I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Gilson Graphics (Grand Rapids, MI) in Mar 2012
Interview
Very informal process and it was directly with the owner not my direct supervisor. But this was during the earlier days of Gilson, before they became corporate. Now I imagine it would be a bit more formal.
Towards the end of my career there, I saw a lot of temp-to-hire or contract employees meaning you would need to prove yourself onsite prior to being offered a position.
You need to know someone in order to get your foot in the door initially, then it may take some time before you are hired. Once hired do not look for cost of living increases--you get that by working overtime. You will learn a lot at Gilson and I would recommend them but don't get involved with the clicks but don't alienate them either.