....
There can be several rounds of interview. If you are joining technology team, you may have to also answer technical questions even if you are applying for a managerial post...