Job Interview Question

First off you don't have them call your PRESENT job when you are still working there (particularly if you haven't given notice).  You simply say "I'm presently working at ABC Whatever ... but please don't contact them because I'm not ready to give notice yet. ..."

However ... then you also say "Now, I would need to give two weeks notice at minimum ... I have to give them time to replace me ... I won't leave them high and dry.  It shows a lack of integrity."

If someone will up and jump without leave to go to work for ME then they'd do it again to go somewhere else.  So I'd rather have someone insist on giving proper leave where they are now.  Make sense?

Make a list of references.  Call them or contact them and TELL them you're 'looking' and is it ok to use them.  Then have a pre-printed LIST, including job titles, phone numbers/emails and proper contact info.  (including something like "Mr. Jones is in upper level management so you might have better luck contacting him at his office number of _____________ or via email" -- ask people their preference so you make it easy for a prospective employer to check you out.  Then when you go on an interview hand it to them (use NICE heavy paper for your hand-out resumes -- something a subtle color that will show up in a stack on their desk, but also make sure it is in good form for electronic passing around -- your references as well!)

If you are considering working in a law office, contact the local bar association.  Either your county and/or your state 'bar'.  (the "ABA" or American Bar Assn.  is to lawyers what the AMA is to doctors but it breaks down further to state and county level)  Often they will have placement services -- you may be able to test with them (usually a typing test, maybe computer something) and you might get placement help.

Call all the secretarial service groups you can FIND in your area and **talk** to them.  Some of them specialize -- some of them like to specifically place in law offices .. or other special areas. 

Check out your local community colleges and see if they have any community outreach classes.  Often you will find a whole LIST of stuff -- from Word, to Feng Shui ...

Now ... Feng Shui isn't gonna get you a job in a law office, BUT any specific computer classes (particularly like Word or Word Perfect- whatever is 'in' in your area, or any job-related skill like that) ANYTHING like that looks absolutely stellar on a resume!!

And if you can't handle it any longer, take SOMETHING -- even temp work.  In fact, temp work can be absolutely heaven sent!!  I have learned in my many many years of being various kinds of assistants, that temp work often is the best thing in the world for my ego.

If you have a brain, if you are EAGER to please and help people you can often absolutely shine at temp work.  Go in, help a company out, meet new folks, learn stuff and GET PAID for it -- and then leave before any one learns any of your 'bad' points!!  I'm serious -- it can be a good ego boost.

Get yourself a good resume together.  That is CRITICAL.  Go ahead and make an 'honest' one first if you want:

"Support in a completely thankless atmosphere for a boss for whom PURE BLOOD given isn't enough ... the lady wouldn't know 'pleasant' nor 'supportive' if it hit her in the face.  But I digress -- without me the place will fall apart -- I cook, clean, sew, and breathe for them so I can for you as well ..."

THEN ... when you've laughed hard enough to feel better make a politically correct one. 

IF education is your strong suit put it at the top.  IF experience is your strength put THAT at the top.

Apply to at least 3-4 of those temp agencies even if you don't take anything from them.  BUT have them critique your resume -- it can help.

Good luck!!

 I have an app in at a temp agency.  They seem to get a lot of permanent positions also.  I guess I get so fed up because no matter what I do, its not good enough.  So, that makes me not want to try, but I do anyway...its just a cycle of being disappointed because the work isn't good enough.  So, I get depressed about it, which carries on to home...I get stuck with that attitude and my work at home suffers as well because I'm so down about work.  There is something in one of our handbooks that says we are supposed to report any management that demoralizes the workplace to a certain number.  I really would LOVE to report her.  She's causing issues with my friend in grooming because she goes out and drinks with 3 of the girls (one of whom might be her partner, we suspect).  It leaves my friend out and that carries on to work.  We have a new girl who just started and she is already so put down because the manager degrades her in front of customers.  I don't like being around her if a customer is there because she gets REALLY rude.  She asked me a question about fish the other day with a customer, so I was giving advice and had to check someone out really quick, and when I came back, she got rude with me, in front of the customer.  I'm just afraid that if I report her, shes going to turn me into the liar like she has before. 

All I know is that I cannot handle her much longer.  She takes all of the joy out of my job and life in general.  Plus, I deserve much more money that I'm currently making and if I can't get it there, I'll have to go somewhere else. 

I think you have more than enough reasons to look for another job, but as Callie said, I'd simply state that the current employer is not to be contacted. I think that's quite the norm, so that'll solve the problem. Sometimes having a job/boss like the one you've had can really do a number on our confidence level, but it doesn't have to be permanent. Move on to something else and remember that this one person does not define who you are or what you're capable of. Hopefully you'll find something that allows your skills and experience to shine thru. Good luck!!

 Thanks for the support from both of you.  When thinking about it, I've realized that I LOVE my job and do excellent work...when she is not there.  I get so much more done when she is not there breathing down my neck telling me what to do and not to do.  I had an idea a few weeks ago to put a sign on one of the light poles, as suggested by our head pet services person...her answer " NO, that is not going to happen in my store."  Then, the other day, she suggested it...I said "WHAT!?!?!  You just told me I couldn't do that!!!"  I came off as snotty, I'm sure, but it just came out before I could shut my mouth.  I LOVE being able to head up projects and come up with ideas to sell more classes, but I can't when all of my ideas are shot down only to be stolen by her a week later!