I need out! And need help!

[ITsALIttleCanted]

Hey all,

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I just started this job at a small, privately owned publishing company of a free weekly newpaper, it's not the most glorious design work, but I thought it was a good starting job. The job itself isn't bad, but my boss is a text book micromanager. The staff of about 5 employees are cussed at constantly and it is just a negative place to be in. I have only been there for a month and I need to find a new place of employment before I leave.

Does it look negatively upon me if an employer that I am seeking sees that I am already trying to leave my current job? I was at my previous job in retail for close to two years, but i left to obviously pursue a career in design.

Would it benefit me to seek a letter of recommendation from my previous employer to help my case?

What have some of you done successfully with a 'shotgun campaign' to employers?

Finally, what are some tips during an interview to see if the person interviewing you is a person you do not want to work for? - For me, and it didn't hit me until I thought about it because I was desperate for money, was my boss felt the need to give me a rehearsed sales pitch about working for them.