References are usually a formality, but they are the last place a hire falls apart.
Ask before you list
Being called cold makes a referee cautious, and caution sounds like doubt. A two-line message telling them the role and when to expect contact turns a lukewarm reference into a warm one.
Who counts
Two former line managers is the standard. Peers are weaker. Clients work well for freelancers. A friend with a job title is transparent and damaging.
What remote employers ask
Whether you communicated proactively, whether work arrived without chasing, and whether you flagged problems early. Brief your referee on those three so they have an example ready.
Common questions
How many references do I need?
Two is standard, usually former managers. Three if one is a client or peer.
Can I use a colleague instead of a manager?
Only alongside a manager. A peer reference on its own reads as avoidance.