Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? - 6 months and counting

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I am in Madison, in case local advice matters. HR only confirms titles and dates. Who did you use?

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

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 6 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.