The phrase "as a reference when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something should be used as a source of information or guidance during a specific situation or process.
Example: "Please consult the user manual as a reference when troubleshooting the device."
Alternatives: "as a guide when" or "for guidance when".
3) Acted as a reference when other companies were putting him through the interview process.
I did — and still do — hope the books might serve as a reference when something happens that someone is reluctant to ask about.
At Tapped, The American Prospect's group blog, Matthew Yglesias finds backhanded praise for the president's handling of McClellan's resignation: One thing you can say in George Bush's favor is that he's exactly the sort of boss you'd like to use as a reference when you look for your next job.
The findings can serve as a reference when icons are researched or designed in the future.
It serves as a reference when assigning resource at physical layer.
The project can be used as a reference when discussing holistic approaches to emerging technology based product adoption.
These findings should serve as a valuable reference when designing heat pipe exchangers for use in air-conditioning systems.
This data set can be used as a current reference when virtual or in vivo autopsy is performed (Dedouit et al. 2015; Dedouit et al. 2014).
This data may be used as a current reference when virtual or in vivo autopsy is performed (Barrier et al. 2009).
He later acted as a key reference when she interviewed for the top HR job at Dutch grocery company Royal Ahold, a role she assumed on 1 Nov. Sponsors can be bosses who admire your work and continue to champion your career as you both move up, offering you advice and standing up for you even when you're not in the room.
I used it as a key reference when putting the record together.
