Company size and environment. Getting a job. As a manager in software development, Chris had to interview job applicants. Many people bounce from one job to the next, building a long work history, and perhaps getting significant raises along the way. These people are not necessarily really well-qualified, or they may be overvalued.
Some people get along by making others feel good.
He wasn't hired. Chris got in through a connection in Thinking Machines. You need references because so many resumes are overinflated. You can't afford a bad rep that prevents you from getting in at the entry level, even. May sometimes be useful, though.