Your best bet is to match your references to the job for which you are applying. Ideally, there are a number of people who have seen your work. They may be former managers, peers and even colleagues outside the organization. Typically, three references are enough. You should type out their names, companies, titles and phone numbers on a piece of stationary, which also has your name on it (in case the references are separated from your file). Character references such as neighbors, serve little purpose and are less desirable than former employers.