Don't worry, I'm not actually asking you to be a reference, at least not for now. But this statement might be a powerful tool in your job search. Picking up the phone and asking for someone to help you in your search can be hard. Even if you are really extroverted, cold calling is not everyone's cup of tea.
But for the people who you've connected with before, you can surely use this line. This eases the pressure of the person you are calling and takes out the factor - "wonder why he/she is calling? and why now?"
No one likes being bombarded with job search requests, but giving an opinion as a reference is not a whole lot to ask. Sometimes its important to do whatever it takes.
