I applied in-person. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (San Diego, CA) in Apr 2011
Interview
they will sign up a pig if it can write an x on the paper. so good luck. you will be asked how stupid you are in a complex way. they will say are you ready to join the marines?
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (Salisbury, MD) in Nov 2009
Interview
In order to be recruited into the Marine Corps, you must first meet with a recruiter in your local area. A test will be administered, ASVAB, which will determine your potential job opportunities while in the Marine Corps. There is much documentation to filled out and then a physical to ensure there are no issues that would prevent you from completing your contract. Once completed and all is good to go, then you will receive a ship date and head off to bootcamp.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Physical fitness and maintaining the appropriate height and weight standards.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (Bessemer, AL) in Oct 2009
Interview
Recruitment seems like a winnowing out process, but is really designed to make sure you can meet the minimum intellectual standards and are physically fit. Additionally, due to force-reduction, the speed with which you can get a slot to boot camp has been significantly reduced. You should expect to spend some months in the Delayed Entry Program, and have a temporary job lined up.
Boot Camp sucks. There is no way around it. You are going to get yelled at and forced to put your body through all the painful things that angry, bitter, Drill Instructors with wicked senses of humor and nothing better to do can think of to do with you. The quickest way out, though, is to graduate. Try not to stick out and you will be just fine.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
They will ask you to list what is most important to you. This is so they can sell you. Do your own research and walk in there knowing what MOS you want.
They will expect a demonstration of physical fitness. I have a friend who is a recruiter who said as of the Winter of 2012 they weren't sending anyone to Boot Camp until they had 5 pullups. Local experience may vary.