Yes, and you may also have recourse against your employer for firing you. Job interviews are not confidential. However, when you placed the interviewer on notice of the effect your interview would have on your present working position, then she violated your right to work. There are several grounds that you might pursue, such as intentional and negligent interference with contractual relations, intentional and negligent interference with prospective economic advantage, civil conspiracy, negligence, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Your employer's conduct may also have been wrongful. It sounds like your company's policy may have been essentially a "covenant not to compete" which, except in certain situations, is illegal and therefore void. A termination based on such an agreement may be the basis of a claim for wrongful termination in violation of public policy, among others.  Talk right away with an employment law attorney about the conduct of both your former employer and the interviewer.  In the meantime, for at least some income, check into filing for unemployment insurance benefits with the appropriate agency in your state.

(Reviewed 9-08)