For me the difference has been the size / stage / ... prestige? of the company. Referrals have been a foot in the door and no more for me at very mature, well k

For me the difference has been the size / stage / ... prestige? of the company. Referrals have been a foot in the door and no more for me at very mature, well known, in demand companies, but more of an immediate hire at smaller, earlier, or obscure companies.