Referrals worth is inversely correlated with the company size. Referrals at very small companies can lead directly to hiring (no interview) where at large enter

Referrals worth is inversely correlated with the company size. Referrals at very small companies can lead directly to hiring (no interview) where at large enterprise shops it won't even get you past the initial screen. So, as with near everything, it varies based on the context.