Hi Saurabh - Well, it's not clear.  Libby says, "we see about 10 for every job."  She makes that sounds like 10 resumes, but that could be an interview to hire ratio.   And if it is, does she mean phone interview / initial screening interview ... or does she mean final, on-site interview?  She doesn't specify, and I'm a little confused at what she's getting at.  Seeing 10 qualified applicants per position coming through the website application source does seem *really* good though.  Hmmm.

Referrals are definitely the highest source of hire for Microsoft, as for other similar companies I would expect.  Of course, my NDA tells me I can't tell you how high that is. ;-) It's not really a conscious bias though.  I think referrals have an easier time getting hired because 1) they have a friend on the inside who can typically get their resume to a real person as well as provide them useful tips and tricks, and 2) companies, whether they admit or not, typically hire a certain profile .... Referrals are often cut from the same cloth as the employee so they more easily fit into the mold.  

If you want to get hired into a certain company, you should always work your networks of past school mates, co-workers, etc.  It's the most direct route from A to B.