Valid reason to give to potential employers for 8 month employment gap? (applying, interview)

[Madden17]

I quit my job back in March and have been on several interviews since then. When the employers asked what I've been doing since March, I started off telling them I have been applying and interviewing for jobs. I have since started saying that I have been applying and interviewing, and since my grandma had knee and hip replacement surgery during the break I have been saying I have been taking care of her which isn't a complete lie as I have watched her while she's in recovery.

I know it wasn't the best move in the world to quit without another job lined up, but I was literally going crazy with the harassing behavior and toxicity of my last job. The last three months I was there, two people quit, two transferred and another retired. If that isn't high turnover and signs of a toxic workplace, what is?!

What's a valid reason to give potential employers?

[chb119]

The truth, if you get caught in lies you credibility is shot.

Also, a hint, nobody really cares about how toxic your last job was, mentioning it makes you sound petty and childish.

Perhaps some self-reflection is needed, is the 8 month gap the problem or maybe some other reason you are discarded after the interview?

[sheerbliss]

Tell them the truth. If the truth is that you've been sleeping until noon and checking Facebook for the past eight months, well, employers won't want to hire you. Get busy doing something useful and talk about that.

I've told employers why I left a certain job (toxic person) and still been offered a job. I mentioned that I tried to work things out, and my old boss there confirmed the other person was hard to get along with. Just don't go into who said what to whom or start complaining.

[nfceast]

I had a 11 month gap and not one employer ever asked me what I was doing since my last job. I would probably end the interview if I was asked that question because it would not make any sense. I obviously was job searching which is how you received my resume

If it comes up just talk about what you learned at the last job and how it fits perfectly with the job you are trying to get.

[Madden17]

I never said I mention anything negative about my last employer other than I wasn't challenged. I would never mention a toxic environment for why I left but that's the real reason. I'm starting to think chb119 is toxic and jumping to conclusions.

[nfceast]

Originally Posted by Madden17

I never said I mention anything negative about my last employer other than I wasn't challenged. I would never mention a toxic environment for why I left but that's the real reason. I'm starting to think chb119 is toxic and jumping to conclusions.

It still sounds kind of negative to say you wasn't challenged at your last job. Just focus more on the skills you gain from your last job and how they are a good fit for the job you are trying to get.

[Madden17]

Understood but in the last interview I had he asked me one thing I liked and one thing I disliked about my last job.

[Stagemomma]

Originally Posted by Madden17

Understood but in the last interview I had he asked me one thing I liked and one thing I disliked about my last job.

I think your answer was appropriate. The fact that you LIKE a challenge is some thing an employer would like to know.

[jamies]

Just tell them you were in prison for killing your last boss, but they couldn't prove it so they had to let you go.

[rocky1975]

Originally Posted by Madden17

I never said I mention anything negative about my last employer other than I wasn't challenged. I would never mention a toxic environment for why I left but that's the real reason. I'm starting to think chb119 is toxic and jumping to conclusions.

Is everything/everyone toxic when things don't go your way? I am beginning to see where the problem is.