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.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (San Diego, CA)
Interview
Interview involved lots of heavy packs, marching around, and being yelled at. The food was okay, but not much time was given to eat it. Accommodations were sub-par, I contracted all sorts of weird illnesses while staying there.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at US Marine Corps
Interview
Based off of everything that I've done in my life for school and employment. They viewed my grades and character while giving me tests both physically and mentally. Checking medical records
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 7 months. I interviewed at US Marine Corps (Quantico, VA) in Oct 2016
Interview
Placement is based on the needs of the organization. When they match your personal needs, great. If they don't, you are usually required to move to a new location.