I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (Denver, CO) in Apr 2012
Interview
Recruiters recruit you. It is as simple as that. If you have a good background, can be physically fit, meet height and weight, you can join after you pass the ASVAB. You have to be mentally and physically ready for the basic training though. That could be included as part of the interview process.