Getting references after a company closes, administrative assistant here

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. It has been weighing on me all week. HR only confirms titles and dates. Is a client acceptable?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 4 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

Ask former colleagues and supervisors in a short message and give them a summary of the job you are applying for.