It's about showing that you care about the person, not JUST what they can do for you, your job search, or your career. People don't like feeling like a tool ot

It's about showing that you care about the person, not JUST what they can do for you, your job search, or your career. People don't like feeling like a tool other people use to get what they want. Or do you mean reaching out at all for a referral? This is simply because HR and managers love knowing that someone, ANYONE, likes you enough to be willing to work with you again.