How do I approach my old boss for a job?

I worked with my old boss for a very long time and last year we both left our jobs around the same time. Few months later he emailed me about an open position at his new company. He said he wanted to see if I was interested before posting on job sites. The pay he offered was decent and basically the job was mine if I was interested. At the time, I was not working but needed to take time off from work to take care of some personal things and I thanked him for the offer but told him I could not accept the job because of personal reasons. I vaguely mentioned the reason but did not elaborate. He wished me well.

After that I met him couple of times for lunch along with some old work friends. I don't really talk to him on regular basis or have contact with him outside of some occasional group emails we exchange when someone we both know from old job has a baby or getting married.

I am looking for a job and would like to approach him and ask if he has any openings. Should I call him or send an email? If I send an email, how should I word it?

How does something like this sound....
Hi xxx. Hope all is well. I am looking for a job and wondering if you have any openings.

Thanks.

Re: How do I approach my old boss for a job?

I would send an email starting out with asking him how he has been, what you have been up to (casual). And then say that you are looking for a position and would like to speak to him when he has a chance and ask him when would be a good time to call.

That's the approach I usually take.

Re: How do I approach my old boss for a job?

What they said above.

Good luck!