References when my manager was laid off too - any advice?

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. HR only confirms titles and dates. Is a client acceptable?

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.

A client reference worked well for me. It shows you deliver outside the company too.