The research into the power of social networks reveals the more friends in employment jobseekers have, the more likely they are to get a job themselves.
The study indicates younger people (under 50) in employment have a significantly higher number of contacts and more regular interaction within their social networks compared with the 50-plus age group. This offers a wider diversity and quality of contacts.
Conversely, the findings show people over 50, who generally have fewer qualifications, rely more heavily on their smaller social networks and ‘word of mouth’ to get back into or remain in employment.
For the younger generation, the number of people they know overall is more important than whether those they know are employed or hold senior positions. Unemployed younger people also have much smaller long-term social networks than those in work and relatively fewer contacts who are in employment.
Kaberi Gayen, visiting researcher at Edinburgh Napier Employment Research Institute and co-author of the research, said: "With tight budgets and a tough economy, there are fewer jobs being advertised and organisations are increasingly seeking the most cost- effective recruitment methods. The ‘who you know’ theory is as important as ever in the job hunt. Younger people tend to have wider networks, which could be due to their greater use of new information and communication technologies.
"Over-50s are the age group that is most likely to be out of employment. With the current ageing population it is especially important to reduce barriers to older workers’ employment. With employers using social networks in hiring, unemployed older people may remain out of this searching process and thereby out of work. Employment agencies, including Jobcentre Plus, have a responsibility to support and introduce older unemployed people to job opportunities."
