References when my manager was laid off too - 2 months and counting

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have one former client who liked my work. Is a client acceptable?

Use a professional network to find a former manager. Many will still write a note.

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