It's still who you know that matters for job-hunting graduates

JOB-hunters who have lots of employed friends are more likely to find work themselves, a new study has found.

Researchers from Edinburgh Napier University's Employment Research Institute said the "who you know" theory was as important as ever in the current job market.

The study highlighted a difference between the generations, with young employed people having more contacts and more regular interaction within their social networks than the 50-plus age group.

This offered a wider diversity, strength and quality of contacts to those in the social group of the under-50s.

Researchers found that the more employed friends you had, the higher their job status, and the stronger your ties with them, the more likely you were to get a job yourself.

The study comes as latest figures show that unemployment in Scotland has risen again in the last quarter to 216,000 and stands at 8.1%.

Dr Kaberi Gayen, visiting researcher at Edinburgh Napier Employment Research Institute and co-author of the study, said: "With tight budgets and a tough economy, organisations are increasingly seeking the most cost-effective recruitment methods.

"The 'who you know' theory is as important as ever in the job hunt."