Here are some tips for making your references stronger. The samples were constructed using Microsoft Word 97. Make them aware of the kind of work you seek. One of the best ways to do this is to provide them with a complete current resume, possibly augmented, by notes on things they may wish to mention. It goes without saying that you should always request permission to use a person's name as a reference.
Many people combine the request to use a reference with the process of briefing, cited above.
To the extent that persons you list as references are well known and respected in your community, what they say about you will carry more weight. Ideally, references should be people who are leaders in an organization at the management or professional level. When you list references, give the name of the person, his or her job title, place of employment, address and phone number. It's best to use a work rather than a home address. What relatives, ministers or rabbis, personal friends, and certainly therapists say about you isn't going to do much for your job candidacy.