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Lost Your Job? Turn to Those You Kind of Know

Acquaintances can be road to success in tough times

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 9, 2009 11:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – In the professional world, it’s all about who you sort of know, especially when times are hard, Gregory Rodriguez writes in the Los Angeles Times. Job losses may make people withdraw from their friends, but during a recession, acquaintances are the ones who count, often helping pave the way to a paycheck. Just look at LinkedIn and Facebook, which have surged while the economy tanks.

"Weak ties are your windows to the world," said a noted sociologist who found in a 1973 study that most people who got jobs via contacts saw those contacts only "rarely" or "occasionally." "When you're looking for new ideas and new connections, you don't get them from family or close friends.” In other words, Rodriguez writes, perhaps we all "should start buttering up old acquaintances and get with the social networking."

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at his office in Palo Alto, Calif.  Zuckerberg is hoping to avoid a backlash as the popular online hangout prepares to impose its new look on its 100 million users.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at his office in Palo Alto, Calif. Zuckerberg is hoping to avoid a backlash as the popular online hangout prepares to impose its new look on its 100 million users.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
Facebook has boomed in the recession.
Facebook has boomed in the recession.   (AP Photo/Facebook)
It's acquaintances that count in the job search, Gregory Rodriguez writes in the Los Angeles Times.
It's acquaintances that count in the job search, Gregory Rodriguez writes in the Los Angeles Times.   (Shutterstock)
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In the end, however, it's that girl you sat next to in US history in 11th grade, or that guy who played on your college intramural football team, who's in the best position to change your life. - Gregory Rodriguez

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