Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? - what worked for you?

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I have been trying to stay organised about it. HR only confirms titles and dates. How do you ask politely?

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

Ask former colleagues and supervisors in a short message and give them a summary of the job you are applying for.