A mentor, minister or other respected peer could provide a strong character reference. Since three is a standard number for references, one former employer, one academic and one character reference is a good balance. But use your best judgement and provide names and information of the people who will represent you best. With resume credibility slipping, references become that much more important. You want a stellar, and honest, resume, as well as people who can support that.
Employers take references seriously.
You should, too. All rights reserved.