Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? after 3 years as a data-entry clerk

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. A colleague offered to vouch for me. Who did you use?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 5 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

I kept a note of my results so my references could be specific. They appreciated it.