In this era of total job market insanity, personally knowing somebody who has the power to get you a job can be invaluable. They always say that it is who you know and not what you know, and that statement has probably never been truer. With all those AI application sorting tools, fake job postings, and elaborate, multi-stage interviews out there, there is nothing quite like the reassurance that you may be able to get ahead thanks to help from a friend.
Of course, anybody who is going to do a thing like that is likely expecting there to be something in it for them. Most commonly, their employer has a scheme for referral bonuses, which requires that their recommendation both gets hired and stays at the company for a certain amount of time. Other than that, though, some people also just think they know an individual who is suited to the job, and who they would like to work with. If they get someone hired and it doesn't work out, it is understandable to be at least a little disappointed.