Half of all jobs in the U.S. are found through recommendations in informal networks, such as LinkedIn. High-paying jobs are usually filled by influential people with inside knowledge. Groups that are underrepresented on the job market have less access to high-profile jobs and benefit less from their professional networks. However, previous research does not explain why their networks are less effective. Half of all jobs in the U.S. are found through recommendations in informal networks, such as LinkedIn. High-paying jobs are usually filled by influential people with inside knowledge. Groups that are underrepresented on the job market have less access to high-profile jobs and benefit less from their professional networks. However, previous research does not explain why their networks are less effective. Social Sciences Economics & Business Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories