1 - if I can pass the interview having lied about where I worked, why did I have to do the interview? It just seems silly. 2 - they all insist on contacting t

1 - if I can pass the interview having lied about where I worked, why did I have to do the interview? It just seems silly. 2 - they all insist on contacting the current employer, which I refuse to allow until I have a non-contingent job offer in hand from the new place. If X can't make me a firm offer, I'm not allowing X to contact (ie notify) the company currently paying me.