As companies seek to hire new workers, they are increasingly depending on the recommendations of current employees. Social networking sites, as well as recommendations, can help employers save time and money. However, for those without connections at a company, getting a job can be harder. The longer someone is out of work, the weaker their connections are. About 4.8 million workers have been unemployed for more than 27 weeks, with an average of 38 weeks.
See "In Hiring, a Friend in Need Is a Prospect, Indeed", Nelson D. Schwartz, The New York Times, January 27, 2013