References when my manager was laid off too - what worked for you?

The company closed and I am not sure how to reach former colleagues. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. A colleague offered to vouch for me. How do you ask politely?

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.

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