Not really talking about the current job situation, but do you ever notice how there are no postings for really obscure positions that definitely exist but are never posted anywhere? I feel like David Graeber would have a lot to say
Yeah, I’d second this. Anecdotally, I work in a small/medium business and I’ve heard “does somebody know anybody who can _____” many, many times over the years. In the viewpoint of management, it’s much easier, cheaper, and less risky to hire someone on referral than go through the entire application song and dance.