Hi contactmatts,

I am the author of the post. You raise a valid point.

Just having your friends work there shouldn't be the only reason, but them working there and being happy is a good proxy for the work and the company.

Re: friends leaving, if you review the research in the post, it suggests that like refer like, i.e. your best performers will recommend others at a similar level. It's also symbiotic in that the presence of friends makes them stay longer.

Of course nothing is guaranteed. This approach just reduces the odds of disappointment on both sides.

Shailesh